Volvo Xc60 vs. Subaru Forester: Which Suv Reigns Supreme?
Choosing your next SUV can be a tough decision, especially with so many excellent options available. Two popular choices often top the lists: the Volvo XC60 and the Subaru Forester. Both offer compelling features, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences.
This in-depth comparison dives into the heart of the matter, exploring the strengths and weaknesses of each vehicle. We’ll examine everything from performance and safety to interior comfort and overall value. Get ready to discover which SUV truly deserves a spot in your driveway.
The Volvo XC60 presents a premium Scandinavian experience, known for its elegant design and advanced technology. On the other hand, the Subaru Forester emphasizes rugged capability and practicality, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. Let’s find out which one aligns better with your lifestyle.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | XC60 | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Options | Turbocharged I4, Plug-in Hybrid | Boxer I4 |
| Horsepower | 247-455 hp | 182 hp |
| Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23-66 MPG / 30-74 MPG (Hybrid) | 26 MPG / 33 MPG |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD | AWD |
| Cargo Space (Behind Rear Seats) | 29.7-63.3 cu. ft. | 26.9-74.2 cu. ft. |
| Infotainment Screen | 9-inch Touchscreen | 6.5- or 8-inch Touchscreen |
| Standard Safety Features | Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking | Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking |
| Available Driver-Assistance Tech | Pilot Assist, Blind Spot Information System | Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist |
| Ground Clearance | 8.3 inches | 8.7 inches |
| Warranty (Basic) | 4 years/50,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Transmission | 8-speed Automatic | CVT |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Safety Features
- Volvo Xc60: The Volvo XC60 is renowned for its advanced safety systems, including Pilot Assist (semi-autonomous driving), City Safety (automatic emergency braking), and a robust suite of airbags. It consistently earns top safety ratings. A potential drawback can be the complexity of some systems.
- Subaru Forester: The Subaru Forester excels in safety with its standard EyeSight driver-assist technology, offering features like pre-collision braking and adaptive cruise control. It also boasts excellent visibility and a strong crash test performance. Some find EyeSight’s lane keeping assistance a bit sensitive.
- Winner: Volvo
Fuel Efficiency
- Volvo Xc60: The XC60 offers a range of engine options, including hybrid powertrains, leading to decent fuel economy. However, the performance-oriented engines may have lower MPG compared to competitors.
- Subaru Forester: The Forester is known for its impressive fuel efficiency, particularly for its class, thanks to its efficient engine and standard all-wheel drive. It offers a good balance between power and fuel economy.
- Winner: Forester
Interior Quality & Design
- Volvo Xc60: The XC60 boasts a luxurious and minimalist Scandinavian interior design, with high-quality materials and comfortable seating. Its infotainment system can be a bit slow to respond.
- Subaru Forester: The Forester features a functional and practical interior, with durable materials and plenty of space. While not as luxurious as the Volvo, it is well-built and offers good value.
- Winner: Volvo
Performance & Handling
- Volvo Xc60: The XC60 provides a comfortable and composed ride, with responsive handling and a range of powerful engine options. Some may find the base engine performance slightly lacking.
- Subaru Forester: The Forester offers capable handling and a balanced ride, with its standard all-wheel drive providing excellent traction in various conditions. It’s not particularly sporty, but it is competent.
- Winner: Volvo
Technology & Infotainment
- Volvo Xc60: The XC60 features a modern infotainment system with a large touchscreen display and smartphone integration. Some users find the touchscreen controls distracting while driving.
- Subaru Forester: The Forester has a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen display and standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its system is generally easier to use compared to the Volvo.
- Winner: Forester
Cargo Space & Practicality
- Volvo Xc60: The XC60 offers a decent amount of cargo space, suitable for everyday needs, but it may not be as spacious as some rivals. It prioritizes interior comfort.
- Subaru Forester: The Forester excels in practicality, with a generous cargo area and a boxy design that maximizes interior space. It’s a great choice for those needing to haul cargo.
- Winner: Forester
Off-Road Capability
- Volvo Xc60: The XC60 is not designed for serious off-roading, though it does offer all-wheel drive for improved handling in adverse weather conditions.
- Subaru Forester: The Forester is renowned for its off-road capability, with its standard all-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and available X-Mode system. It is well-suited for light to moderate off-road adventures.
- Winner: Forester
Price & Value
- Volvo Xc60: The XC60 typically comes with a higher price tag, reflecting its premium brand positioning and luxurious features.
- Subaru Forester: The Forester offers excellent value for money, with a competitive price point and a generous list of standard features.
- Winner: Forester
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Luxury & Design | Volvo XC60 |
| Fuel Efficiency (Hybrid) | Volvo XC60 |
| Standard Safety Features | Tie |
| Off-Road Capability | Subaru Forester |
| Value | Subaru Forester |
What They Have in Common
- Seating Capacity: Both the Volvo XC60 and Subaru Forester comfortably seat five passengers, making them suitable for families or groups of friends.
- Standard Safety Features: Both vehicles include standard safety features like Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking, providing a base level of protection for drivers and passengers.
- All-Wheel Drive Availability: While the XC60 offers both FWD and AWD options, the Forester comes standard with AWD, providing enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions.
- Fuel Efficiency: Both models offer relatively good fuel economy for their class, though the Volvo XC60’s hybrid options provide significantly improved fuel efficiency.
- Modern Infotainment: Both vehicles come equipped with modern infotainment systems, including touchscreen displays and smartphone integration capabilities.
Volvo XC60 Vs Subaru Forester Buying Guide
Safety Features
The Volvo XC60 excels in safety, boasting advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) as standard. These include features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, contributing to its high safety ratings. The Subaru Forester also provides a strong safety package, with its EyeSight driver-assist technology. EyeSight includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning. While both vehicles prioritize safety, the XC60 often presents a more refined and comprehensive suite of ADAS features, leading to a slightly higher score in safety comparisons. Both are highly regarded.
