The 2026 Volvo V60 Cross Country produces 247 hp and reaches 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, outpacing the Outback's standard 180 hp. The Outback counters with a roomier cargo hold and a longer powertrain warranty. This page breaks down every key spec so you can match the right wagon to your lifestyle, then check available inventory at Volvo Cars Hilton Head.
The V60 Cross Country is the stronger choice for drivers who prioritize spirited performance, a refined European cabin, and standard Google-based technology in a sleeker package. The Outback earns the nod for buyers who need maximum cargo room, a higher tow rating, or a more accessible ownership cost. Both wagons run AWD as standard, but they serve different values.
| Spec | 2026 Volvo V60 Cross Country | 2026 Subaru Outback (base) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo Mild-Hybrid Inline-4 | 2.5L BOXER Flat-4 |
| Horsepower | 247 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic (Geartronic) | Lineartronic CVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | Symmetrical AWD |
| EPA MPG (city/hwy/comb.) | 23 / 31 / 26 | 25 / 31 / 27 |
| Ground Clearance | 8.1 in. | 8.7 in. |
| Cargo (behind 2nd row) | 18 cu ft | 34.6 cu ft |
| Max Cargo | 60.5 cu ft | 80.5 cu ft |
| Towing | 2,000 lbs | 2,700 lbs (base); 3,500 lbs (XT/Wilderness) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
The V60 Cross Country's 2.0L turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder delivers 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed Geartronic automatic with a dual shift mode. The mild-hybrid system recovers braking energy into a 48V battery, reducing fuel consumption without requiring a plug. The result is a 0-60 mph sprint of 6.6 seconds, noticeably quicker than the Outback's base configuration.
The Outback's standard 2.5L BOXER engine produces 180 hp and 178 lb-ft through a CVT. Subaru does offer turbocharged XT and Wilderness trims producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft, but those sit at higher trim levels. For buyers comparing the Outback XT against the V60 Cross Country on raw horsepower, the gap narrows considerably, though the Volvo's Geartronic automatic provides a more traditional gear-stepping feel than the CVT.
Highway fuel economy is tied at 31 mpg. The Outback holds a one mpg combined advantage (27 vs. 26), and its 2.5L trims accept regular 87-octane fuel versus the V60 Cross Country's premium requirement.
This is where the two wagons diverge most sharply. The Outback carries 34.6 cu ft behind the rear seats and expands to 80.5 cu ft with the seats folded, nearly double the V60 Cross Country's 18 cu ft and 60.5 cu ft figures. Families hauling gear for Lowcountry camping trips, kayak runs, or long Bluffton-to-Blue Ridge drives will feel that difference every trip.
The V60 Cross Country compensates with a distinctly premium cabin character. Standard features include heated power-adjustable front seats with memory function, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control on the Plus trim, and adaptive LED headlights. The Outback offers a wider, taller body, giving it more headroom and a boxier utility that many buyers prefer.
Roof rails come standard on both vehicles. The V60 Cross Country's lower roofline (59.2 in. vs. the Outback's 67.5 in.) contributes to its sportier stance but reduces interior headroom. The Outback provides more upright, van-adjacent practicality.
Both wagons come with strong tech packages, but their approaches differ.
The V60 Cross Country runs a Google-based infotainment system on a 9-inch touchscreen, with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play built in natively. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, Apple CarPlay, 10-speaker audio, navigation, and a 360-degree camera are all standard. The system also includes remote engine start, a hands-free power liftgate, and HomeLink.
The Outback pairs a 12.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across all trims, the V60 Cross Country offers CarPlay but does not list Android Auto in the verified specs. The Outback's 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster matches the Volvo's. Subaru adds a Harman Kardon premium audio system on most mid-to-upper trims, while the V60 Cross Country's standard 10-speaker system is competitive without being named-brand.
On safety, the V60 Cross Country includes forward collision mitigation with auto brake, rear collision mitigation, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and mitigation, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera, and front and rear parking sensors, all standard. Subaru's EyeSight system is also comprehensive, adding front cross-traffic braking, emergency stop assist, acceleration override assist, and a haptic vibrating steering wheel for driver attention alerts. The Outback Touring trims add highway hands-free assist, a feature not listed for the V60 Cross Country.
The V60 Cross Country's 4-year / 50,000-mile basic warranty is longer than the Outback's 3-year / 36,000-mile coverage, a meaningful advantage at purchase. The Outback's powertrain warranty (5 yr / 60,000 mi) outlasts the V60 Cross Country's (4 yr / 50,000 mi), which is a point in Subaru's favor for long-term drivetrain confidence.
Volvo includes 2 years or 20,000 miles of complimentary factory scheduled maintenance with the V60 Cross Country, covering recommended services in the first two years of ownership. That is a concrete out-of-pocket savings for Bluffton-area owners who keep their vehicles serviced on schedule.
The Outback's standard trims accept regular unleaded fuel, reducing per-fill costs compared to the V60 Cross Country's premium fuel requirement. Over years of ownership, that difference adds up for high-mileage drivers.
Drivers in Bluffton and the surrounding Lowcountry who prioritize driving refinement, standard luxury features, and a thoughtful in-car technology platform will find the V60 Cross Country hard to match in this segment.
The V60 Cross Country brings a combination of turbocharged performance, mild-hybrid efficiency, and standard premium features that the Outback simply does not replicate in a single package. If the wagon format suits your life but you want a vehicle that feels as refined as it is capable, the V60 Cross Country belongs on your short list. Browse current availability and connect with the team at Volvo Cars Hilton Head to find the right trim and color for your next adventure out of Bluffton.
The Outback carries significantly more cargo: 34.6 cu ft behind the rear seats and 80.5 cu ft maximum, versus 18 cu ft and 60.5 cu ft in the V60 Cross Country.
The V60 Cross Country produces 247 hp, compared to 180 hp in the standard Outback 2.5L. Outback XT and Wilderness trims use a turbocharged engine rated at 260 hp.
Yes. The V60 Cross Country runs a Google-based infotainment system with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play natively integrated on the standard 9-inch touchscreen.
The V60 Cross Country offers a longer basic warranty at 4 years / 50,000 miles versus the Outback's 3 years / 36,000 miles. The Outback's powertrain warranty (5 yr / 60,000 mi) is longer than the V60 Cross Country's (4 yr / 50,000 mi).
Yes. Volvo includes 2 years or up to 20,000 miles of complimentary factory scheduled maintenance with the 2026 V60 Cross Country.
The V60 Cross Country is rated to tow up to 2,000 lbs. The Outback tows up to 2,700 lbs on base trims and up to 3,500 lbs on XT and Wilderness trims.
The 2026 V60 Cross Country is offered in two trims: B5 AWD Plus and B5 AWD Ultra.
The V60 Cross Country uses a mild-hybrid system that recovers braking energy into a 48V battery to assist the 2.0L turbocharged engine. It does not require plugging in.