2025 Subaru Outback vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in three model series: B5, B6, and Recharge T8, each equipped with a standard all-wheel drive system. The B5 model featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance. The Recharge T8, a plug-in hybrid, offered the most power and efficiency, boasting an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. The XC90 was offered in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding the destination charge. The Recharge T8 Ultimate trim test vehicle came with seven-passenger seating, a Lounge Package, active air suspension, and a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, priced at $89,145. The XC90's exterior featured a subdued, earthy color palette, with wheel designs up to 21 inches, and a Bright theme contrasting with the blacked-out trend. Inside, the design was dated but luxurious, with options for wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, and an Orrefors crystal shift knob adding elegance.

The 2025 Subaru Outback stood out as one of the few remaining wagons in the U.S., adopting crossover trends with its rugged design elements like chunky wheel-arch flares and a robust roof rack. The test car's Crimson Red Pearl paint complemented its black leather interior, though muted earthy shades were deemed more fitting. Subaru focused on off-road capabilities, appealing to a niche market that proved successful, with the Outback being one of the brand's best-sellers. The 2025 model saw no major changes, with Base and Premium trims featuring cloth upholstery and 17-inch wheels, while Onyx and Wilderness models had StarTex synthetic leather. The Limited trim gained features like a power moonroof and DriverFocus tech. The Touring XT trim, tested, offered Nappa leather and ventilated front seats. The Outback's exterior was rugged, with minimal chrome and black plastic, and the interior featured easy-to-read gauges and a small digital display for essential information.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with the B6 model’s supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The battery and electric motor allowed for 32 miles of electric-only driving, with a combined hybrid fuel economy of 27 mpg. In Power mode, the XC90 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds. Charging the battery took about 12 hours with a standard outlet, or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 offered various driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. However, during testing, the XC90 fell short of its electric range and fuel economy estimates, achieving 28 miles of electric range and 24.5 mpg. The SUV excelled in electric performance for short trips but showed reduced performance as the battery depleted. The gas engine provided ample power, but the XC90's handling was not particularly thrilling, with firm ride quality and noticeable cabin noise.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, while XT trims had a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines used regular unleaded gas and were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine offered better acceleration, making it a recommended choice for those who could afford the upgrade. The Outback's 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-Mode enhanced traction on slippery surfaces, with the Wilderness model offering 9.5 inches of clearance and additional off-road features. The Outback provided a smooth and comfortable ride, with light steering, smooth throttle, and powerful brakes. However, the stop/start technology was intrusive, and the CVT was slow to respond during throttle transitions.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, was well-equipped with power-adjustable heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. A panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims offered features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, though they could catch on clothing. The XC90 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, but the climate control struggled in hot conditions. The SUV seated seven, with a comfortable second-row bench and a more accommodating third row than expected. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use but expanded to 65.5 cubic feet with it folded, and 85.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon shape offered practicality, with easy entry and exit and a lower roof height for loading the roof rack. Its low center of gravity and flat-four engine design contributed to agile handling. The Outback provided 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat up and 75.6 cubic feet with it folded, with a flat floor and square shape maximizing usability. The 109 cubic feet of passenger volume was larger than some crossovers, with more front headroom and legroom than competitors, though the rear seat was slightly smaller. Buyers were advised to test different trims, as the Limited and Touring grades differed significantly from the Wilderness model. The Outback's towing capacity was 2,700 pounds, increasing to 3,500 pounds with the turbocharged engine.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. These features were free for four years, after which a subscription was required. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with optional Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins audio systems. The infotainment system, though small, was intuitive and included physical controls for volume and tuning. The Google Assistant was generally effective, though sometimes required rephrasing for desired results. The XC90 also had a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's technology package included an 11.6-inch touchscreen with large icons, though the Starlink infotainment system was slow to respond, especially at startup. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity except for the base model. The Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system was effective, though navigation commands sometimes limited audio to the rear speakers. The dashboard featured a mix of physical controls and touchscreen functions, with a CD player included in the Touring trim. USB-A and USB-C ports were available for device connectivity.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA in all but rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. However, its advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were not as innovative as competitors, lacking a hands-free driving system. Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, was used extensively but struggled with certain road conditions and made a significant error during testing, affecting confidence in the system.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured EyeSight driver-assist technology with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The system kept the Outback in its lane but with noticeable side-to-side movement. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which worked effectively. The DriverFocus system occasionally issued false notifications but was preferable to a non-functional system. The 2024 Outback earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with the 2025 model expected to perform similarly.