2025 Volvo XC60 vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$47,050 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The $12,055 MSRP disparity between the 2025 Volvo XC60 ($47,050) and the 2026 Subaru Outback ($34,995) dictates much of this comparison. The XC60 boasts a significant 247 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, eclipsing the Outback's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft by a margin of 67 hp. Conversely, the Outback offers slightly superior fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG using regular unleaded fuel, compared to the XC60's 26 combined MPG mandate for premium fuel. Dimensionally, the Outback is longer at 191.7 inches versus the Volvo's 185.4 inches, and slightly taller at 67.5 inches compared to 65.2 inches. Despite the power difference, the Outback delivers 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, a metric not explicitly listed for the XC60 in base trims for direct comparison, highlighting the value-oriented strength of the Subaru.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its lower MSRP of $34,995 and its marginally better 27 MPG combined rating using regular unleaded fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The Outback's larger physical dimensions, including 191.7 inches in length and its available 34.6 cu ft cargo space, likely offer more utility for families than the XC60.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volvo XC60

The 2025 Volvo XC60 delivers 247 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, significantly surpassing the Outback's 180 hp output for spirited driving.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback's starting MSRP is $12,055 less than the XC60 while providing standard AWD and better fuel efficiency ratings.

Choose the Volvo XC60 if...

Absolute engine performance is a priority, evidenced by the XC60's 247 hp rating.
You prefer the driving characteristics associated with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
A manufacturer-mandated premium unleaded fuel requirement aligns with your preference for higher-octane fuel.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Maximizing initial purchase savings is critical, given the $34,995 starting price.
Operating cost efficiency is key, as the Outback achieves 27 MPG on regular unleaded fuel.
A longer body (191.7 inches) and greater height (67.5 inches) are necessary for vehicle accommodation.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Volvo XC60	Subaru Outback
Length	185.4"	191.7"
Width	74.9"	74.0"
Height	65.2"	67.5"
Wheelbase	112.8"	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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Front Fog Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
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	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	266 lb-ft	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)	432.4/564.0 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 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	✓	✓
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	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Volvo	Subaru
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	12.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	220W	—
Speaker System	10	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
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Volvo	Subaru
Front Head Room	38.0 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.2 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	56.4 in.	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette/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 Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Volvo	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.4 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 Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

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 XC60 and 2026 Subaru Outback.

What is the primary performance gap between the 2025 XC60 and the 2026 Outback?

The most significant numerical performance difference lies in horsepower; the Volvo XC60 produces 247 hp, which is 67 hp more than the Subaru Outback’s 180 hp rating. Furthermore, the XC60’s 266 lb-ft of torque significantly outweighs the Outback's 178 lb-ft.

Which crossover is more budget-friendly regarding acquisition cost?

The 2026 Subaru Outback presents a substantially lower barrier to entry with an MSRP of $34,995, contrasting sharply with the 2025 Volvo XC60’s starting price of $47,050, representing a $12,055 price advantage for the Subaru.

How do the fuel requirements and efficiency compare for daily driving?

The Outback has a combined MPG of 27 and runs on regular unleaded, whereas the XC60 is rated at 26 combined MPG and specifically recommends premium unleaded fuel, impacting long-term operating costs.

Are the dimensions notably different between these two AWD crossovers?

Yes, the Outback is longer at 191.7 inches compared to the XC60's 185.4 inches, and the Outback is also 2.3 inches taller at 67.5 inches, suggesting a different profile for parking and garage fitment.

Is the power difference substantial enough to warrant the extra cost of the Volvo?

For buyers prioritizing acceleration and on-demand power, the XC60's 247 hp output justifies its premium price point for performance. However, for standard commuting, the Outback's 180 hp combined with better mileage often yields better overall value metrics.

Which vehicle uses a standard transmission type?

The 2025 Volvo XC60 utilizes a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the 2026 Subaru Outback employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).