2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2018 Volvo XC60

The 2018 Volvo XC60 was a product of Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), a significant investment by Geely, the Chinese automaker that acquired Volvo in 2010. This architecture was shared across new Volvo models, starting with the XC90. The XC60, a five-passenger crossover, bore a strong resemblance to the larger XC90 from the front, while its side profile retained the essence of the outgoing XC60 with added character lines. The rear design closely mirrored the V90 wagon. Inside, the XC60 exuded Scandinavian elegance with its clean lines and matte finishes, although some elements like the Orrefors glass shifter and Thor’s hammer-shaped headlamps felt a bit gimmicky. Despite these quirks, the interior was considered one of the best in its class.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid distinguished itself from its conventionally powered siblings with unique visual cues. It featured bright gray inserts along the sides and front, blue frames around the upgraded headlight clusters, and was available in exclusive colors like "Lagoon Blue." Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid boasted blue inserts and two-tone leather seats with blue stitching, all standard. The cabin was well-equipped, compensating for the reduced cargo space due to the battery placement. Standard features included 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive headlights, and a winter windshield de-icer. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with an 8-inch touchscreen and Subaru’s Starlink, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

The 2018 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all with standard all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined a turbocharged, supercharged engine with an 87-hp electric motor, delivering a total of 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 could travel up to 17 miles on electric power alone, with a combined fuel economy of 26 mpg. However, real-world mileage often fell short, averaging around 22 mpg. The XC60 excelled on highways and back roads, offering a balanced ride, but felt less composed in city traffic due to its regenerative brakes.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing 137 horsepower and 134 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system was integrated before the drivetrain split power to the all-wheel-drive system, ensuring traditional AWD capability. The plug-in hybrid could be charged in five hours with a standard outlet or two hours with a 240-volt charger, offering an electric-only range of 17 miles. Despite its hybrid nature, acceleration was underwhelming, with a 0-60 time of around 8 seconds. The hybrid components added 500 pounds, affecting handling, but the Crosstrek Hybrid excelled in off-road conditions with its 8.7 inches of ground clearance and rugged suspension. It achieved an EPA rating of 90 MPGe and a combined fuel economy of 35 mpg.

The 2018 Volvo XC60 was available in three trims: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription. The Momentum was well-equipped, the R-Design featured sporty elements, and the Inscription offered luxurious touches like stitched leather and driftwood accents. With the rear seats folded, the XC60 provided 63.3 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly less than the previous model, but headroom and legroom were improved.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid had a similar layout to the conventional Crosstrek, with deep door pockets and center console compartments. The electronic parking brake allowed for a more efficient use of space, with side-by-side cupholders and room for various toggles. The driving position was upright, offering good visibility and rear seat space. However, the cargo area was reduced to 41 cubic feet due to the battery pack, compared to 55 cubic feet in the gas-powered version.

The 2018 Volvo XC60 featured a 9-inch Sensus touchscreen, controlling various functions from seat heaters to steering feel. The system was highly customizable, with options like massaging seats and adjustable interior lighting. However, the abundance of menus could be overwhelming, and navigating the system while driving was challenging. The optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system was a highlight, offering exceptional audio quality.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with Subaru’s premium Starlink infotainment system and an 8-inch touchscreen. The system was intuitive, with large icons and no lag, and included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The multi-information display atop the dash provided useful information without being overly complicated, controlled by a steering wheel button.

The 2018 Volvo XC60 was renowned for its safety, earning top ratings, including an IIHS Top Safety Pick +. Standard features included Volvo’s City Safety package, which could stop or steer the car to avoid collisions. Oncoming Lane Mitigation and optional blind-spot detection and lane-keep assist enhanced safety. Pilot Assist II offered semi-autonomous driving, working well in various conditions.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came standard with Subaru’s EyeSight suite, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included adaptive high beams, blind-spot detection, and reverse automatic braking. EyeSight provided semi-autonomous highway driving, with a feature to alert drivers if they didn’t respond to a moving vehicle ahead.