Kelley Blue Book: How do the Subaru Outback and the Volvo V60 Cross Country compare?

Below average: CVT not as responsive as conventional transmission; adequate power in the base model.

Consensus: The Subaru FUJHY, -3.88% Outback is for the buyer looking for SUV capability in a station wagon body style. With standard AWD, the Outback offers utility, comfort, and versatility at an affordable price.

2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country

2020 Volvo S60 starting price: $46,445 

Above average: Comfortable; good handling; sleek design; luxury amenities.

Below average: Vertical touch screen takes time to master; on the expensive side.

Consensus: The 2020 Volvo VLVLY, -0.90% V60 Cross Country offers the go-anywhere attitude of an SUV with the on-road handling of a sport sedan. In addition to its sleek design and upscale interior, you get Volvo’s full suite of safety and driver assists.

Outback vs. V60 Cross Country: Wagons, ho!

Subaru Outback

Redesigned for the 2020 model year, the Subaru Outback is a traditional station wagon with the capabilities of an SUV. A standard active safety features and AWD put passenger well-being and competent all-weather handling as top priorities for this 5-passenger vehicle. The 2.5-liter base engine offers adequate power, but we prefer the optional 2.4-liter turbo which makes 250 horsepower. The Outback comes only with a CVT, which isn’t as responsive as a traditional automatic. On the plus side, it delivers superior fuel economy. 

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The Subaru, while somewhat smaller than comparable 2-row SUVs, manages to nearly match its larger competition in cargo space behind the front rows. However, passenger space is a bit tighter. The Outback starts at a much lower price point and also delivers value in terms of high resale.

Volvo V60 Cross Country

The 2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country is a luxurious, sporty, and safety-packed SUV alternative. Redesigned for 2020, it rides on a longer wheelbase, which translates to more rear legroom. With 8.4 inches of ground clearance, the V60 Cross Country is off-road capable and includes aids like hill descent control. It’s also handsome looking. Its standard powerplant provides plenty of power and the V60 offers good handling. 

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The V60 comes with lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and Steering Support, which can help steer clear of a collision. While the cabin is comfortable, the vertical infotainment touchscreen is not user-friendly. Hunting for the right part of the screen to tap is a distraction. Volvo offers the V60 Cross Country in its Care by Volvo subscription plan.

Similarities

Standard AWD; off-road capability; high level of safety; comfortable seating for five.

Subaru Outback advantages

Lower cost; optional powertrain; reliability; high resale value.

Volvo V60 Cross Country advantages

More power; long warranty; upscale interior.

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Final recommendations

There’s much to like about the luxury, comfort, and safety of the V60 Cross Country. However, it comes at a much higher price than the Outback. The Subaru offers similar off-road ability, comfortable seating for five, and a track record for reliability and resale.

This story originally ran on KBB.com.