Volvo Vs Subaru: Which One Is Better?
A lot of drivers out there are thinking of getting a good car from a popular brand. And, that’s where the Volvo vs Subaru topic arises as one offers great benefits while another costs at a low rate.
Between them, you’ll find better interior design, quality, tech benefits, driving comfort, reliability, power, and torque in Volvo cars. Then again, Subaru ensures comfort, looks, and other basic options at an affordable price range.
Here, we’ll break down how Volvo differs from Subaru based on the driver’s need and explain which one wins in the end. Let’s go!
Comparing the Volvo Vs Subaru Cars!
To find out the real winner between Subaru vs Volvo, you should look into the comparison details of them. Let’s dive into how these two brands stack up against each other:
1. Interior Quality
If you’re after a mix of luxury, comfort, and brand feel, the Volvo is hard to beat. Mostly, it gives an upscale feel with the premium backrests, seating, design, and so on.
Inside the car, you’ll find high-quality materials and a design that shows elegance. And, it’s clear that Volvo aims to give a premium experience with every drive.
One of the standout things that you’ll find on Volvo cars is the quiet cabin. And, most drivers love how serene it feels inside which helps to make driving comfortable.
In contrast, Subaru’s interior is all about practicality and comfort. Even if its cars may not have the same luxurious vibe as the Volvo, you can’t deny its coziness. Plus, this brand focuses more on being functional and dependable rather than high-end.
Besides, most Subaru cars offer solid comfort. But, it does make terrible noises in the cabin when you drive for a long-term period.
Winner: Volvo.
2. Technology
If talking about the tech aspect, the Volvo shines in a better way than Subaru. Thanks to the dash, screen, and other tech benefits, it helps users to ensure ease of usage and smooth performance.
And, it’s a modern touch that adds to the car’s appeal and makes drivers feel right at home. However, Subaru’s tech infotainment system is average and feels good as a user.
But, it’ll show some issues like often glitches or not reliable Bluetooth connectivity that disconnects for no reason.
Winner: Volvo.
3. Style and Aesthetic
In terms of looks and vibe, you’ll notice the difference between Subaru and Volvo. Basically, the Volvo has a modern and stylish interior that’s sure to catch the eye.
Due to its classy design, it’s not only functional but also visually appealing. That also makes it a great choice for those who appreciate a clean and fresh look.
On the contrary, Subaru’s interior design is straightforward and practical. However, it isn’t designed to stand out or be overly stylish even if it avoids being too flashy. For those who prefer a no-frills style, Subaru’s interiors hit the mark.
Winner: Both.
4. Features
If you’re trying to decide which car offers better tech for staying safe on the road, the answer would be both. You see, the Volvo cars have a basic lane assist that isn’t perfect. Yet, this option works way better than the Eyesight of Subaru.
Then again, Subaru offers lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control options that seem better than Volvo. However, it still shows an annoying beeping sound or a jerky accelerator. But, you’ll face a similar experience on a Volvo car as it vibrates on the steering wheel.
Winner: Both.
5. Price Factor
You’ll find dissimilarities in both brands’ car’s starting prices. Usually, the Volvos cost more than Subarus. If you want something cheaper to buy, a Subaru is a better option.
However, owning a Volvo can be a lot more expensive over time. You’ll also need to count the regular maintenance cost which can be three times more costly than for a Subaru. And, it’s because of the parts and services.
If something breaks after the warranty ends, repairs can be very high. Sometimes it can be more than $10,000 based on users on Reddit. This also means owning a Volvo can be quite costly.
And, Volvo cars cost more to fuel. Not to mention that most of them need premium gas that charges a lot. Plus, they get about 21.2 miles per gallon or more. To understand it better, check this guide out to know if Volvo is expensive to maintain or not.
In contrast, Subaru uses regular gas and gets better fuel mileage. So, most cars of this brand are cheaper to run.
Winner: Subaru.
