2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2020 Subaru Outback

Subaru had a winning formula with the Outback and aimed for incremental improvements in 2020. The sixth-generation Outback was built on Subaru’s Global Platform, boasting a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, although appearing similar to the 2019 model, featured 90% new parts. Higher trims offered a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent. Externally, changes were subtle, mainly in the head- and taillights, while the interior saw significant upgrades, including an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims and the innovative DriverFocus system, which used facial recognition to adjust settings and monitor driver alertness.

The 2020 Outback was available in seven trims, starting with the 2.5i at an MSRP of $26,645, which included LED headlights, keyless entry, and automatic climate control. The Premium trim, starting at $28,895, introduced the 11.6-inch touchscreen and additional features like dual-zone climate control and heated front seats. Higher trims like the Limited and Touring offered more luxury features, while the Onyx Edition XT and XT trims added the turbocharged engine and off-road capabilities. The top-tier Touring XT, priced at $39,695, included all the bells and whistles, making it a well-rounded option for buyers.

Volvo, under Geely Holding Group since 2010, had a rebirth, shedding its Ford shackles and emerging as a near-luxury brand with innovative and safe vehicles. The 2021 XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and larger XC90, was built on Volvo’s SPA platform, shared with other 60- and 90-series vehicles. The XC60 featured an elegant, tailored design with short overhangs and crisp details, highlighted by the iconic Thor’s hammer LED daytime running lights.

Inside, the XC60’s Scandinavian design shone through with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene cabin atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was user-friendly, and the attention to detail in elements like the HVAC vents added to the near-luxury feel. The XC60’s interior was a harmonious blend of textures and colors, making it a pleasant place to spend time.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an upgraded 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase over the 2019 model, and improved fuel efficiency at 26 mpg city and 33 highway. For those needing more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in the XT trims delivered 260 hp and 277 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a CVT, tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, reducing the typical CVT drawbacks.

Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system provided consistent power delivery and better handling, thanks to the low center of gravity of the boxer engine. The Outback’s off-road capabilities were enhanced with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and the upgraded X-Mode on the Onyx XT, which included hill-descent control. However, it wasn’t a Jeep, and its approach, departure, and breakover angles limited its extreme off-road potential.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models, available in FWD or AWD, produced 250 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 models, with both turbocharging and supercharging, delivered 316 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 models, plug-in hybrids, combined a gasoline engine with an 87-hp electric motor, achieving 400 hp and 472 pound-feet of torque, with the T8 Polestar Engineered variant pushing it to 415 hp.

The XC60’s AWD system and torque vectoring provided excellent handling and a solid, secure feel on the road. The cabin was quiet, and the suspension smoothed out bumps, making it a great road-trip car. Fuel economy varied from 22 mpg city/29 highway for the T5 FWD to 27 mpg combined for the T8 PHEV, with the T8 achieving 57 MPGe in electric-only mode.

The 2020 Subaru Outback, a station wagon, offered functional benefits like ample passenger and cargo space, a low load height, and a lower center of gravity for better handling. It provided 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The increased width between the rear wheels contributed to the larger interior volume. The Outback’s design allowed for good visibility, although the rear quarters had a significant blind spot.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system capable of handling harsh winters. The cabin featured smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, making it user-friendly. The XC60 offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 63.6 cubic feet. It was also rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds, adding to its versatility.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually appealing and mostly user-friendly. However, it suffered from lag, affecting navigation, app usage, and even volume control. The camera resolution was also subpar, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the system had potential if Subaru addressed the lag and resolution problems.

The 2021 Volvo XC60’s Sensus infotainment system used a tablet-style touchpad interface, familiar to iPad users. It segmented the screen into function quadrants, making it intuitive once users got accustomed to it. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system in the test model was exceptional, enhancing the overall experience.

The 2020 Subaru Outback had a strong safety suite, including standard AWD and Subaru’s EyeSight system. However, the optical nature of EyeSight meant it could be obstructed by weather conditions. The DriverFocus system, designed to alert distracted drivers, was overly sensitive and often gave false alerts, making it more of a distraction.

The 2021 Volvo XC60, benefiting from Volvo’s safety heritage, received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It included a comprehensive list of standard safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance, and lane-keeping aid. Volvo’s semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system was also available, integrating adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The XC60’s top speed was restricted to 112 mph for safety.