2020 Subaru Outback vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, mirrors, a more aggressive chin spoiler, and striking 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and curving LED taillights were standard, adding to the vehicle's distinctive look. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior, emphasizing Volvo's commitment to subtlety and craftsmanship. The interior boasted luxurious materials, including rich leather, padded surfaces, and finely detailed elements like the Swedish flag tag and twist-action ignition knob.

The 2020 Subaru Outback maintained its winning formula by focusing on incremental improvements. Built on Subaru’s Global Platform, the sixth-gen Outback offered a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, with 90% new parts, delivered 182 horsepower and improved fuel efficiency. For those seeking more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent provided 260 hp. The exterior changes were subtle, but the interior saw significant upgrades, including an 11.6-inch touchscreen for all but the base trim. The innovative DriverFocus system used facial recognition to enhance safety, while the Outback's seven trim levels offered a range of features to suit different needs.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, making it more suitable for fast-flowing traffic. The Polestar tune boosted these numbers to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's performance was not without flaws. The engine lagged in Comfort mode, and the noise was unrefined. Fuel economy was also unimpressive, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque but had limited electric range and added weight, which negated its speed advantage.

The 2020 Subaru Outback's upgraded 2.5-liter engine produced 182 hp and achieved 26 mpg city, 33 highway. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in the XT trims delivered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, allowing the Outback to reach 60 mph in around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that mimicked a traditional automatic transmission, reducing the typical CVT drawbacks. Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system provided consistent power delivery and improved handling. The Outback's 8.7 inches of ground clearance and upgraded X-Mode with hill-descent control made it capable off-road, though it wasn't designed for extreme conditions.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous versions, though some functions were buried in menus. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The six-seat configuration was available on the T6 and T8 powertrains but not on the R-Design model. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was suitable for small children. Cargo space was up to 85.7 cubic feet with the last two rows folded, and sightlines from the driver's seat were excellent.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expanding 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 provided ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. Visibility was a strong point, with great sightlines in nearly every direction, though the rear quarters had a significant blind spot. The low load height and lower center of gravity compared to an SUV improved braking and handling.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, offering an immersive audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could display the map between analog-style dials but lacked major reconfiguration options.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen that was visually appealing and easy to understand. However, the system suffered from lag, affecting navigation, app loading, and even volume control. The camera resolution was also subpar. Despite these issues, the screen layout was generally well-organized, and the system had potential for improvement.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and advanced airbag systems.

The 2020 Subaru Outback's standard safety suite was impressive, including the AWD system. However, the DriverFocus system was problematic, frequently issuing false alerts. Subaru's EyeSight system, while standard, could be obstructed by environmental factors, causing it to turn off. Despite these issues, the Outback maintained a strong safety reputation.