• XV is now more competitive
• Better safety, more talents to do different things
• But are you willing to pay a premium?

"Change is the only constant", and though Heraclitus meant for this to be a medicine for the mind, turns out it applies to cars as well. In this case, it's about how the 2022 Subaru XV facelift seeks to change Malaysians' minds from the SUV of the moment, the Toyota Corolla Cross.

And in this round of changes for the locally-assembled XV – which crucially adds on ADAS among new choice features – it's a fair ambition.

Pricing – XV is no longer cheaper

Both manufacturers keep it simple, two variants for the Subaru and Toyota offers three, including the range-topping Corolla Cross Hybrid.

However, prices this time are the total opposite from our last comparison (between the pre-facelift XV and fully-imported Corolla Cross), as the cheapest XV is now pricier than the upcoming, most expensive Corolla Cross Hybrid.

The difference is wider with the base variants of both models, with the Corolla Cross 1.8 G being RM 16,788 cheaper than the XV – which is certainly a compelling enough reason on its own already.

Also read: ADAS as standard, 2022 Subaru XV launched in Malaysia; priced from RM 140k

Part of that price hike owes to the addition of Subaru's EyeSight ADAS suite and newer driving-related functions, which are now standard across both variants of the XV.

Equipment – Subaru fights back with EyeSight

The XV 2.0 i-P decidedly doesn't feel 'base' anymore, not with the kit it gains with the facelift. Automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat (now with memory function) are features it matches with the Corolla Cross.

Infotainment standards are level-pegging too, as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity are bundled across all variants of both cars.

Most welcome is the addition of Subaru's EyeSight ADAS suite, which to date remains one of the best out there as we've tested.

The camera-only system proves to be smooth and adept in Malaysian driving conditions, if our experience with the Subaru Forester is any indication.

Also read: Review: Subaru XV 2.0 GT Edition – One car to do it all

However, ADAS isn't exclusive to the XV as the Corolla Cross 1.8 V comes with the full suite of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0.

That said, there are differences to what features each car gets, as below:

Practicality – Clean sweep for Toyota

It's in the interior where the Corolla Cross trumps the XV. With the rear seats up, it's got 440 litres of bootspace, easily eclipsing the XV's 385 litres.

Both cars' boot space can be further expanded through their 60:40 split-folding rear seats.

Also read: Quick Review: 2021 Toyota Corolla Cross in Malaysia, the proper benchmark for family SUV

Then you have seating space at the back – make no bones about it, by virtue of being a wider and taller car the Corolla Cross feels airier, even if the XV offers comparable head- and legroom.

It's a point worth noting because it matters when putting on baby seats (with ISOFIX tethers) without the need for much contortion, as well as offering easier ingress and egress.

Also read: Mazda CX-30 vs Subaru XV – Want to buy a compact SUV that also drives well? Look no further

Putting the Corolla Cross ahead in the comfort aspect are the presence of rear air-cond vents, something that's not available in the Subaru.

Driving – XV pulls away

Well perhaps not literally: our experience with the pre-facelift's XV's (the new car uses the same powertrain anyway) naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre mill plus Lineartronic CVT is that it's nothing dramatic, almost gentle sometimes.

You do have 156 PS and 196 Nm, but acceleration is far from scintillating. Still, things might be slightly different in the facelift due to the addition of 'SI Mode', which enables drivers to select between the sharper 'Sport', and fuel-efficient 'Intelligent' modes.

Adding to that, the XV gets symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), active torque vectoring, vehicle dynamics control, and double-wishbone suspension, allowing it to go places and do things the Corolla Cross can only dream about.

Plus there's the new dual-function X-Mode, which controls engine output, transmission, AWD torque split, and braking system to tackle tricky off-road conditions.

Also read: Subaru's boxer engine and symmetrical AWD, worth paying more?

Going by our earlier experience, the best part is that the good drive doesn't sacrifice comfort: one truly gets the best of both worlds in the XV, a testament to how well-sorted the chassis is.

Meanwhile over in camp Toyota, all three variants of the Corolla Cross get a 1.8-litre engine paired with a CVT, with the non-hybrid units pushing out 139 PS / 172 Nm, and the hybrid making a total output of 122 PS.

Yes, the Corolla Cross only gets a torsion beam suspension at the back, but don't discount its Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform which brings about its own right mix of comfort and driving prowess as well, but not nearly as sharp as the Subaru.

Also read: Toyota Corolla Altis'TNGA platform, what is it and does it make any difference?

With floods being a thing, the XV chalks up another point with better minimum ground clearance: 220 mm, compared to the Corolla Cross' 161 mm.

Aftersales support – Comparably similar

UMW Toyota Motor backs the Corolla Cross with a 5-year / unlimited mileage warranty, while the XV has a 5-year / 100,000 km warranty.

Conclusion – Standing out or inconspicuous?

Though the XV is priced higher than the Corolla Cross it isn't all for nought: you're paying for a go-anywhere spirit, and a driving experience that outclasses rivals.

Meanwhile the Corolla Cross plays a more conservative, comfort-oriented game.

In some aspects it can be argued that the XV is a better all-rounder (symmetrical AWD and a higher ground clearance seems attractive in trying weather), while the Corolla Cross is better suited for those who prefer something a little more conventional.

Also read: Sales down 30% in 2021, TC Subaru aims for 3,000 units in 2022. BRZ, Outback, WRX, all coming, no Solterra