Because some seem confused on this, I should have talked about Volvo's current owner and how the company is STILL Swedish. Volvo is designed and run by the swedes and most are still built in Sweden or Belgium (Headquarters are in Sweden, XC90 and S60 are made in America). THEY ARE owned by a Chinese holdings company but they were also owned by Ford before that, that doesn't mean they fired their staff and started building trucks with built-in guns. Fwiw, Subaru is owned by their own Japanese conglomerate, but the Outback is built in Indiana.

Owning both a Volvo and a Subaru, while I ❤ the Subaru, Volvo has made me understand the difference between Premium and non-Premium.

"buying a luxury car ALMOST never has a value proposition attached to it." ~Realistick, June 2023.

One thing that most reviewers are seldom talking about are that Volvo seats have always and will always be equipped with ergonomical seats compared to any other car manufacturer out there in the past 50 years.

My family has got a 2011 subie outback which has a 2.5 liter engine. We lived in China and it was imported from subie factory in US. For years it has become an emotional symbol connecting me and all my families more than a machine. We love it❤

Great review. You see that the creator is not paid by the car industry. Keep going.

We drove both and chose the Outback Touring XT, the value proposition is unmatched.

This was such a fantastic review and comparison. You did everything I wanted and you did it very well. Thank you!

Very nicely explained! We love the video content, and the way you explain things, I agree that the Outback is an all around vehicle and I love to add one other difference which is a very minimalist but it came really handy at the time of a need, the roof rails which becomes a cross bar when needed, I am emphasizing is as I needed it at 8 pm at Menards when I got an amazing deal on a carpet remnant, and I need to pick that up the same night😊

I have the Outback Limited 2.5 in that same color. I've put 5k miles on it so far, and I absolutely love it. Yes, the infotainment is slow at startup, but once you get past that, there's not a lot to complain about. Took it on a 3500 mile road trip, and it is an excellent travel companion. Nice to see how it compares to the more expensive Volvo. And I agree, the styling of the Volvo is classier... I'm not in love with the giant grill on my Outback... But it's not awful, and the value proposition still has me smiling. Cheers!

It’s heartbreaking that we are at the end of the wagon era in North America. The Volvo is the true wagon here and I agree with Tyler on choosing it as the best of the two even though it was a tight finish.

Awesome comparo. Keep up the good work!

Great review. Keep it up! 🎉

This comparison was brilliant! Bravo! I personally would expand this comparison to the Subaru Ascent versus the Volvo XC90.

Back in 21, we bought a new 21 Outback XT Touring for $37k with a 39k sticker. It’s a ton of car for the money! Fast, good mpg. Only negative is the big screen occasionally has glitches. Otherwise, it’s been perfect.

Someone has been more busy than a Miami bail bondsman! Congrats on 40k

Great comparison!

Tyler, nice honest comparison. I do like to look of the Volvo, but like any relationship, there is more to it thank looks! I still have my WRX and extended the lease, looking at the Outback’s at this point with the turbo. You really sell it well it the sub 6 second sprints you do.

I have extensive experience with both. Subie is great value for money. Its let down by HORRIBLE OEM tires. Replacing with Vredesteins totally transforms handling and acceleration. Feels like an MB E Class W210 on most roads except it runs out of suspension at high speed over v rough roads. You lose circa 10% fuel economy though. The Vredesteins also massively help throttle response incredibly. They have STRONG sidewalls so no rear-end squish on positive throttle! Subie has ALOT more trunk and rear seat space than Volvo. The Warning system when backing up is Amazing in accuracy and foresightedness and better than Volvo. Front camera in Touring spec is Very Handy to get into tight driveways! Infotainment brain has been replaced under warranty which has been the only failure. Its NOT slow after updates. CVT not as bad as people say. 0-60 not its thing. 30-100 is fine and smooth. Subie XT seats and interior quality are very good. Fuel economy on a mixed drive is mid 20s mpg. Volvo is MUCH sportier car, more responsive to inputs and handles better. Rides stiffer. Volvo drivetrain is super smooth and feels high-end. Volvo interior is higher quality. I agree the Volvo HK stereo is slightly better. Volvo fuel economy is circa 10% better. They are really two VERY different vehicles. We have both in our family and enjoy both. Volvo feels VERY European in road manners. Subie is a less angaging drive but an amazing vehicle given its breadth of abilities.

Excellent comparison. Very well done. I think Subaru has taken the place of where Volvo used to be but it is more geared toward a true sports/utility type of personality if one wants to use the cars as intended. I think Subaru has the best 4WD system and I generally like Subarus. I do own a Volvo because I like the firm, European road manners.

