It's decent-- good enough like any compact sedan these days. I thought it might be underpowered when I was doing research, but after test driving it, it's better than it reads. The CVT has a nice kick to it from start. The best word I can think of to describe it is "spirited." Unless your mom is coming from a WRX, it's more than enough as a daily driver. And you'd think the engine isn't enough since the car is bigger since it's supposedly a small SUV, but it only weighs ~3100 lbs. Apparently it's doing well-- Subaru is selling more of these things than Imprezas these days, and last I heard, they're cutting back on production of those to make more XVs.
I came from a '12 Jetta for comparison. Was a good car overall, but got so tried of getting stuck in snow with the VW for two seasons, couldn't deal with it anymore. The wife also thought we ought to get a less "girly" car.
Cool, thanks. Will have to test drive one when the time comes. She wants a smallish-SUV or crossover, which practically every car manufacturer makes so will have to narrow down the field somewhat but will make sure to check it out.
I didn't even really know the XV existed until I ordered my 2015 WRX and saw it at the Subaru dealership. Seems like it would fit the bill in size, price and features, just wasn't sure about the engine. I don't know how close she actually is to a new car anyways, she wants one, but her 10 year old Hyundai still runs as good as it did when brand new so she's in no rush to get one.
