2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country Review - Better Than Subaru Outback? 

Which do you like better: The 2020 Subaru Outback XT or the 2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country?

Volvo invented the 3-point seat-belt. In addition, they gave the patent away for free. If the seat-belt hug you like that, it's the Volvos way to say it loves you.

I test drove both and bought the V60 CC. I do occasional light off road ... BLM roads graded for 8” of clearance, dirt roads for fishing access, etc. so either vehicle would have worked. The Volvo is much better looking, is way more luxurious, and more fun to drive. It’s also a lower roofline, so car topping my fishing yak is an easier lift. Very happy with my CC.

It really isn't easy to beat the looks of the V60 CC, inside and out.

The Volvo couldn't do the last climb because the AWD system was cutting power to prevent damage to the transmission. It had nothing to do with tires or grip. You can clearly see on the video that it stopped once 2 wheels were in the air diagonally and it didn't spin the 2 wheels that had traction. These AWD systems are made mainly for on-road safety and gravel road cornering. That's my opinion, I enjoyed your video!

The Subaru fills a different spot in the market. Doubt you would see this off road even if it is as capable as the Outback. The Volvo is luxurious and the Subaru is utilitarian.

I've always been a Volvo fan, so my choice is easy. Wow what a car our Swedish neighbors have made this time, but also for decades from the very beginning.

Thanks for the test - impressive performance for a Volvo CC. I drive it’s big brother the V90 CC (with a D5 diesel) but haven’t put it through anything similar as of yet. We do get some challenging winters here in Volvos home country so glad to have the off road abilities and the amazing standard suspension comfort. Also says something how the V90CC made it to the top in the police car ranking over here, not only love for the household brand..

Thank you for doing the off-road testing on vehicles. Those mountain roads are similar to what I encounter in CA mountains and knowing how a vehicle responds is important to me. Great reviews!

Just bought a 2020 Subaru Outback Limited. We used to own a Volvo V70 and maintenance costs were ridiculous. So far, we really like the Outback.

Love what volvo is doing with their lineup between the exterior updates and the lush interior these cars have come a long way. Killer video, keep up the good work.

V60 cc has a more attractive appearance, great design, but Outback is more practical having an unique charisma . It's the best friend to rely on. Hello from Russia!)

The seatbelt pulling you into the seat right before you crash greatly prevents body injuries caused by the traditional seatbelt. It is necessary and should be standard in all vehicles.

I understand that you test the cars with its factory equipment, but the same hill with 17" wheels and better tires would be interesting!

I've love the look and design of the cross country Volvo including the previous generation. I own an Outback but would probably buy a Volvo if I could afford it. Great video. Love your channel

When you do your traction test it would be awesome if you put white tape on the wheels just one piece from center out so we can clock the tire rotations easily: 5:30

So when i was shopping for a used wagon in my area. I had 2 options ome up for sale. A 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6 and a 2017 Volvo V60CC. I decided the Volvo was the better car based on comfort and mpg. My Volvo will be getting a set of 215/70R16 General Grabber APT or BFGoodridge KO2s due to me turning it in to a overlanding vehicle

I watched your channel first time, I liked!. Especially your shootings are great. First interior shots were like a commercial, and some scenes in the forest was like a walpaper with that very crisp 4k. Also of course in terms of review, I liked your detailed review. Thanks.

Only person that actually tries truly and isn't scared of taking the new car anywhere. Good job

Price difference: Subaru Outback Onyx XT $38,500 vs Volvo V60 CC in the video $56,990!

Thanks so much for doing this video! It was great to see the car in a true off road test as I am considering purchase of this Volvo as well as Subaru. Both are great cars. The choice really comes down to affordability for the buyer. Personally I am leaning toward the Volvo.

As an owner of an s60 I can safely say that the Volvo’s are one of the finest cars on the road today

The best explaining and detailed Chanel, thanks a lot for your job!

Great review. The Volvo feels like a better package. I'm sure the Subie would edge it a little bit in terms of off-roading but such occasions are very rare to me. And the CVT in the Subie is also such a deal-breaker.

As it turns out I own a 2020 Volvo V 60 cross country exactly like the one in the video, except without the $4000 Soundsystem. It cost nowhere near $56,000. I was considering the Subaru, but the Volvo is a much nicer car. And while I don’t do any rock crawling, it’s nice to see how capable it is. Thanks.

