Subaru Liberty Outback VS Volvo XC70

Here’s a comparison between the Subaru Outback and the Volvo XC70. While this version of the Outback is all new for 2010 the XC70 (BZ series) we are comparing has been around since 2007. Specification comparison below.

The Volvo XC70 really only has one competitor in most places around the world and that is the Subaru Outback. They are not really in the same price range or class but the package is so similar that if buying a car based SUV or wagon you can’t go past the Volvo or the Subaru.

We have driven the Outback and think that it is a nice car just nothing special. We have yet to drive the XC70 so this is just a specification and showroom comparison.

Is the XC70 worth a look? YES we where impressed with its presentation. Sure the interior is conventional but the materials and build quality is superior to the Subaru Outback and recognizable as European feel which sets it apart from the Subaru. Admittedly we prefer the Volvo XC60 – it’s probably our new favorite…

In terms of exterior design the XC70 is different but in a conservative way. The XC70 is an older design that has clearly been tarted up to look both off-road capable at home in trendier suburbs. The plastic body extensions do work and also set it apart and to appeal to the older folks who miss the 1990’s. Unfortunately the younger crowd don’t get it – at least until they realize that it is unique. The Subaru Outback looks like a small ordinary car designed to last for the next 4 years or so.

The interior is where the Volvo XC70 feels like a much nicer place to be than the Outback. Nice comfy seats, controls, all that safety equipment hidden away etc.. Sure its old school deign but it works, apart from the after market looking GPS navigation of course.

The Subaru Outback has a modern interior but lacking that ‘something’ special in terms of materials used and overall design. It is clearly build to a price. The Outback feels like a smaller Camry rather than being something special that the brand often tries to portray it’s self as.

Anyway if we can afford the extra cash we’d pick the Volvo because it makes us feel nice. Otherwise the Subaru is nice too and with a huge saving in purchase price. Besides neither can go off road to the places we enjoy so not really the type of car we’re after.

Subaru Outback	Volvo XC70
Engines
F4 Petrol B4 Petrol SOHC Boxer Engine EFI iAVLS 2.5 Litre (2457cc) Claimed 123Kw @ 5600RPM Claimed 229Nm @ 4000RPM F4 Diesel IL4 Petrol Turbo-charged – Intercooler Direct Injection – Common Rail 2 Litre (1998cc) Claimed 110Kw @ 3600RPM Claimed 350Nm @ 1800RPM F6 Petrol V6 DOHC Boxer engine EFI Dual AVCS 3.6 Litre (3630cc) Claimed 191Kw @ 5600RPM Claimed 350Nm @ 4400RPM	IL5 Cylinder (D5244T) Twin Turbo Direct injection EFI 2.4 Litre (2400cc) Claimed 151Kw @ 4000RPM Claimed 420Nm @ 1500RPM V6 Cylinder Petrol DOHC VVT EFI 3.2 Litre (3192cc) Claimed 179Kw @ 6400RPM Claimed 320Nm @ 3200RPM
Weight
Kerb weight 1580 – 1630Kg Towing capacity up to 1500kg	Kerb weight 1903Kg Towing capacity up to 2100kg
Fuel capacity & consumption
Up to 58 litres IL4 Petrol 10 Lts per 100km AVG (Auto)	Up to 70 litres IL5 Diesel 7.56Lts per 100km AVG V6 Petrol 10.6Lts per 100km AVG
Other specifications
6 speed manual or 5 speed Auto Overall height/width 1680/1820 Overall length/wheelbase 4565/2605 4WD system: AWD ANCAP Safety: 4/5	5 speed Auto Overall height/width 1604/1861 Overall length/wheelbase 4838/2815 4WD system: AWD ANCAP Safety: 5/5
Capability
Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) 185mm Water Fording depth xxmm Max	Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm Water Fording depth xxmm Max
Performance
Petrol (non-turbo) 0-100Kph:9.5 secs	Diesel (Twin Turbo): 0-100Kph: 7.9 secs Petrol: 0-100Kph: 9 secs
Pricing
2011 $37,990 – 55,990 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!	2011 $59,590 – 61,950 AUD