Volvo XC60 Vs. Subaru Outback Comparison

Volvo XC60 vs. Subaru Outback
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Volvo XC60 Specials

Your midsize SUV choices are plenty, but when you compare the Volvo XC60 vs. Subaru Outback, you'll notice that the Volvo XC60 stands apart with power, efficiency, luxury value, configurable benefits, style that makes a mark, and many more wonderful advantages. Read on to see how these two top-rated SUVs compare, and visit Principle Volvo Cars to feel the Volvo XC60 SUV's strengths with a test drive.

Subaru Outback vs. Volvo XC60: Price, Trims, and Standard Features

In the first round of the Volvo XC60 vs. Subaru Outback comparison, the Subaru Outback starts off with a lower starting price. Specifically, the 2023 Volvo XC60 has a starting price of $43,450 MSRP1 and the Subaru Outback has a starting price of $28,395 MSRP.2

However, that doesn't consider what each SUV offers at that price. The base-trim Volvo XC60 Core comes standard with a panoramic moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment display with Google built-in services, a 10-speaker high-performance sound system, driver's seat memory and two-way power lumbar, and more.

That's the key difference between Volvo XC60 vs. Subaru Outback. The Top-trim Subaru Outback Touring XT has a starting price of $42,295 MSRP,2 and it has dual-zone auto climate control, lacks a digital instrument display, Google built-in services, and all of the Volvo XC60 SUV's exclusive standard trim materials like Iron Ore aluminum decor and sustainable City Weave textile upholstery.

The Subaru Outback also lacks available benefits like the Volvo Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving capabilities and a 360-degree camera system, giving the new Volvo XC60 for sale a powerful advantage and value on every drive.

Compare Volvo XC60 and Subaru Outback Performance and MPG Specs

Volvo XC60 vs. Subaru Outback performance isn't much of a comparison; the Volvo XC60 offers much, much more power.

As the standard choice, a 2023 Volvo XC60 B5 FWD offers a mild-hybrid system and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 247 horsepower. This configuration delivers an EPA-estimated 23/30 MPG (city/highway).3

The standard Subaru Outback engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower. Because of the far lower power output when comparing the Volvo XC60 vs. Subaru Outback, this Subaru Outback configuration does get slightly more MPG: an EPA-estimated 26/33 MPG (city/highway).4

The Subaru Outback XT is more comparable to the Volvo XC60 B5 engine power output, giving you 260 horsepower from a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine and delivering an EPA-estimated 22/29 MPG (city/highway).4

However, the Outback bows out of the performance comparison here. The Volvo XC60 keeps going with its 295-horsepower B6 AWD powertrain and can make 455 horsepower and deliver an EPA-estimated 63 MPGe5 with the plug-in hybrid T8 eAWD powertrain.

And for towing, every Volvo XC60 has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds6 while the standard Subaru Outback engine lets it tow up to 2,700 pounds.7

If you want more horsepower and hauling strength as well as the option for more MPG and plug-in hybrid benefits, our Volvo XC60 finance offers can eclipse the Subaru Outback.

Compare Subaru Outback and Volvo XC60 Dimensions

Now, here's a look at the Volvo XC60 vs. Subaru Outback dimensions:

2023 Volvo XC60 Exterior Dimensions

  • Length: 185.4 inches
  • Width: 78.7 inches
  • Height: 65.2 inches

2023 Subaru Outback Exterior Dimensions

  • Length: 191.9 inches
  • Width: 74.2 inches
  • Height: 66.1 inches

Despite being 6.5 inches longer and less agile, the Subaru Outback only offers 1.3 inches of extra front legroom. The Volvo XC60 is a competitively spacious model with agility for your lifestyle and roomy specs like 38 inches of rear legroom. Plus, it has a 63.3 cubic foot cargo capacity to 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 when comparing the two vehicles.

Volvo XC60

2023 Volvo XC60
Drivetrain: AWD
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
EPA-estimated combined MPG: 253
Seats: 5
Length: 185.4"
Width: 78.7"
Interior Benefits:
  • 10-speaker high performance audio system
  • 2 LCD monitors
  • Apple CarPlay® and Android Autoâ„¢
  • Bluetooth®
  • Volvo Cars app remote services
  • Google automotive services
Standard Safety Features:
  • Lane keeping assist
  • Collision mitigation
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Blind spot assist
  • Back-up camera
Shop Model: Volvo XC60 For Sale
Subaru Outback

2023 Subaru Outback
Drivetrain: AWD
Transmission: CVT
EPA-estimated combined MPG: 254
Seats: 5
Length: 191.1"
Width: 73"
Interior Benefits:
  • Subaru STARLINK
  • Apple CarPlay® and Android Autoâ„¢
  • 4 Speaker audio system
  • Voice activation controls
  • Bluetooth®
  • USB-A port and 3.5mm aux jack
Standard Safety Features:
  • Back-up camera
  • Lane keeping assist
  • Lane centering
  • Collision mitigation
  • EyeSight system

Outback vs. Volvo XC60: Find the Victorious Volvo XC60 With Us

Whether it's the standard luxury or the far-higher standard horsepower and available hybrid efficiency, the Volvo XC60 is the SUV to keep up with. But that's just the start of its lead against the competition. Visit us at Principle Volvo Cars today to see the rest with a test drive, and find our lease deals to drive your Volvo XC60 home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger, the Volvo XC60 or the Subaru Outback?

The Subaru Outback measures 6.5 inches longer and 0.9 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 a Subaru Outback, and with the Volvo XC60 offering a cabin tailored with exclusive, sustainable luxury trimmings, it's a victorious model.

How do the Volvo XC60 safety features compare to the Subaru Outback?

The Volvo XC60 safety features offer more advanced benefits than the Subaru Outback. The Volvo XC60 has available adaptive cruise control with the semi-autonomous Pilot Assist, a 360-degree camera package, and front and rear parking assistance. Meanwhile, the Subaru Outback can’t equal these intelligent safety features.

Plus, comparing Volvo XC60 vs. Subaru Outback safety features reveals that every Volvo XC60 has standard blind-spot monitoring and rain-sensing windshield wipers, while the Outback does not have standard blind-spot monitoring for all models and lacks rain-sensing technology.

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 Volvo XC60 on the market can tow more than the standard Subaru Outback configuration. The Volvo XC60 has slightly less cargo room due to its more agile dimensions, which tend to offer a more suitable experience for maneuverability on city streets and neighborhood curves.

Principle Volvo Cars San Antonio - Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

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1Prices shown are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), Base Price or Starting At price and excludes destination fees, taxes, title, license, and registration and/or electronic filing fees, dealer fees.

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.

3For more information, please visit the official US government source for all fuel economy at 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 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.