Why a more powerful Subaru XV could be more likely for Australia thanks to the 2022 Subaru WRX and BRZ

The Subaru XV has been a runaway success for the Japanese automaker, leaning into the brand’s AWD strengths to become a decent seller in the small-SUV space – but one thing consumers and reviewers are asking for is a stronger engine.

During the course of 2021, an answer to this problem finally appeared in the form of an updated XV for the North American market (where it is known as the Crosstrek), featuring the brand’s larger 2.5-litre boxer engine, as also seen in the Forester and Outback.

This engine option, which produces 136kW/239Nm, outpunches the 2.0-litre four-cylinder (115kW/196Nm) and e-Boxer hybrid spin-off (110kW/196Nm) - the only currently available powertrain options in Australia - by a decent margin.

The only problem is the 2.5-litre version was assembled for the XV in North America only and, therefore, not available to the Australian division, which sources its cars from Japan.

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Speaking to CarsGuide at the launch of the BRZ, though, Subaru Australia managing director Blair Read shed some light on why things might be different now with the arrival of a new-generation 2.4-litre engine, both in naturally aspirated (BRZ: 174kW/250Nm) and turbocharged (WRX: 202kW/350Nm) forms.

When asked if the new 2.4-litre engine becoming available in the BRZ and WRX ranges potentially changes the XV’s fortunes locally, he explained: “It definitely presents options. Right now, it’s a matter of looking at production availability and what’s right for our market and customer demand.”

A 2.5-litre variant of the XV is available in North America, where it is called the Crosstrek.

On the topic of production availability, Subaru is facing supply constraints for its newer models thanks to the semiconductor shortage and other COVID-related supply chain issues.

As with demand for turbocharged Foresters and Outbacks, though, Mr Read was aware that many buyers are calling out for more powerful Subaru variants, saying Australian consumers had been heard “loud and clear”.

With confirmation of the 2.4-litre engine option and all but full confirmation of a turbo Outback variant, we’d hope the brand is doing what it can to investigate a more powerful XV.

The XV was most recently updated in late 2020 with tweaked equipment levels and corresponding prices, as well as an extra hybrid grade alongside a very mild aesthetic update.

Subaru Australia says the availability of the new 2.4-litre boxer engine out of Japan could present options for the XV.

Subaru moved 9342 XVs over the course of 2021, commanding 7.6 per cent of the small-SUV segment, outselling notable rivals like the Toyota C-HR, Kia Seltos, and Honda HR-V.

The second-generation XV is also entering its fifth year on sale, and it is generally around this time we start to see inklings of a new-generation model. Its recent update should see that timeline extended, but we expect a new-generation model will feature revised powertrains, as well as the introduction of the large portrait screen and improved software as seen in the Outback and WRX range. We’ll be watching this space closely over the course of the next year, so stay tuned.