2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Volvo XC60

In 2021, car buyers had some attractive options, particularly when comparing the Volvo XC60 and the Subaru Outback.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 embodied elegance, a crossover with a distinct tailored crossover two-box design marked by short front and rear overhangs. It proudly displayed Volvo’s iron mark logo on an upright grille, flanked by LED daytime running lights shaped like Thor’s hammer. This, undoubtedly, was the most Swedish design flourish on an SUV. Its paint quality, chrome, and trim were executed beautifully, and even on the higher trim levels, the up-to-21-inch alloy wheels were both fashionable and attractive.

Inside, the XC60 continued the elegant, Scandinavian vibe. The cabin featured clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere that elevated the vehicle to near-luxury status. Volvo’s vertical 9-inch infotainment touchscreen was intuitive and easy to use, befitting an early adopter in the industry. Small details accentuated the experience, such as the HVAC vents designed with a single chromed knob for controlling direction and airflow. Textures and colors throughout the interior were harmoniously well-thought-out, making it a very pleasant space to spend time in.

Similarly, the 2021 Subaru Outback maintained a familiar and functional style. Although redesigned in 2020, it retained the cozy familiarity of previous models with analog gauges and seats akin to old Subaru models. The interior was refreshingly updated compared to the smaller Crosstrek, particularly if you avoided the base trim, which featured a less appealing double 7-inch touchscreen setup. Opting for Premium or higher trims rewarded buyers with a sharp 11.6-inch portrait display surrounded by polished black plastic and accented with minimal chrome trim − a setup that spoke of thoughtful design and hands-on utility.

Externally, the Outback was clad in gray plastic for wheel arches, sills, and bumpers, designed to reduce the chance of scratching paint. The styling was balanced, stable yet plain, punctuated by bracket-shaped LED running lights and chrome window trim. For 2021, it even introduced a new paint option, Brilliant Bronze Metallic, and adaptive LED headlights as standard. Despite its crossover-like appearance, enthusiasts and Subaru loyalists alike were reminded that the Outback essentially remained a slightly lifted wagon, reminiscent of its rugged legacy.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was powered by a robust lineup of four-cylinder, 2.0-liter gasoline engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the variant, buyers could choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The T5 model, the entry-level option, featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower with 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model integrated both a turbocharger and a supercharger, elevating the performance to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Topping the lineup was the T8 variant, a plug-in hybrid delivering a combined 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, thanks to the addition of an 87-horsepower electric motor. The most potent version, the T8 Polestar Engineered, pushed output to 415 horsepower and maintained the same torque figure.

Driving the XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered revealed the versatility and prowess of its PHEV setup. It could travel up to 19 miles on electric power alone, acting as a proper hybrid beyond that limited range. This provided a blend of efficiency and performance, with smart decision-making on when to engage electric assistance or recapture energy from braking. The XC60’s AWD system and torque vectoring facilitated seamless and composed cornering, enhanced by a quiet and smooth-riding suspension − cementing its suitability for comfortable and peaceful road trips.

Fuel economy statistics were competitive, with the T5 FWD achieving 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. The T8 PHEV models further improved to 27 mpg combined, or an impressive 57 MPGe combined in electric-only mode, using premium gasoline as recommended by Volvo.

Subaru’s 2021 Outback, by contrast, presented a tale of two engine choices. The base engine, a 2.5-liter flat-four, remained a near vestige of past models, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. Tasked with moving a sizeable 3,635-pound vehicle, its performance felt underwhelming when further burdened by passengers and cargo, resulting in a noisy and sluggish experience compounded by the continuously variable transmission (CVT).

A saving grace for power seekers was the XT trim’s 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine. Producing a more spirited 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque at a low 2,000 rpm, the XT significantly improved drivability, offering quieter, smoother operation and elevated performance that outshone even Subaru’s older 3.6-liter flat-six.

Fuel efficiency saw the base 2.5-liter engine manage 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, while the turbo XT, although somewhat thirstier, recorded 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Despite these figures, the XT’s capability likely balanced out the slight hit to fuel economy under real-world driving conditions, where the base engine might strain and consume more fuel when fully loaded.

Comfort and terrain adaptability were strong suits of the Outback, with its high 8.7 inches of ground clearance and long-travel springs ensuring smooth rides across varied terrains. Subaru’s AWD and X-Mode systems enhanced the Outback’s rugged credentials, making it particularly efficient off-road and in poor weather conditions.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 excelled as a comfortable and stylish vehicle designed for safe and enjoyable travel. Front seats were particularly praised for their adjustability and heating capabilities, excelling during harsh Michigan winters. The XC60’s robust heating systems, efficient rear glass heater, and windshield defroster handled ice and snow efficiently. Well-designed storage spaces throughout the cabin added to its practicality, catering to both front and rear passengers with clever storage solutions.

Cargo capacity in the XC60 was substantial, providing 21.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, which expanded to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Additionally, its towing capacity was rated up to 3,500 pounds, making it a practical choice for families needing extra utility.

Subaru’s 2021 Outback was equally formidable in terms of interior comfort and cargo space. With a generous 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 76 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, the Outback offered more capacity compared to the XC60. Its cargo area was wide and flat, free from intrusive shapes, making it highly functional for diverse loading needs.

Passenger comfort was a highlight, with ample headroom and legroom for all outboard seating positions and superb outward visibility due to thin pillars and large windows. While the base model lacked some features like push-button start and rear climate vents, higher trims were well-appointed, offering thoughtful touches like a power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, and handy roof rails with integrated crossbars for additional cargo carrying.

Subaru’s only drawback lay in its option packaging, where essential features like a moonroof were bundled with costly navigation and other options, increasing the overall cost.

Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system remained a focal point of discussion for the XC60. Its tablet-style touchpad interface divided opinions, resembling an iPad in portrait orientation with gestures familiar to frequent tablet users. The system’s segmented screen layout aimed for intuitive operation, but its learning curve could frustrate users who were not willing to spend time familiarizing themselves when stationary. Nevertheless, Volvo offered robust smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot included.

The audio system, particularly the Bowers & Wilkins premium setup, delivered an exceptional listening experience, elevating the cabin’s ambience further.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback’s technology felt dated despite incorporating modern features. Its infotainment system’s graphics and typefaces harkened back to older gaming consoles, diminishing the impression of technological advancement. The dual-screen setup on the base model was especially unattractive and less functional compared to the larger single screen found in higher trims.

Despite these shortcomings, the integration of Subaru EyeSight as a standard feature across all trims was a major plus, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking for improved safety and driving assistance. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, while navigation options on higher trims offered a more contemporary look.

Volvo’s commitment to safety was paramount, reflected in the 2021 XC60’s comprehensive suite of standard safety features. It included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring with steering assist, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic emergency braking, and numerous collision mitigation technologies. The XC60 also benefited from Volvo’s semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist for enhanced driving assistance. Notably, Volvo’s decision to limit the top speed of its vehicles to 112 mph underscored its focus on safety.

The XC60 had earned top safety accolades, including a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA for its various models, consolidating its reputation as a paragon of vehicular safety.

The 2021 Subaru Outback was similarly dedicated to safety, built on a stronger, stiffer chassis than previous models and featuring standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Depending on the trim, additional driver-assist features were available, such as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, rear emergency braking, and a driver-attention monitor.

The Outback had also been recognized for its safety excellence, with a 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ accolade and top ratings in crash tests. The NHTSA rated it five stars overall, though it received slightly lower scores in front passenger frontal crashes and rollover tests.