2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Subaru Forester, available in various trims including the Wilderness, was known for its practicality and rugged appeal. Prices started at $29,495, with the Premier trim reaching $40,595, plus a $1,800 destination charge. The Wilderness model, priced at $38,995, featured a white exterior, dark grey interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and a suspension lift for increased ground clearance. Despite its functional design, the Forester's exterior, with its oversized cladding and matte-black hood decal, was not universally appealing. Inside, the Forester emphasized functionality with a mix of hard plastic and soft surfaces, copper-coloured accents, and an 8-inch Starlink infotainment system. The interior was intuitive, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC60 exuded a sense of style and sophistication. With prices ranging from over $50,000 to more than $90,000, the XC60 offered a choice of powertrains, including the Recharge PHEV. Our test vehicle, in Recharge spec with the Ultimate package, featured a Thunder Grey paint, air suspension, and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, bringing the MSRP to $90,200. The XC60's design was elegant, with a blacked-out exterior trim and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the cabin showcased Scandinavian minimalism with black leather, wood trim, and a crystal gear selector knob. The XC60's interior was opulent, offering a comfortable and luxurious experience.

The 2022 Subaru Forester was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. The Wilderness model boasted a 25% increase in initial torque supply and doubled towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. Fuel consumption was rated at 9.0 L/100 km, with our test averaging 9.1 L/100 km. The Forester excelled in various environments, from city streets to off-road trails, thanks to its re-tuned suspension and dual-function X-Mode system. However, the lack of a turbocharger left it feeling sluggish at higher altitudes.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge combined a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 455 horsepower and 423 lb-ft of torque. It offered an estimated 58 kilometres of electric driving range and a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms. The XC60 featured multiple driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, and Pure, allowing for a tailored driving experience. In Power mode, the XC60 was exceptionally quick, reaching 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The XC60 Recharge averaged 4.3 L/100 km during our evaluation, showcasing its impressive efficiency. The one-pedal driving function and regenerative brakes further enhanced its performance.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit, water-resistant StarTex upholstery, and all-weather floor mats. The upgraded roof rails supported a dynamic load of 100 kilograms and a static load of 362 kilograms, accommodating a three-person roof tent. The Forester offered ample comfort in both front and rear seats, with rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports. Cargo space measured 818 litres without the sunroof and 762 litres with it, expanding to 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, a compact crossover, was best suited for four passengers, though it could accommodate five. The front seats, wrapped in Nappa leather, offered outstanding comfort with heating, ventilation, and power cushion extensions. The rear seats were also comfortable, though legroom was limited. Storage space was decent, with practical spots for smaller items and a power liftgate revealing 730 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,792 litres with the rear seats folded. The XC60 featured a ski pass-through panel and buttons to lower the suspension for easier loading.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Wilderness model included a 180-degree forward-view camera. The system was intuitive, though the voice recognition was hit-and-miss.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 9-inch Google Built-in infotainment system. It offered access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play, supporting both Android and Apple CarPlay. The system was intuitive, with a volume knob and tuning buttons for easy operation. The voice-recognition system was impressive, handling various commands effectively. The optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system provided exceptional audio quality.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, known for its safety innovations, featured Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. It excelled on highways, providing smooth and accurate assistance. The XC60 also included Oncoming Lane Mitigation to prevent collisions. While the NHTSA had not assessed the PHEV, the XC60 B5 and B6 earned top marks. The IIHS awarded the XC60 a Top Safety Pick+ rating.