2019 Volvo XC40 vs 2020 Subaru Outback
Overview | |
MSRP$33,700 | MSRP$26,645 |
Listings33 | Listings171 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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2019 Volvo XC40 Reviews SummaryIf any brand is experiencing a revival in terms of both form and function, it's Volvo. The Swedish automaker is experiencing a renaissance, delivering new cars that are not only breathtaking to look at inside and out, but that also provide fantastic technology, safety, and performance. Volvo was once the Safety Brand, but with the advent of advanced safety technology, many other brands have caught up. Volvo has found its niche in high fashion, backed by continually improving safety technology that rivals the best in the world. This recent trend started with the XC90 SUV and was followed by the V90 wagon. These are world-class vehicles, but they also fetch high prices. Enter the 2019 Volvo XC40. It scales down much of what makes those high-end models so great, offering it in a (comparatively) more affordable subcompact SUV package. The XC40 offers ingenious cargo solutions, incredibly advanced technology, and even a new way to go about car ownership. Is that enough to make it stand out compared to other subcompact SUVs? Read on to find out. | |
2020 Subaru Outback Reviews SummarySubaru kept the wagon vibes rolling while the rest of the world fell in love with SUVs and crossovers. And, although the 2020 Outback is technically a midsize crossover, one look will have you remembering summer drives in an overstuffed station wagon down a busy highway, whether you actually took those trips or not. And that’s not a bad thing. The Outback has always provided utility, performance, and looks, and those things have made it Subaru’s top-selling model. With the updates for this sixth generation, I wouldn’t be surprised to see America falling in love with the station wagon again. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 187 hp I4 | Engine2.5L 182 hp H4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower187 hp @ 4700 rpm | Horsepower182 hp @ 5800 rpm |
MPG City23 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway33 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 187 hp I4 | Engine Name2.5L 182 hp H4 |
Torque221 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm | Torque178 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
Horsepower187 hp @ 4700 rpm | Horsepower182 hp @ 5800 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City23 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway33 |
Interior | |
Leather SeatsStandard | Leather Seats |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space20.7 cu ft | Cargo Space32.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight3564 lbs | Curb Weight3634 lbs |
Height65.3 in | Height66.1 in |
Length174.2 in | Length191.3 in |
Width80.1 in | Width82.0 in |
Wheelbase106.4 in | Wheelbase108.1 in |
Maximum Payload1195 lbs | Maximum Payload1071 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity2700 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $33,700 | $26,645 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 7.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | If any brand is experiencing a revival in terms of both form and function, it's Volvo. The Swedish automaker is experiencing a renaissance, delivering new cars that are not only breathtaking to look at inside and out, but that also provide fantastic technology, safety, and performance. Volvo was once the Safety Brand, but with the advent of advanced safety technology, many other brands have caught up. Volvo has found its niche in high fashion, backed by continually improving safety technology that rivals the best in the world. This recent trend started with the XC90 SUV and was followed by the V90 wagon. These are world-class vehicles, but they also fetch high prices. Enter the 2019 Volvo XC40. It scales down much of what makes those high-end models so great, offering it in a (comparatively) more affordable subcompact SUV package. The XC40 offers ingenious cargo solutions, incredibly advanced technology, and even a new way to go about car ownership. Is that enough to make it stand out compared to other subcompact SUVs? Read on to find out. | Subaru kept the wagon vibes rolling while the rest of the world fell in love with SUVs and crossovers. And, although the 2020 Outback is technically a midsize crossover, one look will have you remembering summer drives in an overstuffed station wagon down a busy highway, whether you actually took those trips or not. And that’s not a bad thing. The Outback has always provided utility, performance, and looks, and those things have made it Subaru’s top-selling model. With the updates for this sixth generation, I wouldn’t be surprised to see America falling in love with the station wagon again. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 187 hp I4 | 2.5L 182 hp H4 |
Drive Train | FWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 187 hp @ 4700 rpm | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm |
MPG City | 23 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 33 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 187 hp I4 | 2.5L 182 hp H4 |
Torque | 221 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
Horsepower | 187 hp @ 4700 rpm | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 23 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 33 |
Interior | ||
Leather Seats | Standard | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 20.7 cu ft | 32.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3564 lbs | 3634 lbs |
Height | 65.3 in | 66.1 in |
Length | 174.2 in | 191.3 in |
Width | 80.1 in | 82.0 in |
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 108.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 1195 lbs | 1071 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 3500 lbs | 2700 lbs |
The 2019 Volvo XC40, rated 9 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, boasts standout styling with an upright appearance, providing ample head- and legroom. It comes in three trims: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription, each offering unique design elements and features. The XC40's interior is well-equipped, with a large 9-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment display and luxurious materials.