V60 CC all the way. I have an XC 60 and it drives beautifully. I imagine the V60 is even better

We have owned five Volvo's in the past . They are the best cars ever. All were super reliable and reasonable to maintain. Now we own two Outbacks. One with the 3.6R. Amazing car . I get why Subi drivers love their cars. And I get why Volvo owners love their cars. The Subi is an excellent utilitarian car. The Volvo is the best road trip car ever. Cant go wrong with either one.

The grip was there, the wheel that had grip didn't move, yet the wheel that didn't have any grip was spinning. Conclusion: Volvo need to invest more time in tuning their off-road mode.

3:50 I did buy B&W audio in both my S90 Inscription and my XC60 Inscription and haven't regret it one second. On the next Volvo I buy, it'll be the first option I'll add ;)

Being a Swede, I'm not entirely unbiased 😉 I would the V60CC in a heart-beat. With that said, I have great respect for Japanese cars. I've owned a Honda S2000, omg, what a car...

I'd take the Subaru for this kind of driving (I have one and have done this kind of driving). That being said, I'm planning on getting the Volvo anyway and giving my Outback to my college age son. It really is a work horse and super safe. Great review, but I would have liked to have seen a more point by point comparison of the two on the mountain.

I shopped the Outback against the last gen V60CC model and getting the Subaru to the level of luxury I wanted wasn't possible. The Outback was within spitting distance price wise after checking all the boxes so I went with a Volvo. The current model just raises the luxury bar even higher. I ended up driving the XC60 and went with it though. I know your comparing "estates" here, but if you live in the drivers seat a lot the price difference is justified.

i thoroughly enjoyed this review! extremely well done!

I love how commenters only hear what they want to hear. It starts at just over $45k ---- but everyone quotes the $56k price! No one buys a Subaru for its luxury. Subaru's are work horses and thats it. They are good at it. The Volvo is for people who want that little 'extra' in a car and don't spend all their time off road. The V60 XC is one good looking car too :-)

Volvo v60 and Subaru outback are two different beast. A serious outdoor individual will likely pick the outback and the rich individuals that kinda go camping once in a while will definitely buy a v60.

Great review. As a previous owner of the 2017 V60 CC and a subscriber to the 2020 V60 CC, my preference is obvious haha. However, one of the things that always draws me back to the Volvo is the exterior/interior styling and the finishes. It's just a sexy wagon. Subaru's are great cars as well, but their styling lacks elegance in my opinion and their interiors are a bit busy. We used to go backpacking in Jackson Hole with the V50 wagon and haven't had the chance to take the 2020 V60 CC out, but thank you for confirming my suspicions that it will do great!

Manufacturers: I don't want 27" wheels. I want enough tire to traverse potholes. I want 16-17" wheels w SIDEWALLS

I have an S90 and am absolutely in love with Volvo. I have wondered about the cross country for its capabilities. Though I don’t drive anywhere that needs true off road abilities, weather and road conditions can deteriorate quickly and awd does come in handy. Thanks for this.

The volvo is really good! I am thinking of getting one in the future! however, tire is the limiting factor for sure

Wow super impressive! With more appropriate tires/wheels that would be killer. Nice review as always thanks. I'm a Subaru Fanboy so I'd go that way but hats off to Volvo, they always make quality vehicles. I also like the fact it has a traditional transmission VS the CVT. With the price difference between the Subaru VS the Volvo versions. I feel Subaru drivers would be more apt to take them off road and challenge the capabilities.

Nice review! Just bought the D4 with all options, super happy. In USD my wife and I spent around 95000, which is too much. Until u get in the car, plug in a USB with a heavy download of all ur favorite music, and enjoy the B&W sounds system on a long drive to the mountains (we live in Norway). The perfect family wagon!

Great quick informative review And love these offroad runs you do

This was a really good Video! Well thought out and well excecuted. Only thing i missed was a short but vital preview of the Heads up display that you mentioned. I own a V60 2019 without the Headsup Display and i’m very curious how it works!