6. Snow Performance
If talking about a vehicle that works greatly on snowy terrain, Subaru is the clear winner for its AWD system. Unlike the Volvo, it offers vehicles that are known for being reliable in icy conditions.
And, many drivers find Subaru’s AWD system useful when driving in snow as it never gives tire wear or traction issues. However, some people suggest that the difference between Subaru and Volvo in snow might not be as big as expected.
In fact, the driving efficacy in snow often depends more on the quality of the tires than the AWD system. So, while Subaru is a solid choice for snowy weather, Volvo can be just as capable with the right tires (even if it’s rare).
Winner: Subaru.
7. Driving Comfort
When it comes to comfort, Volvo stands on the top against Subaru. Well, it’s because the Volvo cars have interiors that feel luxurious.
Most of the time, all cars from the Volvo brand are made out of high-quality materials and contain a quiet cabin. Due to this, a lot of drivers find it great to ride peacefully.
Plus, the seats are designed to keep you comfortable even on long trips. This also makes Volvo a great pick for road trips or long commutes where comfort is essential.
On the flip side, Subaru cars (like the WRX) have interiors that feel more basic and plainer. And, most of them are made with plastic that ensures low durability.
And, the inside of the car tends to be noisier which can make the driving experience less enjoyable. So, it’s clear that Subaru doesn’t match the level of comfort that Volvo offers. Plus, it’s a bad choice for longer journeys.
Winner: Volvo.
8. Reliability
Both Volvo and Subaru are reliable brands that have slight differences when it comes to build quality and longevity. So, are Volvos more reliable than Subaru?
Well, Volvos are more reliable than Subaru if you compare them side by side. And, it’s because they have great build quality and toughness.
It mostly uses better materials and pays close attention to detail. This also means all the cars of Volvo last longer and have fewer issues as they age.
Besides, if you compare it to other car brands like Audi, it still stands out at the top for reliability. To know which one wins, you can read this guide about Volvo vs Audi.
Thanks to this, Volvo’s AWD wagons like the V60 and V90 are a trendy choice among drivers. And, these models tend to be more affordable compared to similar Subaru wagons.
This also makes them a great choice if you want a well-made and luxury car at a lower price. However, that doesn’t mean Subaru offers bad cars.
It offers strong vehicles if you need a capable AWD system. But, if you’re looking for a premium vehicle with great reliability at a higher price, Volvo can be a good option.
Winner: Volvo.
9. Power or Torque
When you look at how a car runs, you’ll need to consider the power and torque. For your information, the power is measured in horsepower (hp) and torque is measured in foot-pounds (foot-lbs).
These also tell you how a fast car will drive and how well it can pull heavy loads. Let’s break down what this means using some Volvo and Subaru models.
Starting with the Volvo XC40 and XC60, both have 247 hp and 258 foot-lbs of torque. This also means they have a good balance of power and torque. It also ensures them easy to drive in the city or on the highway.
Besides, the XC40 Recharge has a little more power with 248 hp and better torque at 310 foot lbs. This higher torque also means the car can accelerate faster from a stop. Plus, this makes it feel more responsive and quicker on the road.
On the other hand, Subaru offers a variety of models with different power and torque levels. To explain it, the Subaru Crosstrek has 152 hp and 145 foot lbs of torque. This is also good for the daily driving experience.
Not to mention that it gives you enough power to get around while being fuel-efficient. The Subaru Forester also has 180 horsepower and 178 foot lbs of torque. Then again, you’ll find the Subaru Outback with 182 hp and 176 foot lbs of torque.
And, it’s clearer that this model gives a bit more power that works great if you need to tow things or drive on rougher roads.
Winner: Volvo.
Ending Notes
That’s all you should know about the Volvo vs Subaru debate. And, based on each aspect, it’s clear that the Volvo is the clear champ as a brand that offers comfort, quality, and luxury options.
However, if you prefer a low-cost option, you can try out the Subaru car as it has basic options and comfort even if not better than Volvo.
I hope this guide helps you to know the difference between these two popular options and find the right one for yourself. Happy driving!
