2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a clever adaptation of the Impreza hatchback, designed to meet the growing demand for crossovers. It featured rugged looks, standard all-wheel drive (AWD), and a higher driving position. The Crosstrek stood out visually with black body cladding, model-specific 17-inch wheels, and a taller ride height offering 8.7 inches of ground clearance. These changes gave it a more SUV-like character and a vibrant color palette, including the eye-catching Plasma Yellow Pearl. The interior, while functional, was somewhat plain, with the Sport trim adding some clashing accents and cheap-looking simulated carbon-fiber trim. However, the water-repellant StarTex upholstery was a practical touch for outdoor adventures.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from Volvo's boxy past, embracing a more upscale, luxury-oriented image. The XC90's design was sleek and athletic, with a long roofline, pronounced wheel arches, and the distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights. The interior exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim, a sliding wood tambor cover on the center console, and a clear crystal gear selector handle. Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030 was evident, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery. The XC90's interior was a sanctuary of comfort and style, making it a true luxury vehicle.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two gasoline powertrain options. The Sport and Limited trims featured a new 2.5-liter boxer-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The base and Premium trims continued with the 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, delivering 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on Base and Premium trims, while the Sport and Limited trims came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). All trims had standard AWD, with torque vectoring and X-Mode for improved handling and off-road capability. Despite the SUV-like stance, the Crosstrek's handling was predictable, with a comfortable ride and low wind noise. However, the new 2.5-liter engine didn't feel dramatically different from the base engine, and acceleration was adequate but accompanied by CVT droning.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrain options. The T5 models had a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 models featured a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined the supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The T5 models were front-wheel drive (FWD) with available AWD, while the T6 and T8 models were AWD only. All XC90 models used an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T8 had an 18-mile EV range and a combined 55 MPGe rating. The XC90's driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model. The electric motor provided smooth power delivery, making the XC90 fun to drive.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered the same front and rear legroom as the Impreza hatchback, with slightly more rear headroom. It had 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 55.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While competitive in passenger space, the Crosstrek lagged behind some rivals in cargo space. It featured a rear-seat reminder system, a handy cubby hole for phones, and decent-sized bottle holders in the doors. However, the maximum number of USB ports was limited to two, both located up front. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, but visibility was good, thanks to the large side glass and car-like front fascia.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. The third row was suitable for kids but lacked legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The XC90's interior was spacious and airy, with ample storage space, comfortable seating, and a standard panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well even in extreme heat, making the XC90 a comfortable choice for all seasons.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured Subaru's Starlink infotainment system with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Premium and Sport trims added WiFi, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a single-disc CD player. The top Limited trim had an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, which was optional on lower trims. The Crosstrek also had a second screen above the main touchscreen for additional information. The 8-inch touchscreen was easy to navigate and responsive, with large analog knobs and buttons for vital functions. The steering wheel had chunky buttons for EyeSight driver-assistance features.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 used the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. The system supported familiar smartphone gestures but was occasionally glitchy and slow to respond. Apple CarPlay worked better, and the XC90 also supported Android Auto. The touchscreen was positioned close to the driver's line of sight, minimizing distraction. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel offered easy customization, and the $1,650 Advanced package included a head-up display, 360-degree camera system, and advanced air cleaner. The XC90 came with standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound, with an optional $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins upgrade. It had two front USB-A ports, two rear USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle controls.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2020 model, virtually identical to the 2021 version, a "Top Safety Pick" with the highest "good" rating in all crash tests and for front-crash prevention tech. EyeSight driver-assist features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. However, the system's cameras could be blocked by windshield wipers or direct sunlight, limiting functionality.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with a comprehensive list of features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Volvo's Pilot Assist system combined several safety features to keep the car in its lane with minimal driver intervention on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, making it one of the safest vehicles on the road.