Subaru Forester vs Volvo XC90

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Volvo XC90 a rating. 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.

Feature Showdown

The Subaru Forester features a 11.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Volvo XC90 gets a 11.2-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Volvo XC90 counters with head-up display, panoramic roof, 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 XC90 offers leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Subaru Forester and 4-zone in the Volvo XC90.

Drivetrain

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

The Volvo XC90 responds with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbocharged 48V mild hybrid B5 making 183kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.

The Volvo XC90 has the clear power advantage at 183kW 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, 298mm shorter than the Volvo XC90 at 4,953mm (2,984mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo XC90 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 496L in the Subaru Forester and 301L in the Volvo XC90, giving the Subaru Forester a 195L advantage. The Volvo XC90 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Volvo XC90 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 600kg 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 1.2 m tighter, 10.8 m against 12.0 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 fuel for the Volvo XC90 about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $57 a year less for the Subaru Forester.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Forester) and 5 years / Unlimited (Volvo XC90). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Subaru Forester), 5 years (Volvo XC90).

Where each one leads

The Subaru Forester: the lower starting price ($45,990 against $97,990), the bigger boot with the seats up (496L against 301L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,252 a year against $2,309).

The Volvo XC90: more power (183kW against 136kW) and the higher braked towing limit (2,400kg against 1,800kg).

The Verdict

Subaru Forester scores higher, 76 vs 67

The Subaru Forester scores 76 to the Volvo XC90's 67 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: safety (Subaru Forester ahead by 27 points), value (Subaru Forester ahead by 19 points), performance (Volvo XC90 ahead by 10 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Subaru Forester costs about $57 less (7.9 L/100km against 8.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 496L in the Subaru Forester, 301L in the Volvo XC90.

Common questions