Subaru Outback v Volvo V90 Cross Country T5
Discussion
Just after opinions if anyone would care to offer one?
I’m trying to decide between an Outback 2.5i and a Cross Country T5. Currently have an X5 50i which I’ve enjoyed immensely however it’s time for a change. Due to my physical circumstances (medical) I don’t want a normal estate so have settled on a crossover. I need petrol rather than diesel because I do less than 10k a year.
My debate with myself is that the Subaru would almost certainly fulfil all my needs but it lacks the grunt of the Volvo which in T5 form offers 250bhp (ish). However on today’s congested, camera ridden roads would I really miss the grunt? The X5 I’m stepping out of has 409bhp but is a big old lump and I hardly ever use the performance, being happy to just trundle along with the flow.
So sensible head says buy the Subaru. Budget is 20k to 25k which would get me a fairly new one of either car.
Not much of an exciting thread but any Subaru/Volvo experiences/points of views gratefully received.
I’m trying to decide between an Outback 2.5i and a Cross Country T5. Currently have an X5 50i which I’ve enjoyed immensely however it’s time for a change. Due to my physical circumstances (medical) I don’t want a normal estate so have settled on a crossover. I need petrol rather than diesel because I do less than 10k a year.
My debate with myself is that the Subaru would almost certainly fulfil all my needs but it lacks the grunt of the Volvo which in T5 form offers 250bhp (ish). However on today’s congested, camera ridden roads would I really miss the grunt? The X5 I’m stepping out of has 409bhp but is a big old lump and I hardly ever use the performance, being happy to just trundle along with the flow.
So sensible head says buy the Subaru. Budget is 20k to 25k which would get me a fairly new one of either car.
Not much of an exciting thread but any Subaru/Volvo experiences/points of views gratefully received.
lots of farmers and small holders run Outbacks and foresters , very reliable and good off road, the Volvo will be more comfortable and refined for longer trips
depends on what you need workhorse / exc estate, is there a local dealer or specialist for either could be an important factory.
Drive both, CVT gearbox in the Outback ?
depends on what you need workhorse / exc estate, is there a local dealer or specialist for either could be an important factory.
Drive both, CVT gearbox in the Outback ?
Just to say, £21k gets you a 18 month old V90CC T5 which is a hell of a lot of car for the money considering they were listed at £48k!
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?sort=price...
Also £30k(ish) will get you you a 'new' one (70 plate)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010124...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?sort=price...
Also £30k(ish) will get you you a 'new' one (70 plate)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010124...
I have driven several v90’s and they are very nice cars, also good value 2nd hand. I’ve only seen the Subaru but it looks like a much older car inside and the values seem stronger 2nd hand. Unless the off road capability is very important it would be the Volvo all day for me.
I understand Subarus are disproportionately expensive because the Japanese Yen is so relentlessly strong. Others probably know better than me in that area though.
Is that Subaru 2.5 a reliable unit? I’ve heard negative things about it but the same could be said for other units.
I understand Subarus are disproportionately expensive because the Japanese Yen is so relentlessly strong. Others probably know better than me in that area though.
Is that Subaru 2.5 a reliable unit? I’ve heard negative things about it but the same could be said for other units.
Hi,
Had a V90CC T5 until recently on lease.
Viewed as a stationery object the Volvo is a nice thing and the power and performance figures sound okay. The interior is nice, the seats are comfy and the sound system great.
However, to drive it is just a bit crap. The car needs 6 cylinders as the T5 is just too weak to make smooth progress, the gearbox is sluggish to respond, the steering is vague and the huge wing mirrors block so much front 3/4 view you end up bobbing around in the seat to see if all is clear at turnings. The soft wallowy nature of the car says relax and just cruise but the feeble engine stops this as it buzzes away ineffectually.
If I needed a similar car again it would be a BMW. I'm no car expert and a very average driver but somehow BMWs just drive so much nicer.
Had a V90CC T5 until recently on lease.
Viewed as a stationery object the Volvo is a nice thing and the power and performance figures sound okay. The interior is nice, the seats are comfy and the sound system great.
However, to drive it is just a bit crap. The car needs 6 cylinders as the T5 is just too weak to make smooth progress, the gearbox is sluggish to respond, the steering is vague and the huge wing mirrors block so much front 3/4 view you end up bobbing around in the seat to see if all is clear at turnings. The soft wallowy nature of the car says relax and just cruise but the feeble engine stops this as it buzzes away ineffectually.
If I needed a similar car again it would be a BMW. I'm no car expert and a very average driver but somehow BMWs just drive so much nicer.
The Chevalier de Recci said:
Hi,
Had a V90CC T5 until recently on lease.
Viewed as a stationery object the Volvo is a nice thing and the power and performance figures sound okay. The interior is nice, the seats are comfy and the sound system great.
