2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged take on the traditional Outback, offering a higher stance and a more adventurous aesthetic. It featured 23 centimetres of ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. The exterior was marked by a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, while the interior was dominated by dark gray and black tones with StarTex water-repellant upholstery. The Outback Wilderness was designed to stand out with its bold styling and practical features like a robust roof rack and exclusive Geyser Blue paint.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC60 received subtle styling updates, including a new front fascia with "air blades" and a reworked grille. The rear bumper was redesigned to hide the tailpipes, and new wheel designs were introduced. The interior maintained its clean design with a new digital instrument cluster, while the XC60 Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery. The XC60's design emphasized a balance of sportiness and luxury, with a focus on comfort and a subdued yet sophisticated interior.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters. The Outback Wilderness excelled off-road with its 23 cm ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and dual-function X-Mode traction system. It had a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs and was equipped with standard all-wheel drive. However, its on-road performance was somewhat limited by the CVT and all-terrain tires.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, with the B6 version offering 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains used an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The XC60 B6 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, providing a smooth and refined driving experience. The XC60 also offered a plug-in hybrid option with up to 415 horsepower and 494 lb-ft of torque. The XC60 prioritized comfort and luxury over outright performance, with a quiet cabin and comfortable ride enhanced by optional air suspension.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a spacious interior with dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could become uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 4-way manual adjustment for the passenger. The rear seats provided generous head and legroom, with heated seats and dual USB charging ports. The cargo area offered 920 litres of space with the rear seats up and 2,144 litres with them folded. The Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Cargo space was 611 litres with the rear seats up and 1,410 litres with them folded for mild-hybrid models, slightly less for plug-in hybrids. The XC60 offered a commanding driving position with good visibility, despite its somewhat pinched roofline. The interior was designed for comfort and practicality, with a focus on luxury features.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which integrated climate control and required the use of the touchscreen for most functions. While physical knobs were provided for volume and tuning, the voice recognition technology was limited. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available for better voice assistant functionality. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available in other Outback trims.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system. It included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The system featured Google Assistant for voice control and Google Maps for navigation, with over-the-air software updates. The XC60 offered optional upgraded sound systems and a head-up display. The infotainment system was designed for both Android and iPhone users, with a new layout for easy navigation.

The 2022 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 had steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The Outback Wilderness was expected to perform well in crash tests, with the 2021 model receiving top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 offered standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. It also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Volvo's driver assistance system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring. The 2021 XC60 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, and the 2022 model was expected to perform similarly.