Verdict
At RM279,000, the Subaru Outback costs RM49,888 less than the RM328,888 Volvo XC60, yet brings a larger 522-litre boot and a 206 km/h top speed. The Volvo answers with far stronger performance: 246 hp, 350 Nm and 6.9 seconds to 100 km/h against 185 hp, 245 Nm and 9.6 seconds. For Malaysian buyers, the XC60’s RM428 annual road tax also undercuts the Outback’s RM878, while its 2,865 mm wheelbase and panoramic roof make the extra spend easier to justify if pace and rear-seat accommodation matter.
Pick the Subaru Outback if you want to save RM49,888, carry 39 litres more luggage and retain all-wheel drive.
Pick the Volvo XC60 if you want 61 hp and 105 Nm more, a 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time, plus a longer wheelbase and lower annual road tax.
Key differences
- Price: Subaru Outback RM279,000; Volvo XC60 RM328,888.
- Performance: Outback 185 hp, 245 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 9.6 seconds; XC60 246 hp, 350 Nm and 6.9 seconds.
- Dimensions: Outback is 4,870 mm long with a 2,745 mm wheelbase; XC60 is 4,708 mm long with a 2,865 mm wheelbase.
- Boot space: Outback 522 litres; XC60 483 litres.
- Road tax: Outback RM878 per year; XC60 RM428 per year.
- Warranty mileage: Outback 5 years/100,000 km; XC60 5 years/unlimited mileage.
Outback
- RM49,888 lower purchase price.
- Larger 522-litre boot.
- Front foglamps, paddle shifts and a space-saver spare tyre.
- 185 hp and 245 Nm trail the XC60’s 246 hp and 350 Nm.
- 9.6-second 0-100 km/h time is 2.7 seconds slower.
- Five-year warranty is capped at 100,000 km, versus unlimited mileage.
XC60
- 246 hp, 350 Nm and a 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Longer 2,865 mm wheelbase and 71-litre fuel tank.
- Panoramic glass roof, Bowers & Wilkins audio and 40:20:40 rear seats with integrated booster cushions.
- RM49,888 more expensive to buy.
- 483-litre boot is 39 litres smaller.
- 2,450 kg kerb weight is 694 kg higher.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM279,000✓ | RM328,888 |
| Body type | Wagon | SUV |
| Segment | D-Segment | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM878 | RM428✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | Direct Fuel Injection, Horizontally Opposed, 4-Cylinder, DOHC 16-Valve, Boxer Engine | 16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger, Variable Valve Timing with MHEV Assistance |
| Capacity | 2,498 cc | 1,969 cc |
| Horsepower | 185 hp | 246 hp✓ |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 350 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 94 mm | 82 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12 | 10.8 |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 13 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 30 Nm |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Lineartronic CVT | 8-Speed Geartronic |
| Gears | — | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Subaru | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.6 seconds | 6.9 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 206 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,870 mm | 4,708 mm |
| Width | 1,875 mm | 1,902 mm |
| Height | 1,682 mm | 1,655 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,745 mm | 2,865 mm |
| Weight | 1,756 kg | 2,450 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 63 litres | 71 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 522 litres✓ | 483 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/60R18 | — |
| Rear Tyre | 225.60R18 | — |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | — |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Alenza H/L33 | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloy | 19" 5-double-spoke Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 19" 5-double-spoke Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Electric for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for Two Rear Passenger Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats, with Integrated Boosters |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 10-way power adjustable driver with memory, 8-way powered adjustment front passenger | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split Folding with integrated 2-stage booster child seat cushions for the outer seats |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | Front, Tilt and Slide | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | — | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Sunroof Shade | Powered Sunshade for Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Audio | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 11-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System | 11.2" Central Display with Android Automotive OS, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Connectivity, Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity Audio System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Knob Twist |
| Locks | Keyless Operation and PIN Code Access | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control with Steering Assist |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot, Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, with 360 Surround View Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Outback & XC60 for sale
Outback vs XC60 FAQ
Is the Subaru Outback or Volvo XC60 better?
The Volvo XC60 is the stronger choice for performance, rear-seat wheelbase, cabin equipment and unlimited-kilometre warranty coverage. Choose the Subaru Outback instead if its lower price and larger 522-litre boot matter more than a 6.9-second sprint.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo XC60 costs RM49,888 more than the Subaru Outback. Its annual road tax is RM450 lower, however, at RM428 versus RM878.
Which has the better luggage space?
The Subaru Outback has the larger boot at 522 litres, compared with 483 litres in the Volvo XC60. The Outback therefore gives you 39 litres more luggage capacity.