2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Volvo XC40

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged take on the traditional Outback, offering a higher stance and a more adventurous aesthetic. With 23 centimetres of ground clearance, it was designed to tackle more challenging terrains, resembling a Jeep more than a station wagon. The Wilderness model featured aggressive all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. Its unique design elements included a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, all complemented by a new Geyser Blue paint option. Inside, the cabin was outfitted with dark gray StarTex upholstery, Anodized Copper stitching, and all-weather floor mats, creating a durable and functional interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge maintained a familiar look akin to its gasoline counterpart, with subtle differences marking its electric identity. The most noticeable change was the solid panel in place of a traditional grille, aiding in aerodynamics. The XC40 Recharge featured trim-specific 19-inch alloy wheels and "Recharge" badging, while retaining Volvo's signature Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian design, offering an airy and spacious feel despite its compact SUV classification. The cabin was well-appointed with harmonious design elements, providing a premium experience that aligned with Volvo's push into the luxury segment.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided adequate power for its 3,896-pound frame, though the CVT's performance was less engaging than a dual-clutch automatic might have been. The Wilderness boasted a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs and featured all-wheel drive with a dual-function X-Mode traction system, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Its fuel efficiency was rated at 10.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.9 on the highway, with real-world testing averaging 11.0 L/100 km on a mountainous route.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge, on the other hand, was an electric powerhouse with a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack and dual electric motors producing 402 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque. This setup enabled the XC40 Recharge to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The vehicle featured regenerative braking and a one-pedal driving mode, enhancing efficiency and driving enjoyment. Its range was rated at 359 kilometres on a full charge, with fast-charging capabilities allowing an 80% charge in 40 minutes. The XC40 Recharge's lower centre of gravity improved handling, making it feel stable and planted through curves.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness offered a practical interior with water-repellant StarTex upholstery, though it lacked ventilated seats, which could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats provided 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 4-way manual adjustment for the passenger. Rear seat space was generous, with ample head and legroom, and the cargo area offered 920 litres of space, expanding to 2,144 litres with the rear seats folded. The robust roof rack supported a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions like a front trunk for additional space. The cabin featured ample storage cubbies, comfortable front seats, and adequate rear seating for outboard passengers. The cargo area provided up to 1,628 litres of space with the rear seats folded. The XC40 Recharge also had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms, making it versatile for various needs.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness came equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, integrating climate control and offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. However, the voice recognition technology required learning specific prompts, and the sound system was not as premium as expected for its target demographic.

Volvo's XC40 Recharge was packed with technology, featuring a 9.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. It ran on the Android Automotive operating system, providing seamless integration with Google services and over-the-air updates. The XC40 Recharge also offered a heat pump to extend range and a unique approach to displaying range and charge, though this could induce range anxiety for some drivers.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also featured steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the Wilderness were unavailable, the standard Outback earned high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision warning, blind-spot information, and lane-keeping assistance. It also featured Volvo's Connected Safety system, which shared road condition data with other connected vehicles, enhancing overall safety.