Volvo XC60 Vs. Subaru Outback Comparison
2026 Volvo XC60 vs. Subaru Outback at a Glance
- The Subaru Outback has a lower starting price, but it sacrifices many of the features the Volvo XC60 includes as standard.
- A 10-speaker audio system, a panoramic roof, and power-adjustable front seats are just a few examples of the standard Volvo XC60 amenities that the Subaru fails to offer.
- The standard powertrain in the Volvo XC60 churns out more power and has a higher maximum towing capacity than that of the standard Subaru Outback engine.
- The Subaru Outback is longer and taller, but the Volvo XC60 is more agile.
When you compare the Volvo XC60 vs. Subaru Outback, you'll notice that the Volvo XC60 stands apart with more standard power, better turbocharged efficiency, luxurious appointments, style that makes an impression, and numerous other wonderful advantages. Read on to see how these two top-rated SUVs compare. Then, stop by Principle Volvo Cars San Antonio to test-drive the upscale Volvo XC60 and experience its strengths firsthand.
Subaru Outback vs. Volvo XC60: Price, Trims & Standard Features
In the first round of the Volvo XC60 vs. Subaru Outback comparison, the Subaru Outback starts off with a lower starting price – and, consequently, far less noteworthy standard appointments. Specifically, the 2026 Volvo XC60 has a starting price of $51,095,1 and the Subaru Outback has a starting price of $34,995 MSRP.2
However, we can't just look at these figures alone, as that doesn't account for what you get for the price. The base-trim Volvo XC60 Core comes standard with these other deluxe amenities:
- Panoramic roof
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 12.3-inch digital instrument panel
- 11.2-inch center display
- Wireless phone charging
- Google built-in services
- 10-speaker high-performance sound system
- Heated, power-adjustable front seats
- Driver-seat memory settings
- 2-way power lumbar support
Those standard appointments are the key Volvo XC60 vs. Subaru Outback difference, and they more than justify the higher starting MSRP for the Volvo XC60. The Outback, simply put, has less to offer – it doesn't even have power front seats.
The range-topping Subaru Outback Touring XT has a starting MSRP of $47,995;2 with this model, you will get some of the features the Volvo SUV includes in its entry-level configuration, such as heated, power-adjustable front seats and a power moonroof.
However, it still can't compete with everything that the Volvo XC60 Core has on tap – the Subaru Outback Touring XT doesn't come with Google built-in services. Plus, it doesn't hold a candle to the exclusive, premium materials used to construct the luxury-oriented cabin of the Volvo XC60, such as the Natural Driftwood decor and quality Nordico upholstery.
The Subaru Outback also lacks benefits like the available Volvo Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving capabilities or 360-Degree Camera system, giving the new Volvo XC60 for sale a powerful advantage during every drive.
Compare Volvo XC60 and Subaru Outback Performance & MPG Specs
Volvo XC60 vs. Subaru Outback performance isn't much of a competition when considering the cars' standard powertrains – the Volvo XC60 boasts much more power.
The standard B5 AWD powertrain is a mild-hybrid system with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This configuration delivers an EPA-estimated 23/30/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).3
The standard Subaru Outback engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This significantly lower power output from the standard Subaru Outback configuration does lend itself to a slightly higher MPG rating: an EPA-estimated 25/31/27 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).4
The Subaru Outback SUV's available powertrain is more comparable to the Volvo XC60 B5 AWD configuration, giving you 260 horsepower from a 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine and delivering an EPA-estimated 21/29/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).4 When added to the Wilderness trim, this engine's fuel rating drops to an EPA-estimated 21/27/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).4
However, the Outback bows out of the performance comparison at this point, watching the Volvo XC60 fly by with extreme power and efficiency. With the plug-in hybrid T8 eAWD powertrain, the Volvo XC60 PHEV can make 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque, drive entirely on electric power throughout the average city commute, and deliver an EPA-estimated 63 MPGe5 when blending gas and electric power.
As for towing, every Volvo XC60 has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds,6 while the standard Subaru Outback engine only lets it tow up to 2,700 pounds.7 You have to spring for the optional turbocharged powertrain in the Subaru lineup to get 3,500 pounds7 of towing prowess.
If you want more horsepower and hauling strength, as well as the option for better MPG and plug-in hybrid benefits, our Volvo XC60 finance offers can unlock specs that eclipse those of the Subaru Outback.
Compare Subaru Outback & Volvo XC60 Dimensions
Now, here's a look at the Volvo XC60 vs. Subaru Outback dimensions:
2026 Volvo XC60 Exterior Dimensions
- Length: 185.4 inches
- Body Width: 78.7 inches
- Height: 65.4 inches
2026 Subaru Outback Exterior Dimensions
- Length: 191.7 inches
- Body Width: 74 inches
- Height: 67.5-68.3 inches
Despite being 6.3 inches longer – and, therefore, harder to park – the Subaru Outback only has 1.5 inches of extra front legroom. The Volvo XC60 is a competitively spacious, sprightly model with roomy dimensions, including 38 inches of rear legroom. Plus, it has a 63.3 cubic foot cargo capacity, so you can fit all your gear with ease. The Outback is a good SUV, but with all the standard luxury and power of a Volvo XC60 at your disposal, it falls behind.
