2023 Subaru XV rendered from spy photos

Subaru’s new XV small SUV is about 18 months from showrooms – here’s what it could look like, based on spy videos.

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Spy video published last month provided our first look at the next-generation 2023 Subaru XV, the third iteration of one of the brand’s best-selling models in Australia.

While the XV prototype was clothed in a relatively thin layer of disguise – cutting a shape through the air not dissimilar to its predecessor – we tasked Drive’s resident Photoshop guru Theophilus Chin with stripping off the camouflage, a year ahead of the Subaru’s scheduled unveiling.

In line with the Japanese brand’s design language, our impression of the new XV is evolutionary, combining the lifted hatchback proportions of the current car, with sharper and more refined styling details similar to Subaru’s latest Forester, Outback and WRX models.

MORE: 2023 Subaru XV spied testing

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Up front, slim LED headlights (with C-shaped daytime-running lights) are connected across the hexagonal grille with a strip of plastic trim, all sitting above a rugged-themed lower bumper with fog lights and black plastic accents drawing links to 2019’s Viziv Adventure concept.

Inspiration is drawn from the new WRX sports sedan in the XV’s wheel arch flare design and wide rear haunches. At the rear, there’s a prominent pair of C-shaped tail-lights, above a central skid plate and outboard lower light surrounds.

While not pictured here, rumours suggest the new XV will be available with an off-road-oriented Wilderness variant – at least in the US – adding new front and rear bumpers for improved approach and departure angles, unique wheels with all-terrain tyres, increased ride height, and an assortment of chassis tweaks.

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Inside, spy photos suggest the XV will gain Subaru’s latest 11.6-inch portrait central touchscreen – incorporating Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite navigation and digital climate controls – with room for a fully-digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster on range-topping models (though it could be exclusive to Japan, as per the new WRX).

The current XV is available with leather upholstery, an electric driver’s seat, heated seats, dual-zone climate control and a sunroof – all expected to carry over to the new model.

Powering the new-generation XV is rumoured to be a new 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine – replacing the outgoing 2.0-litre non-turbo engine – developing approximately 110kW.

The future of Australia’s 110kW 2.0-litre hybrid system is unclear – though a new system with Toyota hybrid technology isn’t off the table – as is the more potent 2.5-litre non-turbo engine introduced in the US in 2020.

On the safety front, Subaru’s latest suite of EyeSight assistance technologies is set to feature, including everything from autonomous emergency braking with intersection support to driver attention monitoring, adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

With rumours out of Japan suggesting its Impreza hatchback sibling will launch in late 2022, expect the new 2023 Subaru XV to be revealed in late 2022 or early 2023. Stay tuned to Drive for all the latest.

The post 2023 Subaru XV rendered from spy photos appeared first on Drive.

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