The 2014 Subaru XV 2.0i-S represents one of the smarter choices in the compact crossover segment — a car that quietly gets on with the business of being genuinely useful without making a fuss about it. With symmetrical all-wheel drive as standard, a raised ride height that laughs at Melbourne's speed bumps, and the kind of reliability that Subaru owners rarely stop talking about, this XV has earned its place as a favourite among city dwellers who occasionally venture beyond the bitumen.

Under the bonnet sits Subaru's proven 2.0-litre naturally aspirated boxer engine, a horizontally opposed four-cylinder that delivers its power with a distinctive smoothness you won't find in a conventional inline setup. Paired with the Lineartronic CVT transmission, it provides effortless around-town driving with a fuel efficiency that keeps the weekly fill-up surprisingly modest. The symmetrical AWD system works away in the background, distributing power to all four wheels without any input from the driver — it simply grips and goes.

At 93,582 kilometres, this XV is well within its stride. Subaru's boxer engines are renowned for their longevity, routinely sailing past 200,000 kilometres with nothing more than regular servicing. The 2.0i-S is the range-topping specification, which means you get the full complement of features: leather-appointed seats, a sunroof that floods the cabin with Melbourne's generous natural light, and a touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation.

The raised ride height is one of the XV's defining characteristics. At 220mm of ground clearance, it sits comfortably above puddles, gravel shoulders, and the occasional unpaved car park without resorting to the bulk of a full-size SUV. The compact footprint makes city parking straightforward, while the hatchback versatility means the boot swallows weekend bags, sports equipment, and the dog with equal composure.

Subaru's commitment to safety was well ahead of the curve in 2014, and this XV reflects that philosophy. The rigid ring-shaped reinforcement body structure, combined with stability control, traction control, and a comprehensive airbag package, earned the XV a five-star ANCAP safety rating. The elevated driving position gives you excellent visibility in traffic, and the light steering makes navigating tight urban streets genuinely effortless.

The interior of the 2.0i-S trim strikes a comfortable balance between functionality and refinement. The seats are supportive on longer drives, the rear bench offers legitimate space for adult passengers, and the 60/40 split-fold arrangement provides flexibility when you need to transport something longer than the standard boot can accommodate. Everything falls to hand logically — Subaru has never been one for unnecessary complexity.

Running costs are a genuine strength. The 2.0-litre engine sips regular unleaded, servicing is competitive with the segment, and Subaru's reputation for mechanical durability means unexpected repair bills are rare. Insurance groupings tend to be favourable too, reflecting the XV's sensible performance and excellent safety credentials.

The grey exterior presents beautifully, hiding road grime with grace while looking sharp in any setting — from the office car park to the Great Ocean Road. The compact dimensions, combined with the all-wheel drive confidence and Subaru's legendary engineering, make this XV a car you can genuinely rely on every single day.

At $18,000, this 2014 Subaru XV 2.0i-S represents excellent value for a well-specified, all-wheel drive crossover with genuine Subaru reliability underpinning every journey. It's the kind of car that becomes part of the family without ever demanding to be the centre of attention.

What do you call a Subaru that can go anywhere? An XV-plorer. We'll see ourselves out.

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, we recommend that prospective buyers conduct their own independent inspection and verification of vehicle details prior to purchase. Odometer readings are approximate and based on the most recent available data. Prices are subject to change without notice.