2025 Volvo XC40 vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$40,650 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Volvo XC40 and the 2026 Subaru Outback often boils down to prioritizing premium driving dynamics versus long-term practicality and budget. The XC40 immediately costs you $5,655 more at an MSRP of $40,650 compared to the Outback's $34,995 entry price. This premium pays for a noticeable boost in output; the Volvo delivers 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, significantly outmuscling the Outback's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft. However, the Outback offers superior utility, boasting a massive 34.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the Volvo's 20.4 cu ft. Fuel economy is neck-and-neck, with the Outback edging out slightly at 27 combined MPG using regular unleaded, while the Volvo sips premium fuel for 26 combined MPG. If size and cost matter most, the Outback is clearly leading the utility charge, but the XC40 provides a sportier, more powerful daily drive.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its better fuel economy (27 combined MPG) and use of less expensive regular unleaded fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback provides significantly more hauling capability with 34.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Volvo's 20.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volvo XC40

The 2025 Volvo XC40 is the clear winner for enthusiasts, offering substantially more power with 247 hp versus the Outback's 180 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback offers better value, starting at $34,995, which is $5,655 less than the Volvo XC40's starting price.

Choose the Volvo XC40 if...

You prioritize spirited driving performance, as the XC40 has 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a more compact footprint on city streets, measuring only 174.8 inches in length.
You are willing to pay a $5,655 premium for the Volvo badge and potentially richer standard equipment.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Maximum storage is essential, given the Outback's substantial 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You want to save money on fuel, as the Outback uses regular unleaded compared to the XC40's recommended premium fuel.
You prioritize lower running costs, reflected in the lower $34,995 MSRP.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Volvo XC40	Subaru Outback
Length	174.8"	191.7"
Width	73.7"	74.0"
Height	65.0"	67.5"
Wheelbase	106.4"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Volvo	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention 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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Volvo	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	247 hp @ 5400 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
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	Volvo	Subaru
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Volvo	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/30 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	326.6/426.0 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.2 gal.	18.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Volvo	Subaru
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	12.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	250W	—
Speaker System	8	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Volvo	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Volvo	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	54.7 in.	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	8-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Volvo	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.1 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.6 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Volvo	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R18	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.0 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volvo XC40 and 2026 Subaru Outback.

Is the Volvo XC40 or the Subaru Outback more efficient for daily driving?

They are very close, but the 2026 Outback takes a slight edge with 27 combined MPG compared to the XC40's 26 combined MPG. Additionally, the Outback runs on regular unleaded, which saves money over the Volvo’s recommended premium fuel.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Volvo XC40 than the 2026 Outback?

The Volvo XC40 has a significant power advantage, producing 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This is a difference of 67 hp when compared to the Subaru Outback’s 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

If I haul a lot of gear, which crossover is better?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is vastly superior for cargo hauling, offering 34.6 cubic feet of space. The 2025 Volvo XC40 is much smaller inside, providing only 20.4 cu ft of cargo capacity.

What is the key financial difference between these two vehicles?

There is a $5,655 difference in the starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Volvo XC40 starting at $40,650 and the Subaru Outback starting at $34,995.

Do both vehicles offer All-Wheel Drive?

Yes, both the 2025 Volvo XC40 and the 2026 Subaru Outback come standard with an all-wheel drive system, which is great for varying road conditions.

Which transmission setup is typically considered sportier?

The Volvo XC40 utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which usually provides a more engaging, gear-specific driving feel compared to the Subaru Outback's continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).