2022 Subaru Outback vs 2023 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness presented a rugged and adventurous aesthetic, distinguishing itself from the standard Outback models. It featured a higher stance with 23 centimetres of ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. The unique grille design, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents added to its distinctive look. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark gray and black tones, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery and Anodized Copper stitching. The Outback Wilderness was designed to appeal to those seeking a vehicle with a more adventurous spirit, offering a unique blend of style and functionality.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC60 exuded a sense of elegance and sophistication, with a focus on Scandinavian minimalism. The test vehicle, in Recharge spec with the Ultimate package, featured a Dark exterior theme and Thunder Grey paint, sitting on 20-inch wheels. The interior was a blend of black leather, wood trim, and metal accents, creating an opulent atmosphere. The XC60's design was aging gracefully, maintaining Volvo's reputation as a style leader. The cabin offered a snug yet comfortable fit, with a panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. Overall, the XC60's look and feel were characterized by a blend of luxury and practicality.

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 a midsize crossover SUV. The Outback Wilderness boasted a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and featured all-wheel drive as standard. Its off-road capabilities were enhanced by a taller stance, all-terrain tires, and a dual-function X-Mode traction system. However, the CVT's droning and soft simulated gear changes detracted from the driving experience, especially during maximum acceleration.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge, on the other hand, combined a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 455 horsepower and 423 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed the XC60 to accelerate to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds. The XC60 offered several driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, and Pure, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle's performance to their preferences. The Recharge model also featured a one-pedal driving function and regenerative brakes, contributing to its impressive fuel efficiency of 4.3 L/100 km over a 105-kilometre evaluation route. The XC60's performance was characterized by its quick acceleration and smooth handling, making it a fun and efficient vehicle to drive.

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

The 2023 Volvo XC60, being a compact SUV, was best suited for four passengers, though it could accommodate five if necessary. The front seats, wrapped in Nappa leather, offered heating, ventilation, and power cushion extensions for improved comfort. The rear seats were also comfortable, with heated seats and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. The XC60 provided 730 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,792 litres with the seats folded. The vehicle featured a power liftgate and a ski pass-through panel, adding to its practicality.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped 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, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable options. The lack of a premium audio system was a notable omission, given the target demographic for the Outback Wilderness.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC60 featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 9-inch Google Built-in infotainment system. The system offered access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play, with support for Apple CarPlay. The voice-recognition system was impressive, capable of handling complex requests. The test vehicle was equipped with an optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system, delivering exceptional audio quality. The XC60's technology package was comprehensive and user-friendly, enhancing the overall driving 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, providing Level 2 ADAS capabilities. The Outback Wilderness also featured steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the 2022 model were unavailable, the 2021 Outback received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, known for its safety innovations, came with Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The system performed well on highways, maintaining smooth and accurate control. The XC60 also featured Oncoming Lane Mitigation and other advanced safety systems. While the PHEV model had not been assessed by the NHTSA, the XC60 B5 and B6 models received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.