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Subaru Outback vs Volvo XC40 comparison

Compare performance (169 HP vs 197 HP), boot space and price (40,000 £ vs 41,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Subaru Outback or Volvo XC40?

Subaru Outback vs Volvo XC40: Key differences

Subaru Outback

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • barely cheaper
  • very slightly lighter
details

Volvo XC40

5 (5 Reviews)
rate
  • slightly more power
  • noticeably more efficient
  • visibly quicker 0–100 km/h
details

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

Outback

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 Outback is barely cheaper – starting at 40,000 £ , while the Volvo XC40 costs 41,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 1,885 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Volvo XC40 uses 6.5 L/100km and is noticeably more efficient than the Subaru Outback with 8.6 L/100km. The difference is about 2.1 L/100km.

XC40

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Volvo XC40 offers slightly more power – delivering 197 HP compared to 169 HP. That’s roughly 28 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo XC40 is visibly quicker – completing the sprint in 7.6 s, while the Subaru Outback takes 10.2 s. That’s about 2.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo XC40 delivers moderately more torque with 300 Nm compared to 252 Nm. That’s about 48 Nm more.

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Subaru Outback is very slightly lighter – 1,643 kg compared to 1,688 kg. The difference is around 45 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Subaru Outback carries only slightly more – 557 kg compared to 532 kg. That’s a difference of about 25 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Volvo XC40 holds a decisive overall lead 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 £41,900
XC40

Volvo XC40

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 163 - 197 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 6.5 L/100km
details

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Subaru Outback
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is the do-it-all wagon for buyers who want SUV capability without the SUV bulk, blending rugged confidence with everyday civility. It's practical, dependable, and built to shrug off rough gravel tracks or rainy commutes with a grin — ideal for buyers who actually use their vehicles, not just park them for show.

details
csm_Outback_2.5i_Platinum_Modelljahr_2021_108__742a1b80db

Reviews Subaru Outback

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 wraps Scandinavian minimalism into a compact, city-ready SUV with a premium cabin that feels both practical and grown-up. It will suit buyers who prize safety, clever storage and a composed ride, proving that small dimensions don't mean small personality.

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223206_XC40_Inscription_-_exterior
223200_XC40_Inscription_-_exterior
265601_XC40_Recharge_Plug-In_Hybrid_R-Design_Leather_Charcoal_in_Charcoal
265600_XC40_AWD_R-Design_expression_in_Crystal_White_Pearl

Reviews Volvo XC40

5 (5 Reviews)
rate
S. M.
20 Apr 2026, 09:07:56

Excellent

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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Subaru Outback
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption
Price
40,000 - 44,400 £
Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
Consumption L/100km
8.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
193 g/km
co2
148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Estate
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,643 - 1,676 kg
Curb weight
1,688 kg
Trunk capacity
561 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,875 mm
Width
1,863 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
524 - 557 kg
Payload
532 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
169 HP
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
252 Nm
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
124 kW
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Engine capacity
2,498 cm3
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
Brand
Subaru
Brand
Volvo
Is the Subaru Outback offered with different drivetrains?

Available configurations include 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.