2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Volvo XC60

$39,995 · Crossover

$49,700 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Subaru Ascent charges into battle with sheer brute strength, boasting 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, making it the powerhouse in this comparison, despite its $39,995 entry price. Contrasting this is the sophisticated 2026 Volvo XC60, a masterclass in refined efficiency that sips fuel slightly better at 26 combined MPG. While the Ascent offers a more imposing footprint at 196.8 inches long, the Volvo prioritizes maneuverability. The Ascent’s standard AWD and muscle ensure capability, while the XC60 counters with superior economy and an $9,705 lower purchase price compared to the Volvo's starting $49,700 MSRP. Enthusiasts might be tempted by the Ascent's higher torque figure, but daily commuters will appreciate the XC60’s better mileage spread across its 8-speed automatic, offering a blend of luxury and practical road manners.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 26 combined MPG versus the Ascent's 22 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent provides a significantly larger overall platform, indicated by its 196.8-inch length, which usually translates to better interior passenger/cargo space for families.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent is the choice for performance enthusiasts as it delivers more raw power with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque compared to the XC60's output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent is the clear value champion, offering $9,705 in savings and more horsepower while running on regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You require the maximum available horsepower, as the Ascent pumps out 260 hp.
Budget is a primary concern, given the $9,705 lower MSRP compared to the XC60.
You need the confident grip of standard AWD paired with the strongest torque figure of 277 lb-ft.

Choose the Volvo XC60 if...

Prioritizing fuel stops is crucial, thanks to the XC60's 30 highway MPG rating.
You prefer the engagement of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
A slightly smaller vehicle profile is better for city parking, as the XC60 is notably shorter in length and height than the Ascent.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Ascent	Volvo XC60
Length	196.8"	185.4"
Width	76.0"	-
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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Volvo
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	11.2 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
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	—	✓
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	—
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
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

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	—	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2026 Volvo XC60.

Which crossover uses a more efficient engine setup?

The 2026 Volvo XC60 holds the efficiency crown, achieving 26 combined MPG, noticeably beating the 2025 Subaru Ascent's 22 combined MPG. However, the Ascent achieves its power using regular unleaded, whereas the Volvo recommends premium fuel.

How significant is the performance difference between these two AWD models?

The Subaru Ascent offers a tangible performance edge with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Volvo XC60's 247 hp and 266 lb-ft. This makes the Ascent the faster vehicle in a straight line.

Is the price difference worth the capabilities offered by the Volvo XC60?

The XC60 carries a premium, priced $9,705 higher than the Ascent. Buyers must weigh the Volvo's premium feel and better fuel economy against the Subaru's significantly lower initial investment.

Which vehicle is physically larger for interior hauling?

The 2025 Subaru Ascent is the larger vehicle, measuring 196.8 inches in length and 71.6 inches in height, compared to the more compact dimensions of the XC60, suggesting superior cabin volume.

What kind of automatic transmission does each crossover utilize?

The Subaru Ascent employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) transmission, which prioritizes smooth, efficient acceleration. In contrast, the Volvo XC60 features a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission for a sportier feel.