Subaru Forester vs Volvo EX60

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the Volvo EX60. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Subaru Forester features a 11.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Volvo EX60 gets a 15-inch display and 11.4-inch instruments.

The Subaru Forester stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging — features our data doesn't list for the Volvo EX60. The Volvo EX60 counters with panoramic roof, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Subaru Forester gets cloth upholstery while the Volvo EX60 offers nordico. Climate control is 2-zone in the Subaru Forester and 3-zone in the Volvo EX60.

Drivetrain

The Subaru Forester uses a Petrol producing 136kW and 247Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout.

The Volvo EX60 responds with a Electric making 275kW and 480Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.

The Volvo EX60 has the clear power advantage at 275kW vs 136kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Subaru Forester measures 4,655mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 148mm shorter than the Volvo EX60 at 4,803mm (2,970mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo EX60 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 496L in the Subaru Forester and 523L in the Volvo EX60, giving the Volvo EX60 a 27L advantage.

For towing, the Volvo EX60 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Subaru Forester's turning circle is 0.2 m tighter, 10.8 m against 11.0 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Subaru Forester costs about $2,252 a year (7.9 L/100km) and electricity for the Volvo EX60 about $715 a year (14.9 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Forester) and 5 years / Unlimited (Volvo EX60). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Subaru Forester), no data (Volvo EX60).

Where each one leads

The Subaru Forester: the lower starting price ($45,990 against $86,990).

The Volvo EX60: more power (275kW against 136kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (523L against 496L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 1,800kg).

The Verdict

Subaru Forester scores higher, 76 vs 71

The Subaru Forester scores 76 to the Volvo EX60's 71 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 1 of the 4 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: safety (Subaru Forester ahead by 35 points), performance (Volvo EX60 ahead by 29 points).

Common questions