Wife just purchased the 2024 Subaru Onyx Edition Outback. Saved us $25,000 vs Volvo. Now we are going on an extended vacation. 😅

Good Review 😊

Great haircut !

Hard to choose, I agree with you, both fantastic oddballs, if that was my money I would probable go with the Subbie as well, but the Volvo Is fantastic!

It would be interesting to see an AWD comparison with a roller test. Keep up the great videos.

Half expected him to say now let’s give it a Doug score

I was between these in 2021 and went with the V60. Since then, the Outback has seen two exterior updates, while the V60 remains unchanged.

Spot on. Test drove both yesterday. Volvo CX60 (4 corner air suspension) which was nice, but engine hesitation and blah acceleration with low headroom made it feel like the roof was being crushed on me. Outback has much better acceleration and didn’t feel like my head was getting crushed. Going XT and saving $$$

Have the OB Wilderness (2023) and the infotainment is slow at start up only. After a minute or so, it is much quicker.

I love them both! I own a 2012 Subaru Outback with 118,000 miles and other than the odd oil change, I have yet to experience much heartache. I like the new ones and would definitely buy a new Subaru wagon again once this one dies

I had a 2004 xc70 with 130,000 lose its first cylinder coil coming outta Baltimore inner horbor and it drove me and my two children all the way back to WV! Enen over the Frederick mountains. I replaced the coil and sold it some meny years later to my sons best friend. It had 310,000 on it when I sold it and my sons friend still drives it to this day. No Subaru will do that!

I think I’m sold on the Subaru Outback for a better ride, more power, quicker, more reliable, built in your State of Indiana and costs less to boot!

I have driven both. The Volvo has way better handling on fast country roads. The Subie is better on bumpy gravel roads. Mazda 6 AWD is something between the two.

Nice!!!

Definitely v60 if you are a car enthusiast and the nice touches matter. If not get the subi. I have had both. Volvos are for people who are sick of driving Subarus

Driving it in good weather isn't an adequate test of its capabilities. I've driven both in a snowstorm on unploughed motorways and the V60CC isn't as competent even with winter tires. Its cruise control system is also disabled if the sensor is covered with snow, and the GPS is unreliable along border regions even if there's a strong cell signal and the map works in both countries. Regular cars still allow you to use cruise control and just disable the forward collision warning. Eyesight is within the windshield wiper range and works with more reliability. The most important car buying advice I give is to rent the car for days at a time several times throughout the year, drive it through most of the weather conditions you normally would, test all your usual use cases like child seats and recreational equipment and ensure you understand all of its flaws and features.

First time commenting: bought my 23 Subaru Outback Onyx Xt a lil over a month ago - love it and why buy a Volvo when u can drive a Subie - my only wish Subaru - more power - how bout 300 to 350hp I’ll pay a lil more for piece of mind…

Love them both! But they are geared towards two opposite buyers, the typical buyer for an Outback wants something entirely different from what the Volvo buyer is ultimately looking for

while I luv Volvos their reliability is a point of concern

"it has auto stop start which outside of having a funny acronym is usually complained about..." Word.

Very nice review, thanks! I own an old Outback 2.5 liter from 2008 that I love but I start wishing for something new. I am not a big fun of the last Outbacks. The last model improved a bit the appearance but it doesn't have the elegance and the originality of the Volvo...it looks a bit bulky. But they main reason why I am not 100% convinced to go for a Subaru is the transmission! How is that possibile that they still have a CVT like in the 90s!!! So I would probably go for the Volvo.

Both cars appeal to a limited audience and that’s a good thing. When I put my money down I buy what I want not what’s popular among different groups of buyers. I like the European touch and in my opinion and with all things considered Volvo is the best. Both of these cars are good but Volvo stole my heart when I bought my first one 35 years ago.

What about the rtv issues with 2.4 engine?

Test the awd systems, either taking them offroad or slip test. Most of the tests I've seen showed the volvo awd system works a little bit better than the subarus awd system.

Outback starting at € 63.450 in the Netherlands, the Volvo V60 CC € 69.395. Taxes baby. What a huge difference with the US.

