2021 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older Subaru models. Its interior, especially in trims above the base, featured a modern 11.6-inch portrait display surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim, offering a fresh look compared to the outdated dashboard of the smaller Crosstrek. The Outback's quality was evident in its substantial window switches, dash padding, and surface materials, with higher trims offering a luxury car impression through two-tone leather upholstery. The exterior maintained a smooth and plain styling with high gray cladding on wheel arches and bumpers, emphasizing its lifted wagon design, which made it a great alternative to typical crossovers or SUVs.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge adhered closely to traditional automotive design, making it look similar to its gasoline counterpart. The most noticeable difference was its solid panel grill, which redirected airflow, and the absence of tailpipes, indicating its electric nature. The XC40 was a well-assembled vehicle with a quality exterior appearance, featuring Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion. Inside, the XC40 embraced Scandinavian design, offering an airy and roomy cabin with harmonious dash elements. Volvo's steady progression into the premium automotive category was evident in the XC40 Recharge, which stood as a genuine luxury SUV.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's performance was hindered by its 2.5-litre boxer flat-four engine, which produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine struggled to move the vehicle, especially when loaded, resulting in slow and noisy performance. However, the XT trims offered a turbocharged 2.4-litre flat-four engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving performance. The Outback excelled in ride comfort and off-road capability, thanks to its high ground clearance and proactive AWD system, which provided excellent traction and stability in various conditions.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge delivered an exhilarating driving experience with its 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack powering two electric motors, producing 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the XC40 Recharge to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The vehicle's regenerative braking system and one-pedal drive feature enhanced efficiency and driving enjoyment. The XC40 Recharge's low centre of gravity and familiar suspension setup contributed to its stable and planted handling. It offered a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge, with fast-charging capabilities for added convenience.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space, with 2,144 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded and 920 litres with them raised. Its wide and flat cargo area, along with ample headroom and legroom, provided comfort and practicality. The Outback's superb outward visibility and clever storage solutions, such as integrated roof rails and crossbars, added to its functionality. However, some features like push-button start and rear console climate vents were not standard on lower trims.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions, including a front trunk for additional space. The cabin featured ample cubbies and nooks, with comfortable front seats and adequate rear seating for outboard passengers. The XC40 Recharge provided up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms. Its compact SUV design offered a balance between interior space and overall size.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared outdated, with graphics reminiscent of older technology. However, it offered modern features like adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, provided adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system's reliance on cameras without radar limited its functionality in certain conditions.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with advanced technology, including Pilot Assist for highway driving and a heat pump to extend range. Its 9.3-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument panel featured the Android Automotive operating system, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and over-the-air updates. The system's range reporting by percentage rather than distance was a drawback, potentially causing range anxiety.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. It offered advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking on higher trims. The Outback earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It boasted an extensive list of standard safety equipment, including collision warning, blind-spot information, and lane keep assist. The XC40 Recharge's new sensor platform enhanced its active safety features, and Volvo's Connected Safety system provided real-time road condition updates.