Subaru XV Vs Suzuki Vitara Comparison

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This is the Subaru XV Vs Suzuki Vitara comparison for 2016. Continuing on with our series of the comparisons featuring the Suzuki Vitara and its competitors this time we revisited the Subaru XV Cross Trek which is the smallest SUV/wagon in the Subaru range that could be classed as a smallish SUV.  Our view on the Vitara and all the other small SUVs have changed over the course of comparing them and goes to show why you consider all of them before making your mind up.

Subaru XV Vs Suzuki Vitara exterior comparison: The Subaru XV is a conservative yet classic design and it has stood the test of time. We note that the low riding twin the Imprezza has not aged well which is an interesting contrast and has subsequently been replaced by a new version. We like the XV or Crosstrek exterior design it’s a typical SUV shape and mostly inoffensive and rugged. Compared to the Vitara, the Suzuki’s straight lines still mark it as a newer model we guessing its the S crease down the size gives it a modern appearence. The XV has extended front and rear compared to the Vitara which makes it visually bigger. We like the XV exterior more than the Vitara.

Subaru XV Vs Suzuki Vitara interior comparison: As we’ve said time before the new Vitara interior is good, not exactly premium but looks and feels OK. The Subaru XV interior deign is pretty good too again not exactly top of the class or bottom, clearly based on those by Toyota, it’s parent company but the design and feel is from the early to mid 2000’s in presentation and feel. There is nothing to complain about the design or materials for the age, range and class – a typical Toyota trait that Subaru has adopted. And yes we know that the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota 86 are the same car!

Subaru XV Vs Suzuki Vitara engine and technology comparison: The Subaru has a single petrol engine choice which is pretty good in isolation but it is let down by the CVT. Apart from that it has lots of standard equipment in terms of safety and a standard AWD system which indicates it’s higher price tag but difference in pricing.  The Vitara has the latest in-car infotainment system which is a selling point as your phone will work with car and along with legendary Suzuki reliability and modern design aka around 1000kg shows it’s really well designed. The AWD system and safety package and option of the turbo more than equalps equal the XV. As a result we think the Vitara is the winner in this respect.

Subaru XV Vs Suzuki Vitara drive comparison: We like the way the Vitara drives – 1.4 turbo being the best choice. Have not driven the Renault Captur yet. We only like the F6 Outback any other model including the XV we’ve driven did not meet our expectations.

In the end the we like both for different reasons. The Subaru has the looks and specification ignoring the CVT and the right size. The Suzuki has the looks and specification too only let down by the plastics which could have been better to look at. It’s a tough on e for use to pick so our decision which one to buy is based on price and brand image! Subaru was a great underdog in years past, suddenly boosted by surprising build quality and then the WRX which made the little known brand cool for a little while. Subaru of course is no longer using that image selling based on being inoffensive to drive as possible aka a Toyota Camry or Corolla but charging a premium price. Pricing for Vitara and XV Crosstrek are indeed competitive on paper until you realize that Subaru doesn’t do ‘discounting’ or rather incentives including their higher than average servicing. So add anywhere from $3000-4000 and you have their selling price. Premium pricing for a non-premium product is an interesting sales tactic which seems to be working as there clearly those who buy the brand only.

Suzuki cars as a brand is interesting – on one hand it’s known as a very good small car and SUV manufacturer that charges fair pricing. It’s got one of the best reputations for reliability and quality as well regardless of SUV or car but it doesn’t market it’s self as premium which is entirely fair. We know because it was Grand Vitara’s before the Prado’s and Landcruisers.  Apart from that it’s only known as a great small car manufacturer. In typically developed countries small is seen as cheap hence it is difficult for the brand to step out of the image which is the Vitara’s only real problem. So we choose the Suzuki Vitara as the better small SUV,  it is not pretentious.

Subaru XV	Suzuki Vitara
Engines
FB20 series engine F4 Petrol DOHC Boxer Engine EFI VVT 2.0 Litre (1995cc) Claimed 110Kw @ 6200RPM Claimed 196Nm @ 4100RPM	4 Cylinder petrol (K14C) 1.4 Litre (1373cc) Turbo DOHC VVT EFI Claimed 103Kw @ 5500 RPM Claimed 220Nm @ 1500 RPM
	IL4 cylinder Diesel 1.6 Litre (1596cc) Turbo-charged – DI – CR Claimed 88kW @ 3750rpm Claimed 320Nm @ 1750rpm
	4 Cylinder petrol (M16A) 1.6 Litre (1586cc) 91 Octane DOHC VVT EFI Claimed 86Kw @ 6000 RPM Claimed 156Nm @ 4400 RPM
Weight
Kerb weight FROM 1390Kg Towing capacity up to 1400kg	From Approx Kerb weight 1075 Kg Towing capacity up to 1200kg
Fuel capacity & consumption
Up to 60 litres F4 Petrol 7.3 Lts per 100km AVG	Up to 47 litres IL4 1.6 Petrol 5.8 litres per 100km IL4 1.4 Petrol turbo 5.9 litres per 100km IL4 1.6 Diesel 4.9 litres per 100km
Other specifications
6 speed manual or CVT Auto Overall Height/width 1615/1780 Overall Length/wheelbase 4450/2635 4WD system: AWD Tyre size: 225-55-17 ANCAP Safety: x/5	5 or 6 speed Auto 5 speed Manual Overall height/width 1610/1775 Overall length/wheelbase 4175/2500 4WD system: None AWD or 2WD ANCAP Safety: 5/5 Tyre size:
Capability
Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm Water Fording depth xxmm Max	Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm Water Fording depth xxmm Max
Performance
Pricing
2012 $28,490 – 35,490 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!	2016 $21,990 – 35,990 AUD