However, to drive it is just a bit crap. The car needs 6 cylinders as the T5 is just too weak to make smooth progress, the gearbox is sluggish to respond, the steering is vague and the huge wing mirrors block so much front 3/4 view you end up bobbing around in the seat to see if all is clear at turnings. The soft wallowy nature of the car says relax and just cruise but the feeble engine stops this as it buzzes away ineffectually.
If I needed a similar car again it would be a BMW. I'm no car expert and a very average driver but somehow BMWs just drive so much nicer.
Having been in the same position, I can't disagree with your comments on the driving dynamics, however I'd disagree about the engine, it's much better than I'd anticipated, and apart from the economy (which doesn't bother me), it's fine for day to day use.Had a V90CC T5 until recently on lease.
Viewed as a stationery object the Volvo is a nice thing and the power and performance figures sound okay. The interior is nice, the seats are comfy and the sound system great.
However, to drive it is just a bit crap. The car needs 6 cylinders as the T5 is just too weak to make smooth progress, the gearbox is sluggish to respond, the steering is vague and the huge wing mirrors block so much front 3/4 view you end up bobbing around in the seat to see if all is clear at turnings. The soft wallowy nature of the car says relax and just cruise but the feeble engine stops this as it buzzes away ineffectually.
If I needed a similar car again it would be a BMW. I'm no car expert and a very average driver but somehow BMWs just drive so much nicer.
It's a barge, treat it like one, and you'll enjoy the experience.
PushedDover said:
Test drove one of those big Volvo CC's and it was BIG for parking etc. Nice and laden with toys.
Ended up in a A6 Allroad (not on your radar? @ 275bhp ?)
Looking a the offered up used examples of the Volvo, smashing VFM !
Thanks for all the replies so far.Ended up in a A6 Allroad (not on your radar? @ 275bhp ?)
Looking a the offered up used examples of the Volvo, smashing VFM !
The Audi is diesel isn’t it? And I didn’t think the A6 Allroad would be in budget for me for the petrol ones, they’re all loads of money?
I’ve had my T5 CC for a couple of weeks . Yes it may be a barge in the handling stakes, however it is great value for money. It’s incredibly relaxing to drive, feels well screwed together and if you like your toys it gets a lot as standard.
The Pilot Assist system is standard and a great aid to make journeys fly by. I considered many other estates and suv but for the volvo felt more modern and future proof at the same price point
The Pilot Assist system is standard and a great aid to make journeys fly by. I considered many other estates and suv but for the volvo felt more modern and future proof at the same price point
BigFatWombat said:
PushedDover said:
Test drove one of those big Volvo CC's and it was BIG for parking etc. Nice and laden with toys.
Ended up in a A6 Allroad (not on your radar? @ 275bhp ?)
Looking a the offered up used examples of the Volvo, smashing VFM !
Thanks for all the replies so far.Ended up in a A6 Allroad (not on your radar? @ 275bhp ?)
Looking a the offered up used examples of the Volvo, smashing VFM !
The Audi is diesel isn’t it? And I didn’t think the A6 Allroad would be in budget for me for the petrol ones, they’re all loads of money?
I have to say I am amazed at the prices of the listed V90s
If I were in your shoes to choose between the Subaru and Volvo - I’d take the Volvo
A vote for the Subaru, we have had a 2.5 petrol 2018 for a month now and although lockdown has stopped us making any decent journeys to properly try it out so far so good. It's a really nice place to be, big spacey cabin with really good visibility, I believe the later models have better quality leather some of the earlier ones seem to have worn more.
We had a fairly specific criteria for replacing our workhorse car, it needed a big flat boot with a wide opening and could fit a bike and dog easily. We looked at the Volvo but seemed to be a lot more money.
We had a fairly specific criteria for replacing our workhorse car, it needed a big flat boot with a wide opening and could fit a bike and dog easily. We looked at the Volvo but seemed to be a lot more money.
Currently on my second Outback, but loved Volvos until (in my opinion anyway) they just got a bit too touchscreen based. Having said which, the Subaru Eyesight system is great - I like the compromise between electronics and switches/dials.
I think what I get from the Subaru is the feeling that whatever the road throws at you, you can deal with it. The Satnav used to say "go over the roundabout" and you would think yes, why not. OK, so performance is a bit pedestrian at times, but on the other hand it's a very relaxing drive. And the boot space and rear leg room are both huge. And (touch wood) I've found the dealers to be good. The one niggle is that they put the car out on summer tyres, which kind of negates the whole idea.....
I think what I get from the Subaru is the feeling that whatever the road throws at you, you can deal with it. The Satnav used to say "go over the roundabout" and you would think yes, why not. OK, so performance is a bit pedestrian at times, but on the other hand it's a very relaxing drive. And the boot space and rear leg room are both huge. And (touch wood) I've found the dealers to be good. The one niggle is that they put the car out on summer tyres, which kind of negates the whole idea.....
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