2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60, a product of Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group, showcased a blend of near-luxury and innovative design. Built on the SPA platform, the XC60 shared its architecture with other Volvo models, offering a cohesive design language. Its exterior featured an elegant two-box design with short overhangs, athletic body sides, and crisp details, highlighted by the iconic Thor's hammer LED headlights. Inside, the XC60 exuded Scandinavian elegance with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene cabin atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen, initially a novelty, became a familiar and appreciated feature. The interior's attention to detail, from the HVAC vents to the harmonious textures and colours, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized practicality and ruggedness, especially in the Wilderness trim. The Forester's exterior, with its suspension lift, higher ride height, and protective cladding, gave it a distinctive, albeit homely, appearance. Inside, the Forester prioritized function over form, with a cabin that combined hard plastics and soft surfaces, exuding quality construction. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system, with physical knobs and buttons, offered intuitive operation, though the three display screens could be cumbersome. The Forester's interior, while somewhat dated, provided a sense of purpose and durability, appealing to those seeking a vehicle ready for adventure.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 model increased output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft with the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, including the Polestar Engineered variant, added an 87-hp electric motor, resulting in a combined 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with the Polestar version reaching 415 hp. The XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered, a plug-in hybrid, offered up to 31 kilometres of electric-only driving. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided agile handling, while the cabin remained quiet and comfortable. Fuel consumption ranged from 11.1 L/100 km city to 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T8 PHEV.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. All models featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply. The CVT allowed for a towing capacity of up to 1,360 kilograms. The Forester's fuel consumption was rated at 9.0 L/100 km combined, with the Wilderness model averaging 9.1 L/100 km during testing. The Forester's engine, while adequate at sea level, could feel sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT's eight programmed ratios and SI-Drive's Sport mode provided a more engaging driving experience. The Forester's dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it a compelling choice for adventure seekers.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 excelled in providing comfort and style, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system well-suited for winter conditions. The XC60's interior offered smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, with 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. The XC60's towing capacity was rated at 1,587 kilograms.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The Forester's upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 100 kilograms and a static load of 362 kilograms, suitable for a three-person roof tent. The Forester offered 818 litres of cargo space without the panoramic sunroof and 762 litres with it, expanding to 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded. The Forester's interior provided comfort and practicality, with ample storage and passenger amenities.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, a tablet-style touchpad interface with a portrait orientation. The system divided the screen into function quadrants, allowing users to access audio, navigation, vehicle, and communication functions. While intuitive for frequent iPad users, the system required a learning curve. The XC60 included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an exceptional Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system.

The 2022 Subaru Forester offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with available navigation and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Forester Wilderness included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The test vehicle's navigation system and Harman Kardon audio provided clear sound, though a breadcrumb function would have been useful for off-road navigation.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 benefited from Volvo's heritage of safety innovations, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, collision avoidance, and more. Volvo's semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system was available, integrating adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The XC60's top speed was limited to 180 km/h for safety.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear automatic braking. Limited and Premier trims included DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.