Performance and Handling
The Volvo XC60 offers a range of powerful and efficient engine options, including hybrid variants, providing a dynamic driving experience. Its responsive handling and smooth ride quality make it a pleasure to drive on various road conditions. The Subaru Forester, known for its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, excels in off-road capabilities and provides confident handling in inclement weather. Its boxer engine contributes to a lower center of gravity, enhancing stability. While the XC60 prioritizes on-road performance and luxury, the Forester emphasizes all-weather capability and versatility.
Interior and Comfort
The Volvo XC60 showcases a luxurious and well-appointed interior, with premium materials and a Scandinavian design aesthetic. It offers comfortable seating, a spacious cabin, and advanced infotainment technology. The Subaru Forester features a more utilitarian interior, focusing on practicality and functionality. While it may not match the XC60’s level of luxury, the Forester provides ample space for passengers and cargo, along with durable materials. Both vehicles offer comfortable seating, but the XC60 prioritizes a more upscale and refined experience.
Fuel Efficiency
Both the Volvo XC60 and the Subaru Forester offer competitive fuel economy ratings, although the specific figures vary depending on the engine configuration. The XC60’s hybrid options contribute to improved fuel efficiency. The Forester generally provides good fuel economy for its class, especially considering its standard all-wheel-drive system. Prospective buyers should consider their driving habits and prioritize fuel efficiency when selecting between the two vehicles, comparing the EPA ratings for their preferred configurations. The XC60 has a slight edge on certain trims.
Technology and Features
The Volvo XC60 is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a user-friendly infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and a suite of connectivity features. It often offers advanced driver-assistance systems as standard. The Subaru Forester also includes a range of technology features, such as a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance technologies. While the Forester provides a solid technology package, the XC60 often features more advanced and integrated technologies, enhancing the overall driving experience. Both offer good value.
Value and Reliability
The Subaru Forester is typically priced more affordably than the Volvo XC60, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. It is also known for its strong reliability ratings and lower maintenance costs. The Volvo XC60, while positioned in a higher price bracket, offers a premium driving experience and a reputation for long-term reliability. Potential buyers should consider their budget, long-term ownership costs, and desired level of luxury when evaluating the value proposition of each vehicle. Both hold their value well.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Volvo XC60 If…
- You prioritize a luxurious interior and advanced technology features.
- You desire a vehicle with a wider range of engine options, including a plug-in hybrid.
- You value a stylish design and a premium driving experience.
- You want a vehicle with superior safety ratings.
Buy Subaru Forester If…
- You need a vehicle with standard all-wheel drive for enhanced off-road capabilities and winter driving.
- You prioritize a practical and spacious interior with excellent cargo capacity.
- You’re looking for a vehicle with a strong reputation for reliability and longevity.
- You prefer a more affordable option with excellent value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences in safety features?
The Volvo XC60 typically offers a more comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) as standard, including features like Pilot Assist. The Subaru Forester provides EyeSight driver-assist technology, which includes adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking. Both vehicles prioritize safety, but the XC60 often has a slight edge with its more advanced features and higher safety ratings from organizations like IIHS and NHTSA. Both offer excellent protection.
Which car offers better performance?
The Volvo XC60 offers a range of powerful engine options, including hybrid variants, providing a more dynamic and engaging driving experience. The Subaru Forester, with its boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive, is known for its off-road capabilities and confident handling. The XC60 is generally quicker and more responsive on the road, while the Forester is more capable in challenging conditions. The choice depends on your needs.
How do the interiors compare in terms of luxury?
The Volvo XC60 boasts a luxurious and well-appointed interior with premium materials and a Scandinavian design aesthetic. The Subaru Forester features a more utilitarian interior, focused on practicality and functionality. The XC60 offers a more upscale and refined experience, while the Forester prioritizes space and durability. The XC60’s interior design is typically considered more premium. Both offer comfortable seating.
What about fuel efficiency?
Both vehicles offer competitive fuel economy, but the specific figures vary depending on engine configuration. The XC60’s hybrid options can improve fuel efficiency. The Forester generally provides good fuel economy for its class, especially with its standard all-wheel drive. Consider your driving habits when choosing. The XC60 has a slight edge on certain trims, but both are quite efficient.
What is the price difference between the two?
The Subaru Forester is typically priced more affordably than the Volvo XC60. The price difference reflects the different positioning of the two vehicles, with the XC60 being a premium offering. However, the Forester offers excellent value for its price, with a strong reputation for reliability and features. Consider your budget and desired level of luxury when making a decision.
Which car is better for off-roading?
The Subaru Forester, with its standard symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and higher ground clearance, is better suited for off-roading. The Forester’s design and engineering prioritize all-weather capability and versatility. While the XC60 can handle light off-road conditions, the Forester provides more confidence and capability on unpaved roads and trails. The Forester is the clear winner here.
Which car is more reliable?
Both Volvo and Subaru have good reputations for reliability. However, Subaru, in general, is often considered to have slightly better long-term reliability ratings and lower maintenance costs. The Forester’s reputation for dependability makes it a strong contender in this category. However, both vehicles are generally reliable. Consider also factors such as your specific driving style and maintenance habits.
Final Verdict
The Volvo XC60 and Subaru Forester each offer unique strengths. The XC60 provides a luxurious interior, advanced technology, and powerful engine options, appealing to those seeking a premium driving experience. The Forester excels in practicality, affordability, and all-weather capability, making it ideal for adventurous families. While the XC60 offers a more refined experience, the Forester’s value and versatility make it a compelling choice for many buyers.
Winner: Subaru Forester