What To Know
- When it comes to adventure-ready wagons that combine rugged capability with everyday practicality, the Subaru Outback and Volvo XC70 stand out as two of the most compelling choices.
- Safety is a top priority for both Subaru and Volvo, and both the Outback and XC70 come equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features.
- The Outback’s rear seats can be folded down in a 60/40 split, while the XC70’s rear seats can be folded down in a 40/20/40 split, providing more flexibility for carrying different types of cargo.
When it comes to adventure-ready wagons that combine rugged capability with everyday practicality, the Subaru Outback and Volvo XC70 stand out as two of the most compelling choices. These vehicles offer a unique blend of versatility, comfort, and all-wheel-drive performance, making them ideal for navigating challenging terrain and tackling active lifestyles. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the Subaru Outback and Volvo XC70, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Performance and Capability:
The Subaru Outback and Volvo XC70 both offer impressive performance and capability, but they approach it in distinct ways. The Outback features a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, providing smooth power delivery and confident handling in various conditions.
On the other hand, the Volvo XC70 offers a more powerful engine lineup. The base model comes with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 250 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. It also features a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, delivering a more engaging driving experience.
In terms of off-road capability, both the Outback and XC70 come equipped with advanced all-wheel-drive systems that provide excellent traction and control on slippery or uneven surfaces. However, the Outback’s standard ground clearance of 8.7 inches gives it a slight edge over the XC70’s 8.3 inches of ground clearance when tackling rough terrain.
Interior Comfort and Convenience:
Both the Subaru Outback and Volvo XC70 offer spacious and well-appointed interiors designed for comfort and convenience. The Outback features a roomy cabin with ample headroom and legroom for passengers in both rows. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long road trips. The infotainment system is easy to use and includes a large touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility.
The Volvo XC70 also boasts a spacious and comfortable interior with high-quality materials and thoughtful design. The seats are particularly impressive, providing excellent support and comfort. The infotainment system is intuitive and features a large touchscreen display, navigation, and a premium audio system.
Safety Features:
Safety is a top priority for both Subaru and Volvo, and both the Outback and XC70 come equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. The Outback offers Subaru‘s EyeSight driver assistance technology, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The XC70, on the other hand, features Volvo’s IntelliSafe safety suite, which includes similar features as well as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a lane-keeping assist system.
Cargo Space and Versatility:
The Subaru Outback and Volvo XC70 both offer versatile cargo space that can accommodate a variety of gear and equipment. The Outback has a spacious cargo area with 35.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The XC70 offers slightly more cargo space, with 38.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Both vehicles also feature versatile seating configurations that allow for various cargo and passenger combinations. The Outback’s rear seats can be folded down in a 60/40 split, while the XC70’s rear seats can be folded down in a 40/20/40 split, providing more flexibility for carrying different types of cargo.
Fuel Efficiency:
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Subaru Outback has a slight advantage over the Volvo XC70. The Outback’s standard 2.5-liter engine is rated at 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the XC70’s standard 2.5-liter turbocharged engine is rated at 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Price and Value:
The Subaru Outback and Volvo XC70 are both priced competitively in the all-terrain wagon segment. The Outback starts at around $27,000, while the XC70 starts at around $40,000. However, it’s important to note that the XC70 comes with a more powerful engine and a more comprehensive suite of safety features as standard.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Subaru Outback and Volvo XC70 are both excellent choices for adventure-minded drivers who value versatility, comfort, and all-wheel-drive performance. The Outback offers a more affordable price point, better fuel efficiency, and a slightly higher ground clearance. The XC70, on the other hand, boasts a more powerful engine, a more comprehensive suite of safety features, and a slightly more spacious cargo area.
Ultimately, the best choice between the Subaru Outback and Volvo XC70 depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. If you’re looking for a more affordable and fuel-efficient option with good off-road capability, the Subaru Outback is a great choice. If you’re willing to pay a bit more for a more powerful engine, a more comprehensive suite of safety features, and a slightly more spacious cargo area, the Volvo XC70 is worth considering.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring the Uniqueness of Each Vehicle
Subaru Outback: Rugged Versatility for the Active Lifestyle
The Subaru Outback is renowned for its rugged versatility and capability, making it an ideal companion for outdoor enthusiasts and families with active lifestyles. Its standard all-wheel drive and generous ground clearance allow it to tackle challenging terrain with confidence, while its spacious interior and versatile cargo space provide ample room for gear and equipment.
Volvo XC70: Sophisticated Luxury with All-Terrain Prowess
The Volvo XC70 combines sophisticated luxury with all-terrain prowess, creating a vehicle that is both stylish and capable. Its powerful turbocharged engine and advanced safety features provide a refined and secure driving experience, while its spacious interior and versatile cargo space make it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which vehicle has better fuel efficiency, the Subaru Outback or Volvo XC70?
A: The Subaru Outback has better fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway compared to the Volvo XC70’s 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Q: Does the Volvo XC70 have more cargo space than the Subaru Outback?
A: The Volvo XC70 has slightly more cargo space than the Subaru Outback, with 38.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats compared to the Outback’s 35.4 cubic feet. However, the Outback offers more cargo space with the rear seats folded down, with 75.7 cubic feet compared to the XC70’s 72.1 cubic feet.
Q: Which vehicle offers a more comprehensive suite of safety features, the Subaru Outback or Volvo XC70?
A: The Volvo XC70 offers a more comprehensive suite of safety features as standard, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a lane-keeping assist system. The Subaru Outback offers these features as optional extras.