 2026 VOLVO XC60 | |
|---|---|
| Standard Drivetrain: | AWD |
| Standard Horsepower: | 247 |
| Transmission: | 8-speed automatic |
| Max. EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) w/ Turbo Engine | 23 / 30 / 263 |
| Standard Towing Capacity: | 3,500 lbs6 |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Length: | 185.4 in |
| Width: | 78.7 in |
| Key Standard Features: |
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| Key Standard Drive-Assistance Technologies: |
|
 2026 SUBARU OUTBACK |
|---|
| Standard Drivetrain: | AWD |
|---|---|
| Standard Horsepower: | 180 |
| Transmission: | CVT |
| Max. EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) w/ Turbo Engine | 21 / 29 / 244 |
| Standard Towing Capacity: | 2,700 lbs7 |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Length: | 191.7 in |
| Width: | 74 in |
| Key Standard Features: |
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| Key Standard Drive-Assistance Technologies: |
|
What Reddit Users Say About Volvo XC60 vs. Subaru Outback
When it comes to consumer opinion, the Reddit platform is an excellent place to go to look for unbiased reviews. This online forum has thousands of topics where users go to share their thoughts and opinions about many things, including cars. While this guide has provided a thorough comparison between the two vehicles, reviews from consumers can provide more detailed insight.
As shown in these Volvo XC60 vs. Subaru Outback Reddit reviews, consumers clearly favor the Volvo XC60:
sadhorsegirl
"The xc60 is the nicer and more luxurious car. You will probably enjoy driving it more/ feel more secure"
Read Moregalactica_pegasus
"The Volvo is going to drive much better (very solid), and going to feel more substantial and have higher quality materials (especially in higher trim levels). Volvo, all the way, for me. Subaru is so depressingly thin/cheap to interact with."
Read Morejohmcl
"If you get the Subaru, then you'll think "what if" everytime you pass a Volvo. If you get the Volvo, then you won't really think about the Subaru."
Read MoreSubaru Outback vs. Volvo XC60: Discover the Victorious Volvo XC60 With Us
Whether you're looking at its standard luxuries, far-higher standard horsepower, or available hybrid efficiency, the Volvo XC60 is the SUV to keep up with – and this is just the start of its lead against the competition. Visit us at Principle Volvo Cars San Antonio today to discover everything else this automobile has to offer with a test drive. You'll also find that our lease deals will make it easier to take your new Volvo XC60 home.
Expert Opinion
It's generally believed that a top-of-the-line economy car will be less luxurious than a base-trim luxury vehicle, and nowhere is this more evident than when you compare the Subaru Outback to the Volvo XC60. Beyond specs and features, consider the feeling of a car's interior: The Subaru Outback has a more utilitarian style, whereas the Volvo XC60 provides high-end upholstery and decor. These cars are in very different worlds, and we'll leave you with one more aspect of that to consider: The Volvo XC60 has multiple real wood and metal decor options and a standard panoramic roof, while the best the Outback can do is chrome-look decor and a moonroof.
Bryan Barton, General Manager
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger: The Volvo XC60 or the Subaru Outback?
The Subaru Outback measures up to 6.3 inches longer and 2.9 inches taller than the Volvo XC60. However, that lengthy difference doesn't translate to equally long legroom advantages. Volvo XC60 vs. Subaru Outback interior room is comparable despite the larger size of the Subaru Outback, and with the Volvo XC60 offering a cabin tailored with exclusive, sustainable luxury trimmings, it's the victorious model.
How do the Volvo XC60 safety features compare to those of the Subaru Outback?
The 2026 Volvo XC60's safety features go beyond those in the 2026 Subaru Outback. It offers a Road Sign Information system, Slippery Road Alert, available Pilot Assist, and Whiplash Injury Protection, along with an available Head-Up Display that projects vital information into your line of sight at a comfortable viewing distance. Plus, it boasts a five-star rating from the NHTSA.8
Which has more cargo space: Subaru Outback vs. Volvo XC60?
The Subaru Outback has a bit more cargo space when compared to a Volvo XC60, but every new Volvo XC60 on the market can tow more than the standard Subaru Outback configuration. The Volvo XC60 has slightly less storage room due to its more agile dimensions, which tend to offer a more suitable experience for maneuverability on city streets and neighborhood curves.
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1Starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) includes destination fee of $1,395. Images may reflect a more expensive trim level with optional equipment and accessories. Taxes, title, registration, license, insurance, maintenance, and other retailer fees are excluded from starting MSRP. Retailer sets actual price. See authorized Volvo Cars retailer for details.
2Manufacturer's suggested retail price does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features and models subject to change without notice.
3EPA estimated range is 23 MPG city / 30 MPG highway / 26 MPG combined (B5 AWD). Your actual range will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
4EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle's condition.
5Estimated range according to the EPA driving cycles. The actual range achieved under real conditions varies depending on driving behavior, driving conditions, how you maintain your vehicle, battery and other external factors. Visit www.fueleconomy.gov for further information.
6When properly equipped.
7Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
8Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov
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