2022 Volvo XC40 vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge adhered closely to traditional automotive design, making the transition from internal combustion engines to electric power as seamless as possible for consumers. From the outside, it closely resembled its gasoline counterpart, with subtle differences like a solid panel in the grille and the absence of tailpipes. The vehicle maintained Volvo's signature aesthetic with features like Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion, all while offering a luxurious interior with a Scandinavian design sensibility. The cabin felt airy and spacious, with harmonious lines and premium finishes, positioning the XC40 Recharge as a genuine luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a facelift, adopting a more aggressive appearance with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper. The Outback's new look was further enhanced by dark grey vertical cladding, a simulated skid plate, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the bold design. Inside, the Outback Limited trim offered a premium experience with Nappa leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and heated seats. The interior was cohesive and upscale, with thoughtful details like light grey contrast stitching and practical storage solutions.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was a thrilling drive, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors delivering 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the XC40 Recharge to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The vehicle featured regenerative braking and a one-pedal drive option, enhancing energy efficiency and driving enjoyment. With a lower centre of gravity due to the battery placement, the XC40 Recharge offered excellent handling and stability. It boasted a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge, with fast-charging capabilities that could replenish the battery to 80% in 40 minutes.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, with its horizontally opposed engines, offered a characteristic grumble and vibration beloved by Subaru fans. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, but it felt underpowered, especially during highway driving. The turbocharged XT models, with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, provided a more satisfying driving experience. The Outback's Active Torque Split AWD system and X-Mode traction system enhanced its off-road capabilities, while the suspension offered a comfortable ride. However, the standard engine's fuel efficiency was disappointing, and the CVT struggled to deliver a sense of urgency.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and a comfortable cabin. The front trunk provided additional storage space, while the interior featured ample cubbies and nooks for modern essentials. The front seats were comfortable, and the rear seats, though a bit tight for a middle passenger, offered a decent compromise for a compact SUV. The XC40 Recharge provided up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a robust roof rack and flat door sill trim. The Limited trim offered a comfortable experience with power-adjustable seats, premium Nappa leather, and heated seats. The Outback's interior was spacious, with ample legroom and storage options. It provided 923 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 2,141 litres with the seats folded down. The Outback's design made it easy to enter and exit, and the roof rails were ready for accessories. However, there was room for improvement in practical storage space within the cabin.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with advanced technology, including a 9.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The Android Automotive operating system offered built-in Google services, and the infotainment system supported over-the-air updates. However, the range and state of charge display, which showed a percentage rather than remaining kilometres, could induce range anxiety. The XC40 Recharge also featured a heat pump to extend its range and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system included physical controls for essential functions, but the voice recognition system was lacking. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera. However, the absence of a surround-view camera was noted. The infotainment system's usability had improved, but the graphics and icon design were not universally appealing.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, and its gasoline counterpart earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 Recharge featured an extensive list of standard safety equipment, including collision warning, blind-spot information, and lane-keeping assist. A new sensor platform enhanced the active safety features, and Volvo's Connected Safety system shared road condition information with other connected vehicles.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was also highly rated for safety, with top marks from the IIHS. The EyeSight system included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Outback Premier XT added a third Wide-Angle Mono Camera for improved pedestrian and cyclist detection. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems felt artificial, and the rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways.