Fuel economy face-off: subaru forester vs volvo – unveiling the mpg king

When it comes to adventure-ready vehicles, the Subaru Forester and Volvo stand out as two of the most popular choices. Both offer a blend of rugged capability, comfort, and versatility, making them ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. But which one is the better choice for your specific needs? To help you decide, we’ve put together this comprehensive comparison of the Subaru Forester vs. Volvo, covering everything from performance to safety to features.

Performance

Under the hood, the Forester and Volvo offer a range of engine options to suit different driving styles. The Forester comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. For more power, you can opt for the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, which delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.

The Volvo, on the other hand, offers a variety of turbocharged engines, including a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, a 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 302 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.9-liter six-cylinder with 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of fuel economy, the Forester has a slight edge over the Volvo. The base Forester with the 2.5-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The Volvo, with its 2.0-liter engine, gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Capability

Both the Forester and Volvo are designed to handle a variety of terrain, including rough roads, dirt trails, and even light off-roading. The Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive, while the Volvo offers all-wheel drive as an option.

The Forester has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, while the Volvo has a ground clearance of 8.3 inches. This makes the Forester slightly better suited for off-road adventures, but both vehicles can handle most trails and rough roads with ease.

Interior

Inside, the Forester and Volvo offer spacious and comfortable cabins. The Forester has a more rugged and utilitarian feel, while the Volvo has a more luxurious and refined interior.

Both vehicles offer plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The Forester has 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 76 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Volvo has 32 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 72 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

Safety

Safety is a top priority for both Subaru and Volvo. The Forester and Volvo have both received top ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The Forester comes standard with a suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Volvo offers even more advanced safety features, such as blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system.

Features

Both the Forester and Volvo offer a variety of features to make your driving experience more enjoyable. The Forester comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a four-speaker audio system. The Volvo offers a more advanced infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, a built-in navigation system, and a premium audio system.

Other available features on the Forester and Volvo include heated seats, a sunroof, a power liftgate, and a variety of driver-assist systems.

Pricing

The Subaru Forester has a starting price of $25,195, while the Volvo has a starting price of $37,750. The price of both vehicles will vary depending on the trim level and options you choose.

Which One is Right for You?

Ultimately, the best choice between the Subaru Forester and Volvo depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a rugged and affordable adventure vehicle, the Forester is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more luxurious and refined vehicle with a wider range of safety features, the Volvo is a better option.

Popular Questions

Q: Which vehicle has better fuel economy?
A: The Subaru Forester has a slight edge over the Volvo in terms of fuel economy.

Q: Which vehicle has more cargo space?
A: The Subaru Forester has slightly more cargo space than the Volvo, with 33 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

Q: Which vehicle has a better safety rating?
A: Both the Subaru Forester and Volvo have received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.

Q: Which vehicle has a more luxurious interior?
A: The Volvo has a more luxurious and refined interior than the Subaru Forester.

Q: Which vehicle has a more affordable starting price?
A: The Subaru Forester has a more affordable starting price than the Volvo.