‘New’ Subaru SUV teased, debuts this month

Japanese automaker Subaru recently posted a teaser trailer online for an upcoming ‘new’ SUV. A full reveal has been scheduled for later this month on Sept 15 and, though the firm remains tight-lipped on details, all signs indicate that this is likely a new version of its XV compact crossover.

Also known as the CrossTrek in certain markets, the XV isn’t exactly old, having made its first debut in 2017 before receiving a major facelift in 2021. It stands as one of its most critical models thanks to its high sales volume – 127,466 units were sold in the US market alone in 2021.

Not much is revealed through the teaser apart from several visual cues. Amongst those easily seen in the teaser are its C-shaped taillights, fender flares, upward sweeping beltline, single bar grille design, circular fog lights, plus a relatively short rear end.

Apart from what’s visible in the teaser, speculation of this being a new XV (CrossTrek) are also fuelled by recent sightings of camouflaged prototypes undergoing road-tests. Despite the camo cladding, the prototypes’ size, shape and silhouette all bear unmistakable traits of the XV (CrossTrek) compact crossover.

(Current Subaru XV)

Should this pan out to be a new version of the XV, the crossover is expected to retain its existing 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre boxer 4-cyl mills plus CVT transmission and all-wheel-drive powertrain packages, perhaps with slight improvements all around.

Additionally, sources are reporting the possibility of a hybrid petrol-electric option made available too. Subaru currently has such a setup offered in the current XV (CrossTrek) in select markets, which pairs its 2.0-litre boxer 4-cyl with two electric motors plus an 8.8 kWh battery pack.

Expect more details when Subaru fully unveils this ‘new’ SUV offering on Sept 15.