Volvo XC90 vs. Subaru Ascent
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Volvo XC90 and Subaru Ascent 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 Volvo XC90 and the Subaru Ascent.
When comparing the Volvo XC90's and the Subaru Ascent's specifications and ratings, the Volvo XC90 has the advantage in the area of fuel efficiency. The Subaru Ascent has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Volvo XC90's and the Subaru Ascent's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Ascent is a better car than the Volvo XC90.
Pricing: A used 2024 Volvo XC90 ranges from $56,839 to $72,351 while a used 2024 Subaru Ascent is priced between $37,997 to $50,715. For a new model, the Volvo XC90's price is between $58,080 and $74,643, with the Subaru Ascent priced between $39,525 and $51,240.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Volvo XC90 loses 54.4 percent of its value and the Subaru Ascent loses 44.1 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Ascent retains 10.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volvo XC90.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Volvo XC90’s base engine makes 247 horsepower, and the Subaru Ascent base engine makes 260 horsepower. The XC90 is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 508 miles. The Ascent is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 502 miles. This gives the Volvo XC90 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Subaru Ascent. The XC90 uses premium unleaded, and the Ascent uses regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Subaru Ascent, a crossover/midsize 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 Volvo XC90 and the Subaru Ascent have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Subaru Ascent has the better rating with a Top Safety Pick+ award compared to the Volvo XC90’s Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$58,080 - $74,643
Starting MSRP:
$56,600
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
$88,803
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
$43,900 - $155,295
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$39,525 - $51,240
Starting MSRP:
$34,395
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$64,068
Price Range:
$56,839 - $72,351
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
$108,428
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
$48,353 - $235,429
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,051
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
3,742
# Good or Great Deals:
173
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$44,018
Price Range:
$37,997 - $50,715
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
4,099
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
429
# Good or Great Deals:
76
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$31,258
Depreciation %:
55.2%
Resale Value $:
$25,342
Residual Value %:
44.8%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
57%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
42.8% - 61.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$15,683
Depreciation %:
45.6%
Resale Value $:
$18,712
Residual Value %:
54.4%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
Volvo XC90 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Subaru Ascent Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
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:
22.4%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Ascent
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
3.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
1.5 - 32.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Volvo XC90 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 68Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
3 out of / 68Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 11Ranking
4 out of / 68Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
4 out of / 8Ranking
5 out of / 29Ranking
6 out of / 68Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
8 out of / 26Ranking
8 out of / 22Ranking
9 out of / 68Ranking
9 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 29Ranking
10 out of / 22Ranking
11 out of / 29Ranking
11 out of / 22Ranking
12 out of / 29Ranking
12 out of / 29Ranking
15 out of / 22Ranking
18 out of / 68Ranking
18 out of / 22Ranking
18 out of / 22Ranking
19 out of / 22Ranking
22 out of / 29Ranking
22 out of / 22Ranking
24 out of / 29Ranking
24 out of / 29Ranking
25 out of / 29Ranking
26 out of / 29Ranking
37 out of / 59Ranking
38 out of / 68Ranking
38 out of / 68Ranking
39 out of / 68Ranking
47 out of / 68Ranking
49 out of / 68Subaru Ascent Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 28Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
7 out of / 34Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
29 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 32Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 39Ranking
35 out of / 59Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
52 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
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
Subaru Ascent Trim Levels
Base, Limited 7-Passenger, Limited 8-Passenger, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition Limited, Premium 7-Passenger, Premium 8-Passenger, Touring
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
277 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
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
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 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):
20 / 26 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
386 / 502 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Air Suspension:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.3 inches
Cargo Space:
17.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
171.0 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4421 lbs
Width:
85.7 inches
Height:
71.6 inches
Length:
196.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/55R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/60R18
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
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Not available
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
White
Blonde in Blonde/Charcoal Interior
Interior Colors
Black
Slate Black
White
Not available