I have the 2016 version of this car with the very last 5 cylinder available in a Volvo. It’s a blast to drive! I recently had a brand new loaded 2019 Outback as a rental in Denver, while nice to drive with a ton of bells & whistles, it doesn’t touch the V60CC! With the V60CC, you command the road! Volvo 4 Life!

Honestly, I would take this. I like the idea of having traditional gears off road (less heat in the transmission), and those seats are excellent for 400+ mile days on a road trip.

Nice offroad review!! My V60CC just got discharged from custom today in Baltimore. I live an hour from there and wish I could go and puck it up today. I wanted 18 inchers but I could not stand the wheel design. I am not a big fan of the 19" wheels but I am stuck with them for now.

Nice review, I have known Volvos for safety. The V60 design is great. Would love to try this sometime next year when I sell my 2015 outback......sadly, I may never get this till 5years as am in Kenya:) ........I would love to have the v60 with 7 seats, would be the ultimate family hauler....Good job DrivingSportsTV

While climbing the hill: "So here's the hard part!" 30 seconds later: "So here's the really hard part!" 30 seconds later: "So this part is really hard!"

I've owned 7 Subaru Outbacks, and my wife is currently driving the new Forester. I also had a 2018 Mazda CX5 for 22 months but thought about my Subaru almost every day ;(. I counted down the days before I could change back to Subaru. Before I went to get my Outback back, having driven the 2020 version, I thought I would look at the Volvo first. I've always wanted one. My wife and I drove the 2020 Volvo XC60 momentum, which is a little more than the top-spec Subaru, I wasn't convinced. My wife, who is not a car person, comment on the similarities between the Subaru and Volvo. Both companies have a focus on safety and make great cars. I then drove the 2020 Volvo XC60 inscription with air suspension and Bowers and Wilkins stereo - I now drive a Volvo. Its hands down a better car. I wouldn't take it off-road, ill take the Forester.

2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country yes one of thos thx very much.

the problem about Volvo is price! You can by 2 VW Golf Alltracks for those money in high trim! But the design and feel of quality inside and outside in Volvo is unbeatable....i think i will make people happy every morning, when they will see it standing in garage or by the house!! Unfortunately i can't spend so much money on the car now((((

I am waiting for you to take the Forester up there or, why not, the Outback. This Volvo is thrilling. Very upscale and refined. Nice vídeo Mr. Douthit.

Did you test the subaru on the hill the volvo spun out on? Did the suby make it up?

Isn’t Subaru more in the league with Skoda, Seat, Peugeot etc? Volvo compates with Merc BMW Audi premium bracket

I ended up buying the Outback. I use the car rather than pamper it, and I just felt the Outback would look better and last better after 3-4 years of use in the Scottish Highlands. The Volvo was lovely inside, but impractical for a vehicle used in the countryside. Who thought pale grey was a good idea for someone that has outdoor pursuits. I went for the brown nappa leather in the Subaru, and after 4 years, it still looked great despite me jumping out the river and into the car with waders on. I have just bought the latest Outback, and again, I had a look at alternatives, but again, I could not find anything that would handle muddy boots, large loads, dirty clothes and rough roads the way the Outback does. The other thing I like about the Outback is that I loaded it up with fishing gear and camping gear, jumped in it and did a 900 mile road trip to France and back and it was super comfy, had good motorway manners, has a bit of authority on the rod to keep the mad French drivers at bay, and it handled all sorts of rough roads and mud on the journey.

This is the car I really want but my 2018 outback 3.6r limited (with some added features) was $35k new vs $40k on the base V60. And I love my outback, after riding around in new crossovers looking for a new car for my mom I only started liking my outback more.

The trend towards a centralised “ipad” display is a dangerous trend towards distracted driving. Functions should be quick to access, digging through menu pages searching for simple functions very bad idea.

Really nice wagon - just too rich for my blood. I'll stick with my VW Alltrack. PS: Volvo subscription = 15,000 miles/year - not 1,500. Mis-stated @ 19:58.

