2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty appearance with new front fascia elements called "air blades" and a redesigned rear bumper that concealed the tailpipes. The front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind the heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC60 shared its foundation with other Volvo models like the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 maintained its clean design with a new digital instrument cluster, a portrait-oriented touchscreen, and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, adding flair to an otherwise subdued interior. The Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2022 Subaru Forester offered a range of trims, from the base model to the Premier, with prices starting at $29,495 and reaching $40,595. The Forester Wilderness, new for 2022, featured a white exterior, dark grey interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and a base price of $38,995. Known for its practicality, the Forester emphasized function over form, with a cabin combining hard plastic and soft surfaces. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal. The Wilderness model stood out with its rugged design, including a suspension lift, higher ride height, and protective cladding, making it suitable for off-road adventures. Despite its utilitarian focus, the Forester's interior provided comfort and quality construction.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 versions. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and an integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 powertrain also featured an electric supercharger. The XC60 B5 delivered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The XC60 B5 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60's smooth power delivery and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension, emphasized luxury over sportiness. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a zero to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2022 Subaru Forester retained its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. All Foresters featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply. This CVT design doubled the Wilderness's towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. The Forester Wilderness averaged 9.1 L/100 km in combined driving. While the engine was adequate at sea level, it felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT's eight programmed ratios simulated an automatic transmission, and the SI-Drive system provided a Sport mode for more lively response. The dual-function X-Mode system offered improved off-road capabilities, with settings for different surfaces and a new "standby" feature. The Wilderness model's longer springs and shocks improved ground clearance and off-road performance, making it suitable for challenging terrains.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,410 litres with them folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness model included all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 100 kilograms and a static load of 362 kilograms, suitable for a three-person roof tent. The Forester offered high comfort levels, with excellent visibility and rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space measured 818 litres without the sunroof and 762 litres with it, expanding to 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded. The squared-off cargo area and new ceiling cargo hooks added practicality.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. Over-the-air software updates were enabled, and iPhone compatibility was promised. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distraction.

The 2022 Subaru Forester featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims included an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Wilderness model had a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The navigation system was helpful, though a breadcrumb function would have been beneficial. The voice recognition system was inconsistent in effectiveness.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2021 model received top ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. An optional driver assistance system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system with improved camera-based driver assist technology. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. Limited and Premier trims offered DriverFocus facial recognition technology. The NHTSA awarded the Forester a 5-star overall crash-test rating, with a 4-star rating for rollover resistance.