2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Volvo XC60

$39,995 · Crossover

$47,050 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Subaru Ascent arrives flexing capability with 260 hp and a robust 277 lb-ft of torque, immediately appealing to those who value brute force and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. In contrast, the 2025 Volvo XC60 whispers refined Scandinavian luxury, though its 247 hp output suggests efficiency over raw power. The Ascent offers a bulkier frame at 196.8 inches long, translating to a practical 17.8 cu ft of cargo space, compared to the slightly nimbler XC60 at 185.4 inches. The major pivot point is cost and fuel economy: the Ascent commands an MSRP of $39,995, undercutting the Volvo by a significant $7,055. However, the XC60 redeems its higher $47,050 price with superior efficiency, achieving 26 combined MPG versus the Ascent's 22 combined MPG, albeit the Subaru happily sips regular unleaded.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 wins for commuters due to its significantly better 26 combined MPG rating compared to the Ascent's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent’s larger dimensions (196.8 inches long and 71.6 inches high) likely provide superior interior volume and cargo capacity for family hauling.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Ascent

Enthusiasts prioritizing acceleration will prefer the Ascent's superior output of 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent presents undeniable value, starting at $39,995, which is $7,055 less expensive than the Volvo XC60.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You require the highest power output available, as the Ascent boasts 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
Budget is a primary concern, given the $7,055 lower MSRP compared to the XC60.
You depend on standard All-Wheel Drive combined with the ability to use regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Volvo XC60 if...

Prioritizing fuel stops is important, as the XC60 achieves 30 highway MPG versus the Ascent's 26 MPG highway.
You prefer the feel of a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
You desire a slightly smaller footprint for urban navigation, with the XC60 being notably shorter in length (185.4 inches).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Ascent	Volvo XC60
Length	196.8"	185.4"
Width	76.0"	74.9"
Height	71.6"	65.2"
Wheelbase	113.8"	112.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Volvo
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Volvo
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	260 hp @ 5600 rpm	247 hp
Torque	277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	266 lb-ft
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Subaru	Volvo
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Volvo
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	23/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	386.0/501.8 mi.	432.4/564.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	18.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Volvo
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Volvo
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	10
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	4 months	—
Stereo Power	—	220W
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Subaru	Volvo
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Volvo
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	38.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.2 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.1 in.	58.2 in.
Front Hip Room	57.8 in.	56.4 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Volvo
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	56.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.5 in.	55.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Volvo
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Subaru	Volvo
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Volvo
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2025 Volvo XC60.

Is the higher price of the Volvo XC60 justified by its performance gains over the Subaru Ascent?

Not in raw power; the Ascent leads with 260 hp to the XC60's 247 hp. However, the Volvo justifies some cost by being more efficient, achieving 26 combined MPG versus the Subaru's 22 combined MPG.

How much more fuel-efficient is the 2025 Volvo XC60 compared to the 2025 Subaru Ascent?

The XC60 shows a 4 MPG advantage in combined driving, offering 26 MPG compared to the Ascent's 22 MPG. Furthermore, the Volvo recommends premium fuel while the Ascent runs on regular unleaded.

Which vehicle offers better utility and space for large families?

The Subaru Ascent is physically larger, measuring 196.8 inches long and taller at 71.6 inches. While specific third-row data is unavailable, its larger exterior suggests greater overall capacity than the 185.4-inch XC60.

Does the difference in transmission type affect the driving dynamics significantly?

Yes, the Ascent uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which provides seamless acceleration but can feel less responsive, whereas the XC60 utilizes a standard 8-speed shiftable automatic for a more conventional and potentially engaging feel.

If I want the most horsepower, which crossover should I choose between these two models?

You should choose the 2025 Subaru Ascent, which produces 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. This output surpasses the 2025 Volvo XC60’s 247 hp and 266 lb-ft.