Subaru Solterra vs Volvo XC60
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Subaru Solterra starts from $76,990 before on-road costs, while the Volvo XC60 opens at $74,990. That makes the Volvo XC60 the more affordable entry point by $2,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $84,689 and $82,489 respectively.
The Subaru Solterra qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Volvo XC60, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Solterra features a 14-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Volvo XC60 gets a 11.2-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Solterra stands out with Apple CarPlay and V2L that you will not find on the Volvo XC60. The Volvo XC60 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Subaru Solterra gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Volvo XC60 offers leather.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Solterra uses a Electric Motor producing 252kW and 455Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds.
The Volvo XC60 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 6.7 seconds.
The Subaru Solterra has the clear power advantage at 252kW vs 183kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo XC60 is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Solterra measures 4,690mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 2mm longer than the Volvo XC60 at 4,688mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo XC60 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 452L in the Subaru Solterra and 505L in the Volvo XC60, giving the Volvo XC60 a 53L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 12.1m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Solterra) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo XC60). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Solterra if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volvo XC60 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Subaru Solterra and Volvo XC60 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Volvo XC60 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Subaru Solterra and Volvo XC60?
The Volvo XC60 is the cheapest at $74,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Solterra by $2,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volvo XC60 uses the least fuel at 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Solterra all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volvo XC60 has the largest boot at 505L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volvo XC60 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,400kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Solterra makes the most power at 252kW. The Volvo XC60 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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