Subaru Outback vs. Volvo XC90
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru Outback and Volvo XC90 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Subaru Outback and the Volvo XC90.
When comparing the Subaru Outback's and the Volvo XC90's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Outback has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. The Volvo XC90 has the advantage in the areas of reliability and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Outback's and the Volvo XC90's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Outback is a better car than the Volvo XC90.
Pricing: For a new model, the Subaru Outback's price is between $32,899 and $42,165, with the Volvo XC90 priced between $58,080 and $74,643.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Outback loses 39.3 percent of its value and the Volvo XC90 loses 54.4 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Outback retains 15.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volvo XC90.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Outback is 8.5 out of 10 while the Volvo XC90's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Outback is 8.6 out of 10. For the Volvo XC90 the reliability rating is 8.6 out of 10. This gives the Volvo XC90 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Subaru Outback.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru Outback’s base engine makes 182 horsepower, and the Volvo XC90 base engine makes 247 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Subaru Outback, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Subaru Outback and the Volvo XC90 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Volvo XC90 has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
32899 - 42165
Starting MSRP:
28895
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
29563
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
28895 - 30100
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
58080 - 74643
Starting MSRP:
56600
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
88803
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
43900 - 155295
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
64068
Price Range:
56839 - 72351
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
108428
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
48353 - 235429
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
761
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
19108
# Good or Great Deals:
362
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
11628
Depreciation %:
0.40242111
Resale Value $:
17267
Residual Value %:
0.59757889
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.34680386
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.31932541 - 0.40242111
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
31258
Depreciation %:
0.55226278
Resale Value $:
25342
Residual Value %:
0.44773722000000005
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
0.5699881
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
0.42757238 - 0.61463015
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.546616 / 10
Reliability:
8.582382 / 10
Retained Value:
8.057466 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Volvo XC90 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.246083 / 10
Reliability:
8.629794 / 10
Retained Value:
7.108456 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Outback
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.9
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.1
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
10.9 - 13.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.221
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volvo XC90
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
8.5 - 18.9
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.224
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.094808122038153
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
3.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
1.5 - 32.7
Subaru Outback Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 56Ranking
15 out of / 18Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 56Ranking
28 out of / 67Volvo XC90 Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 68Ranking
3 out of / 16Ranking
4 out of / 68Ranking
7 out of / 17Ranking
8 out of / 26Ranking
9 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 17Ranking
11 out of / 17Ranking
12 out of / 17Ranking
14 out of / 29Ranking
15 out of / 17Ranking
15 out of / 17Ranking
16 out of / 17Ranking
17 out of / 29Ranking
17 out of / 17Ranking
22 out of / 68Ranking
22 out of / 29Ranking
24 out of / 29Ranking
24 out of / 29Ranking
25 out of / 29Ranking
26 out of / 29Ranking
38 out of / 68Ranking
39 out of / 64Ranking
43 out of / 68Ranking
44 out of / 68Ranking
45 out of / 68Ranking
60 out of / 68Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Subaru Outback Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Limited XT, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition XT, Premium, Touring, Touring XT, Wilderness
Volvo XC90 Trim Levels
B5 Core Bright Theme, B5 Plus Bright Theme, B6 Core Bright Theme, B6 Plus Bright Theme 6P, B6 Plus Bright Theme 7P, B6 Ultimate Bright Theme 6P, B6 Ultimate Bright Theme 7P
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
176 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
247 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.054 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 27 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
414 / 508 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.4 inches
Cargo Space:
32.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
141.6 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.6 inches
Cargo Space:
15.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
85.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
119.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3641 lbs
Width:
82 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
191.1 inches
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4589 lbs
Width:
84.3 inches
Height:
69.9 inches
Length:
195 inches
Wheelbase:
117.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/55R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Cosmic Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Onyx Black Metallic
Blue
Denim Blue Metallic
Gray
Bright Dusk Metallic / Platinum Grey Metallic / Vapour Grey Metallic
Silver
Silver Dawn Metallic
White
Crystal White Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Slate Black
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
White
Blonde in Blonde/Charcoal Interior
