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Subaru Outback vs Volvo XC60 comparison

Compare performance (169 HP vs 406 HP), boot space and price (40,000 £ vs 58,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Subaru Outback or Volvo XC60?

Subaru Outback vs Volvo XC60: Key differences

Subaru Outback

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • clearly lighter
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Volvo XC60

4.7 (7 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
details

By Achim Sedelmaier

Outback

Subaru Outback vs. Volvo XC60: A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to choosing between a rugged wagon and a sophisticated SUV, the Subaru Outback and the Volvo XC60 are two contenders that deserve close scrutiny. Both models offer impressive performance, innovative features, and a comfortable ride, making them popular choices for families and adventure seekers alike. In this article, we will delve into the technical details, innovations, and overall driving experience provided by these two vehicles.

XC60

Exterior and Design

The Subaru Outback, known for its robust wagon-like appearance, measures 4870 mm in length, 1875 mm in width, and stands 1675 mm tall. This vehicle blends practicality with a sense of adventure, showcasing its all-terrain capabilities. In contrast, the Volvo XC60 offers a more refined SUV design. With a length of 4688 mm, width of 1902 mm, and a height of 1658 mm, the XC60 presents a sleek and modern aesthetic that is both elegant and functional.

Performance and Engine Specifications

Under the hood, the Subaru Outback comes equipped with a petrol engine that delivers 169 HP (124 kW) and 252 Nm of torque. With a fuel consumption rate of 8.6 L/100 km and a curb weight ranging between 1643 kg to 1676 kg, the Outback boasts a balanced blend of power and efficiency. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in approximately 10.2 seconds and achieves a top speed of 193 km/h.

On the other hand, the Volvo XC60 offers a range of engine options, including petrol MHEV, plug-in hybrids, and traditional petrol engines, with power outputs ranging from 250 HP (184 kW) to an impressive 455 HP (335 kW). The XC60 also outperforms the Outback in terms of acceleration, with the quickest variant going from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. Fuel consumption for the XC60 varies from 7.7 L/100 km for the standard models to an astonishing 0.9 L/100 km in hybrid mode, showcasing its impressive efficiency.

Innovative Technologies

Both vehicles are packed with technological innovations geared towards enhancing the driving experience. The Outback features Subaru's renowned EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. The infotainment system is intuitive, featuring a large touchscreen display that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity.

The Volvo XC60 takes technology a step further with its advanced infotainment system, integrated Google services, and a large vertical touchscreen that enhances accessibility. Safety features are also a focal point, with the XC60 equipped with City Safety technology, which can detect pedestrians, cyclists, and even large animals, providing an additional layer of protection for its occupants.

Interior Comfort and Space

Inside the Subaru Outback, comfort reigns supreme, with ample legroom and cargo space. It boasts a trunk capacity of 561 liters, making it ideal for long trips or grocery runs. The Outback’s interior is designed with practicality in mind, offering features such as waterproof upholstery and easy-to-clean materials.

The Volvo XC60, with its luxurious feel, offers a cozy interior adorned with high-quality materials. Although its trunk capacity is slightly less at 483-468 liters, the XC60 compensates with its superior technology and seating comfort. Both models seat five passengers comfortably, making them suitable for both everyday commutes and weekend getaways.

Conclusion: Which One to Choose?

Choosing between the Subaru Outback and the Volvo XC60 largely depends on personal preferences and lifestyle. If you prioritize rugged versatility, practicality, and reliability, the Outback is a stellar choice. Its impressive cargo capacity and off-road abilities are second to none.

Conversely, if you seek a premium SUV experience with cutting-edge technology and luxury finishes, the Volvo XC60 will undoubtedly impress. Its remarkable performance and innovative safety features set it apart in the crowded midsize SUV market.

Ultimately, both vehicles offer distinctive advantages—whether you lean towards the Outback's adventurous spirit or the XC60's refined elegance, you can't go wrong with either choice.

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

Outback

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Subaru Outback is significantly cheaper – starting at 40,000 £ , while the Volvo XC60 costs 58,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 18,257 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Volvo XC60 uses 1.6 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Subaru Outback with 8.6 L/100km. The difference is about 7 L/100km.

XC60

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 XC60 offers clearly more power – delivering 406 HP compared to 169 HP. That’s roughly 237 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo XC60 is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 4.9 s, while the Subaru Outback takes 10.2 s. That’s about 5.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo XC60 delivers considerably more torque with 669 Nm compared to 252 Nm. That’s about 417 Nm more.

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Subaru Outback is clearly lighter – 1,643 kg compared to 2,150 kg. The difference is around 507 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Subaru Outback carries very slightly more – 557 kg compared to 510 kg. That’s a difference of about 47 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Volvo XC60 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 £58,300
XC60

Volvo XC60

  • Engine Type : Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 335 - 406 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 79 km
Subaru Outback
Volvo XC60

Costs and Consumption

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Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

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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.

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Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 blends Scandinavian calm with confident presence, offering a cabin that feels plush without shouting for attention. It’s a smart pick for buyers after a composed ride, clever practicality and thoughtful safety touches — it even makes running the family shuttle feel almost serene, which is a small miracle.

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Subaru Outback
Volvo XC60

Costs and Consumption

Price
40,000 - 44,400 £
Price
58,300 - 71,400 £
Consumption L/100km
8.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
79 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
193 g/km
co2
59 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
2,150 kg
Trunk capacity
561 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,875 mm
Width
1,902 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
524 - 557 kg
Payload
510 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
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
169 HP
Power HP
335 - 406 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 5.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
252 Nm
Torque
589 - 669 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
124 kW
Power kW
247 - 299 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
B
Brand
Subaru
Brand
Volvo
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.