The 2020 Subaru Outback, rated 8 out of 10, offers a handsome profile and incremental improvements over its predecessor. It features a wealth of utility, safety, and performance, with a spacious interior and a low load height for trunk and roof storage.
The 2019 Volvo XC40, rated 7 out of 10, is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It provides brisk acceleration, well-weighted steering, and responsive turn-in, offering various drive modes for different driving experiences.
The 2020 Subaru Outback, also rated 7 out of 10, offers a 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower and a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru's active all-wheel-drive system, providing capable performance on and off the road.
The 2019 Volvo XC40 maximizes its space with a well-designed interior, featuring smart storage solutions, ample legroom, and a versatile cargo area. It offers practical features such as a removable trash bin in the center console and a hands-free power liftgate.
The 2020 Subaru Outback provides impressive cargo space, with 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It offers substantial rear-seat legroom and excellent visibility, making it a practical choice for everyday use.
The 2019 Volvo XC40 features a large, portrait-oriented touchscreen with a user-friendly interface, offering seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also offers optional advanced tech packages, including a 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
The 2020 Subaru Outback comes with a tablet-style, 11.6-inch touchscreen, offering a modern and intuitive interface. However, it may suffer from lag in certain functions, and the camera resolution may not meet some consumers' expectations.
The 2019 Volvo XC40 prioritizes safety, offering a comprehensive suite of standard and optional safety features, including automatic braking, blind-spot detection, and semi-autonomous driving capabilities. However, it has some inherent safety issues related to its design, such as significant blind spots.
The 2020 Subaru Outback comes standard with a robust safety suite, including Subaru's EyeSight system and DriverFocus. However, some users may experience issues with the system's functionality, which could impact its effectiveness.
CarGurus highlights
Based on the ratings and comparison, the 2019 Volvo XC40 and the 2020 Subaru Outback both offer compelling features and capabilities. However, considering the overall ratings and the detailed comparison, the 2019 Volvo XC40 emerges as the slightly more favorable choice.
Choose the 2019 Volvo XC40 if:
- You prioritize a luxurious and well-equipped interior with smart storage solutions.
- You seek advanced safety features and semi-autonomous driving capabilities.
- You are looking for a subcompact SUV with a standout design and a range of customizable options.
Choose the 2020 Subaru Outback if:
- You value practicality and spacious cargo capacity for everyday use.
- You prioritize off-road capability and all-weather performance.
- You are looking for a versatile and well-equipped crossover with a diverse pricing structure.
CarGurus highlights
Based on the ratings and comparison, the 2019 Volvo XC40 and the 2020 Subaru Outback both offer compelling features and capabilities. However, considering the overall ratings and the detailed comparison, the 2019 Volvo XC40 emerges as the slightly more favorable choice.
Choose the 2019 Volvo XC40 if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a luxurious and well-equipped interior with smart storage solutions.
- You seek advanced safety features and semi-autonomous driving capabilities.
- You are looking for a subcompact SUV with a standout design and a range of customizable options.
Choose the 2020 Subaru Outback if:
Shop Now- You value practicality and spacious cargo capacity for everyday use.
- You prioritize off-road capability and all-weather performance.
- You are looking for a versatile and well-equipped crossover with a diverse pricing structure.
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.