I test drove both, and having just driven three different Volvos over the last 10 years I was set to buy the V60cc. But I went for the Outback instead. Better fuel consumption (Europe has a different range of engines in both cars), better ground clearance and importantly for me, better choice of proper off-road alloys for fitting winter tyres. But the biggest reason? I know I would have damaged the Volvo and broken bits. My car is a workhorse, carrying fishing gear, tents, military kit etc. I am forever throwing wet muddy kit in the back. On the seat belt issue, I had a company X90 Hybrid that also liked to tension the seat belt on tight corners, undulating roads and when it thought I was going to crash (lots of tight corners with trees close to the road). It’s way to reactive and spoils the experience. I also did not like the way it applied the brakes in corners. So far, the Outback has done everything I have asked with ease. I have had a 2005 outback, Skoda Scout 4x4, various land rovers and discoveries, but the Outback just gets on with things in an unfussed kind of way, no dramas. I still love the look of the V60cc though, it’s gorgeous.

definelty the V60 CC, I have already one (D4) with Polestar chiptuning and its a great car!

Solid overview. They're both great vehicles. Volvo wins on road manners, looks, and luxury/tech. Subaru wins on just being a Subaru - that classic goldilocks zone of not too little, not too much, throw it around on a gravel road without worrying, throw a bunch of gear in the back. Definitely prefer the Volvo trans over CVT. End of the day, I'd probably go Subaru, the vibe is just a little more practical, less pretentious. The Outback seems less cold, less serious Scandinavian, and oddly less feminine. Never thought I'd think of a Volvo as pretentious but something about this vehicle feels that way.

the seatbelt tighten on you because you lifted off the throttle and in curve with slight drift and with the angle of the steering wheel. Hill decent will give you maximum brake force on tire with grip, it will keep it at 5km/t and you can go slower with brake or faster with acc.pedal. Hill climbing is better with traction control off. Loved your review, much more on point with whats acc. to the car and different trim levels. And you did good research!

I put grabber at3 tyres on my V90 CC. It handled everything I ever threw at it.

Great job! From what I seen it wasn’t lack of traction it was not enough power being transferred to the wheels with grip.

All “off road versions” of cars seam to come with large wheels and low sidewall tyres as standard I don’t understand 🤷‍♂️

The old XC70 instrumentation was good. I don't like the iPad interface on the new ones.

On my fifth Volvo. Yes, I am a Volvo fan-boy! I also know Subaru's are excellent cars and told my mother to buy the Outback several times. Both are excellent. Just depends if you want Filet Mignon or a T-Bone... Both are great, but serve different tastes! I have had two 240s, two S60s, and am currently driving an S90. I'll take the Volvo ANY day, but won't fault anyone for choosing a Subaru.

Volvo are the best, been driving volvos for 45 years....I still have my 1994 940! 275k miles...these cars are simply the best!

I am definitely in the minority. But I like these station wagons. I really liked the Regal Tour X too. This vehicle is gorgeous in my opinion. I would buy it over a Subaru any day. Well, any day I could afford to. Great video!

17:30 Turn Off - Traction control - then more spin get more tourqe on right wheels.

The V60 CC is the Swiss army knife of cars. It has everything you need and more.

Just came across this video and it was great. I've had three Subaru Brats and one Baja. EXCELLENT VEHICLES! The only issues I had with them was that after 7 to 8 years they start to rust out and the transmissions after 85 thousand miles the third gear syncro starts to wear out. I've had four Volvo's 245 turbo, 850, S40, and XC70. The 245 turbo wagon had 302k and the floor board rotted out, 850 with usual maintenance had 258k. The S40 was 9 years old and looked like it came off the showroom floor but, was a total junk and was made by Ford with FOMOCO stamped all over it. AT 123,000 miles, Everything went wrong. Timing belt, alt, A/C, starter, transmission, the all wheel drive Haldex pump went out, both rear bearings, two struts, and the engine bearings went. Volvo dealer always worked on the S40. I had the S40 towed to the service department. The service manger came up to us and said that with all the work and cost, he said that it exceeds the cost of the car and said they didn't want us to spend any more money on it and suggested to go upstairs and talk to the sales floor. My wife loved the S40 but, they showed her a 2018 S60 and she bought, that was two years ago. Meanwhile, my XC70 with 230k and 18 years old is immaculate and is just plain WONDERFUL!!.....Volvo for life!

Those looks like normal roads in my country!

Those road tyres will let you down every time. Off road tyres if you can fit them, always.

