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Subaru Forester vs Volvo XC90 comparison

Compare performance (136 HP vs 406 HP), boot space and price (35,100 £ vs 74,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Subaru Forester or Volvo XC90?

Subaru Forester vs Volvo XC90: Key differences

Subaru Forester

3.8 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • noticeably lighter
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Volvo XC90

5 (2 Reviews)
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  • substantially more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Forester

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Subaru Forester is substantially cheaper – starting at 35,100 £ , while the Volvo XC90 costs 74,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 39,171 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Volvo XC90 uses 3.4 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 4.7 L/100km.

XC90

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Volvo XC90 offers substantially more power – delivering 406 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 270 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo XC90 is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 5.4 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 6.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo XC90 delivers clearly more torque with 669 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 487 Nm more.

Forester

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Seats: Volvo XC90 offers more seats – 7 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Subaru Forester is noticeably lighter – 1,693 kg compared to 2,080 kg. The difference is around 387 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Volvo XC90 carries noticeably more – 710 kg compared to 492 kg. That’s a difference of about 218 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Volvo XC90 is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £74,300
XC90

Volvo XC90

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 250 - 406 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 3.4 - 8.3 L/100km
  • Electric Range 69 km
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Subaru Forester
Volvo XC90

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a practical all-rounder that quietly does everything right, with roomy comfort, excellent visibility and a real fondness for weekend adventures off the beaten path. It won't set your pulse racing like a sports car, but for buyers who prize reliability, safety and sensible charm, it's a brilliantly steady companion with a cheeky streak.

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Reviews Subaru Forester

3.8 (3 Reviews)
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Dirk
8 Dec 2025, 17:00:06

It's indeed much more expensive, but it drives brilliantly. I have the automatic — fantastic. It's a bit noisy for such an expensive car, and servicing at a Subaru dealer isn't cheap. It's certainly not economical.

On the other hand, very little breaks and it will never leave you stranded. And that space... 500 litres more is really about a 40% increase.

Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 is a serene Scandinavian SUV that mixes minimalist luxury with a composed, confidence-inspiring presence — ideal for buyers who want family practicality without sacrificing style. Inside it serves up a calm, well-crafted cabin and user-friendly tech that keeps long journeys pleasant and tantrums to a minimum, making the XC90 a smart, stylish pick for sensible drivers.

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Reviews Volvo XC90

5 (2 Reviews)
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16 May 2026, 03:34:35

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How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Borstel
11 Nov 2025, 12:59:12

I drive both cars. The XC90’s boot is — contrary to the figures posted here — noticeably larger than the GLC’s when carrying five people. Overall the XC90 is clearly the more comfortable and, above all, the more stable — and therefore the safer — car.

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Subaru Forester
Volvo XC90

Costs and Consumption
Price
35,100 - 42,800 £
Price
74,300 - 84,600 £
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
3.4 - 8.3 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
69 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
183 g/km
co2
71 - 188 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
7
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Curb weight
2,080 - 2,350 kg
Trunk capacity
508 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,830 mm
Width
1,923 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
446 - 492 kg
Payload
600 - 710 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 HP
Power HP
250 - 406 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 7.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
182 Nm
Torque
360 - 669 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
100 kW
Power kW
184 - 299 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, B
Brand
Subaru
Brand
Volvo
What drivetrain options does the Subaru Forester have?

The Subaru Forester is offered with All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.