2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged take on the traditional Outback, offering a higher stance and a more adventurous design. With 23 centimetres of ground clearance, it was equipped with all-terrain tires and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. The exterior featured a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, while the interior was dominated by dark grey and black tones with StarTex water-repellant upholstery. The Outback Wilderness was designed to stand out with its matte black hood decal and exclusive Geyser Blue paint option, making it a distinctive choice for those seeking a more off-road-capable vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication, moving away from its boxy predecessors. The XC90's sleek profile and pronounced wheel arches gave it an athletic appearance, while the "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights added a touch of Swedish heritage. Inside, the XC90 was a showcase of Scandinavian Modern design, with natural wood and metal trim, a crystal gear selector, and a spacious, airy cabin. The XC90 was available in six- or seven-passenger configurations, offering ample space and comfort for families, with a focus on high-quality materials and a luxurious feel.

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. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided adequate power for its 3,896-pound weight and a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The Outback Wilderness boasted a fuel efficiency of 10.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.9 on the highway. Its all-wheel-drive system, combined with 23 cm of ground clearance and all-terrain tires, made it a capable off-road vehicle. However, the CVT's droning and soft gear changes detracted from the driving experience on pavement.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrain options: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 250 horsepower, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 hp. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The XC90's fuel efficiency varied, with the T5 achieving 11.5 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 on the highway, while the Recharge offered an 8.8 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode. The XC90's driving experience was smooth and responsive, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, particularly in the Recharge model.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark grey StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could become uncomfortable in hot weather. The interior offered generous head and legroom for rear passengers, with heated seats and dual USB ports. The cargo area provided 920 litres of space behind the rear seat and 2,144 litres with the seat folded flat. The Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack capable of supporting a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. The third row was suitable for children, while the second row offered ample space for adults. The XC90's cargo capacity ranged from 357 litres behind the third row to 1,855 litres with all seats folded. The XC90 excelled in interior storage, with numerous compartments and a spacious cabin enhanced by a panoramic moonroof. The XC90's climate control system performed well in extreme temperatures, ensuring comfort for all passengers.

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 less intuitive than desired. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, offering better voice assistant functionality. The lack of a premium audio system was a notable omission for this model.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen, offering tablet-like functionality with familiar gestures. While the system could be glitchy, Apple CarPlay improved its performance. The XC90 also included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display. The Advanced package added a 360-degree camera system and an advanced air cleaner. A Harman-Kardon audio system was standard on higher trims, providing a superior listening experience.

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. The system was effective and unobtrusive, maintaining safe distances and lane positioning. The Outback Wilderness also featured steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results were unavailable, the standard Outback received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance on highways. The XC90 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing its reputation as a safe family vehicle.