2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback was a testament to Subaru's commitment to incremental improvement while maintaining its core strengths of utility, safety, and performance. Built on Subaru’s Global Platform, the Outback boasted a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-litre engine, although appearing similar to its predecessor, was redesigned with 90% new parts, offering 182 horsepower. For those seeking more power, the 2.4-litre turbocharged engine from the Ascent was available in higher trims. Externally, changes were subtle, with noticeable updates to the head- and taillights. Inside, the Outback introduced an 11.6-inch touchscreen on all but the base trim, alongside innovative tech like DriverFocus, which used facial recognition to enhance driver safety.

In Canada, the Outback was available in seven trims, starting with the Convenience trim at an MSRP of $30,695. This entry-level model included features like heated front seats, LED headlights, and a suite of safety features. The Touring trim, priced at $34,795, added the larger touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, and a sunroof. The Limited trim offered luxury touches like leather upholstery and a Harman Kardon stereo for $38,995. The Premier trim, at $40,995, featured Nappa leather and ventilated seats. The Outdoor XT trim, with a more powerful engine and unique styling, was priced at $38,695. The Limited XT and Premier XT trims added the turbo engine, priced at $41,795 and $43,795, respectively.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a product of Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group, showcasing a blend of Swedish design and Chinese innovation. Built on the SPA platform, the XC60 shared its architecture with other Volvo models, offering a near-luxury experience with a focus on safety and innovation. The XC60's design featured a sleek, athletic form with an upright grille and distinctive Thor’s hammer LED headlights. The interior was a showcase of Scandinavian elegance, with clean lines and high-quality materials. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment display was a nod to Volvo's early adoption of large touchscreens.

The XC60's interior was designed for comfort and functionality, with smart storage solutions and intuitive controls. The front seats were highly adjustable, and the heating system was well-suited for harsh winters. The XC60 offered 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,410 litres with the seats folded. The vehicle was capable of towing up to 1,587 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre engine with 182 horsepower and a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a CVT, which Subaru tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. The Outback's symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and enhanced stability, both on and off-road. With 22.1 centimetres of ground clearance, the Outback was capable of handling various terrains, although it wasn't designed for extreme off-roading.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured a range of powertrains, all based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower, while the T6 offered 316 horsepower with the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, including the Polestar Engineered variant, were plug-in hybrids, delivering up to 415 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided excellent handling, and the vehicle's ride quality was smooth and quiet. Fuel consumption varied across models, with the T8 PHEV offering impressive efficiency in electric-only mode.

The 2020 Subaru Outback excelled in practicality, offering 920 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,144 litres with the rear seats folded. The interior was spacious, with ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. Subaru prioritized visibility, although the rear quarters presented a minor blind spot. The Outback's design balanced exterior compactness with interior spaciousness, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with a focus on winter readiness. The front seats were highly adjustable, and the heating system was effective in cold conditions. The XC60 offered 613 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,410 litres, and was capable of towing up to 1,587 kilograms. The interior featured smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, enhancing the overall user experience.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually impressive but suffered from lag and buried functions. The infotainment system's performance was inconsistent, with delays in response times and subpar camera resolution. Despite these issues, the system had potential, and Subaru aimed to address these shortcomings.

The 2021 Volvo XC60's Sensus infotainment system was a polarizing feature, with a tablet-style interface that required a learning curve. The system's quadrant-based layout was intuitive once mastered, and smartphone integration was seamless. The Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system in the test model was exceptional, enhancing the overall audio experience.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered a comprehensive safety suite, including AWD and EyeSight technology. However, the DriverFocus system was problematic, with frequent false alerts. Despite these issues, Subaru's commitment to safety was evident in the vehicle's design and features.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's safety legacy, earning top ratings from IIHS and NHTSA. The XC60 featured a wide array of standard safety features, including collision mitigation, lane-keeping aid, and Pilot Assist. Volvo's decision to limit the vehicle's top speed for safety reasons further emphasized its commitment to occupant protection.