I just got my 2020 Volvo V60 CC and I LOVE IT!!! My car is sleek, sexy, sometimes mean and called “badass” by a few without me using that word. The Chrome pipes in the back, the gorgeous and luxurious 2 tones amber and black interior, the sleek profile and impressive front, the stunning open sun roof/Skylight, and the rims (even the standard are stunning). And it drives like s sports sedan!! I just traded in my Audi A5 Convertible (which I loved) and this was the biggest space containing sun opening, sports driving vehicle I test drove. Its handles turns and hugs the road. No jerky wheel, not floaty feeling like some cars. Just smooth and powerful... Did I tell you how much I love her!! Let’s just say I just washed my car for the first time washing a car in 6 years!

Wow, it did the off-road part like a boss for what that is. I also love how this thing sips fuel compared to a Wilderness Outback. We're talking 7,7 L/100KM (34 MPG) on the highway, I think? That's a friendly winter pal, here.

Volvo of course. Volvo4life !

No question-VOLVO! Subarus are a mechanics best friend!

I have had accouple of Subaru's and I now own a Volvo.... The Volvo is the best car I have ever owned and I will pass it down to my children to drive one day.

Looks stunning!

I love Subies. There’s a Forester in my garage right now...with a manual transmission. I realize when the Subie gets long in the tooth I’ll have to drive some other brand. CVTs are crap and I love to drive too much to suffer with one of those. I guess that is why I have two kidneys so I can sell one to afford the Volvo.

Appreciate the content, and the fact that there is a sort of "standardized test" that each vehicle goes through. Conditions may vary, but the overall test on the rock-climb/ditch jump does not. Thanks for posting!

Very good video. As previous owner of Subaru Outback (and Legacy x2) I am pretty sure this Volvo would outdo Subaru in most off road situations. Subaru CVT transmission overheats easily and cuts engine power. Experienced that many times. Proper automatic transmission will handle off road heat much better. These days all open differential AWD systems are very sophisticated and pretty much have similar capabilities. One exception might be Land Rover AWD (but they add locking diffs etc.).

I would definitely buy the V60. It looks so much better on the outside than the Outback.

The moment you said Volvo has 8-speed AT it was clear that Volvo is better, any transmission is better than Subaru CVT, I know because I used it in 2017 Outback.

Impressive car,but nobody that buys one will take it where you did. You are a very knowledgeable reviewer,well done!

Beautiful car and beautiful scenery. Where is this filmed? :)

Good review and that’s what I wanted to see...a real driver testing it’s capabilities until it can’t ...which was more about the tires then having adequate power and vehicle traction system. This video helped with making a decision.

Interesting in seeing how the A6 Allroad will compare .... if it’s really coming to the US.

I love this format and tests in this area keep it up! Looking forward to the Outback here or any non-hybrid CVT Subaru on this same course. Also Volvo was impressive here but it had grip as some of the tires never broke loose, it just couldn't transfer the power with braking to the other side. i would think with a bigger brake pump in the future an open is probably all that would every be needed.

Thank you for a great review, Ryan. I really enjoyed it.

He calls the V60 CC a "little vehicle".... Sir, you've never been to Europe, and then Americans don't get it why the Europe doesn't want it's cars.

This will be an awesome deal in 2 years for $15,000!

that Volvo is stunning. it's handsome and masculine and rugged yet refined . hey, it's me reincarnated as a car!

Volvo is class no doubt and it’s a.w.d. system appears to be top notch, but for me price would be a factor. For a wagon style suv (that was going to be used off-road) -my choice would be the new “onyx” outback xt.

Nobody cross shops these. If you are spending 39K why would you look at something that cost almost 60k. The Subaru is obtainable by most middle class families the Volvo is not

Please Please Please try the Outback up the cross cut

Hello everyone, In Greece now the price of subaru outback with 2.5 engine with 150 hp the only option costs 60000 euro while volvo v60 cross country with 2.0 diesel engine with 197 hp also only option cost less than 55000 euro, so if I had the money I will chose the volvo

Did you try tuning the traction control off? Seemed like it was cutting power? It's a nice car but it is out of my $$ range. I own an outback and love everything but the cvt.

Great review! Have you reserved also Subaru Outback for a test before heavy snowfall comes on?