Go with the subaru.❤

Some strange differences based on country. Subaru has virtually no sales in my country, whereas by capita we almost buy most Volvo’s out of any country. Why: Subaru tends to have aweful fuel consumption and horrible emissions which makes them a tax nightmare. CVT isn’t exactly nice to drive. The Volvo V60 CC also has low sales figures here (but way higher than the Subaru). Why: limited engine choice and most people prefer the normal V60/XC60/V90 or XC90. The V60 was available with 120 till 400+ hp, the CC with either 197hp diesel or 254hp petrol. I didn’t even consider ordering a V60 CC, but went directly to the V60 T6 recharge since I needed a low emission for tax reasons. Sure, the Subaru is objectively a good car, but not one you want. One strange observation: my V60 T6 recharge eAWD is rated to tow 2 tons (about 4400lbs).

How about the V90?

you can clearly see how smooth and clear the interior and exterior design is from a premium car to a normal not premium Japanese car and the difference in the materials used in the interior, and thats why the Volvo cost $ 15 - 25k more. Thanks for the review.

This is funny. In Czech republick is outback XT out of production and standart Outback has only 2.5i NA engine with 0-60mph almost 11 second. And second fact - is more expensive that Volvo S60 B5 AWD in Full.....

this is like over 20K different in cost in Australia. so, whatever is in the Volvo it better do A LOT better than the Subaru.

need to compare the outback to the XC60... this is a less similar comparison, but interesting still... id really like to see the apples to apples one though... hint hint... haha

Subaru has never cared about audio systems. At ''best' they are ok. Stock they are barely acceptable but I chose an OB in '15 for the practical reasons in which it excels. Would love a Volvo or Audi but too much $$$

My Outback has rain sensing wipers.

How come all these people doing appraisals on cars these look like they just left school

Interesting comparison! If Subaru dumped their CVT gearbox in their large vehicles it would help with refinement along with the addition of some luxury content. The big Subie still has lot going for it. Volvo wins on the styling front.

Buddy you're going back and forth between the 2 vehicles and at times it is confusing as to which vehicle you are talking about!!!

Eh! While I like the Outback, the Volvo is well worth the jump in price. Much better looking, better built, safer, more comfortable. Subaru still struggles with longevity and reliability issues, especially in the engine/transmission department! And those drivability differences described as ‘minor’ in this video will make a HUGE difference when living with them day to day and mile after mile. Sorry, but Volvo for the win for me!

Its insane how many new vehicles with 4cylinder engines cost over $50k.

jesus, japanese designers still use building blocks……

Ofcourse Japan does it best. No one comes close.

Subie

Subaru - very long front overhang. No bueno

just take both on a slippery dirt road, and you would know. You can enjoy the premium interior of the Volvo while stuck, Subaru will get you home.

Uhhhh. Volvo was bought by a Asian company because they knew Volvo was premium. Then all Volvo Design language was mimicked

Of course Volvo

actually is China not sweeden

Volvo china, Subie best

the one is non-premium, for the peasants, able to live 20 years. the other one is a stasi premium 4 year handbag.

Subaru the brain dead design inside & out

nobody wants to work on European cars. this a hands down no brainer. japan does it better.

v60 and s60 are made in china

volvo is not swedish anymore ha ha is chinese

And Boom! Your 'Sploder-roo's head gasket lets rip, and you are out selling lemonade while you save up for a new engine.

Drivers may be surprised to learn that Volvo models are no longer made in Sweden. Volvo is currently owned by the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, a Chinese company which owns over 15 other vehicle makers.

I think the Subaru should go to a technician and have itself checked out, that plastic cladding may be cancerous with the uneven lines and rapid growth generation to generation.

Volvo is owned by china and outback is made in america. Hard pass

Chinese Volvo Car vs Japanese Subaru Car

@13:25 ------Strange !!! In Europe the V60 CC is allowed 2000 kilo = 4410 pounds with a diesel engine and 1800 kilo = 3970 pounds on petrol !!!

The Volvo drives a lot better, more comfortable for longer journeys, feels more premium, no CVT which is a big plus, but it also costs a fair amount more. The Outback is a decent car however lots of cheap black plastic - a lot of manufacturers are doing this to save them money not you, and their engines are pretty sluggish. I'd have the Subaru in snowy conditions just because the wheel wells on the Volvo would get pretty clogged up being so tight to the tires. Subaru have improved their interior this time around to something you'd want to spend time in. The Volvo is very nice inside but it is getting dated - the styling is 8 years old now - compare to the XC90 interior of that year, almost exactly the same. I wish Subaru would get rid of the CVT. Regardless of what anyone says, they are pretty shocking.

Volvo is effectively a Chinese brand now so I'll take Japanese any day!!

The towing rating must be wrong in sweden the V60CC(with the 190hp d4 diesel) is rated to tow 2000kg(4400lbs)