2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty appearance with a new front fascia featuring "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 retained its clean design, with a new digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented touchscreen. The B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, though the interior remained somewhat subdued compared to other Volvo models.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester maintained its traditional design, resembling previous Forester models, especially in Cascade Green Silica paint. Available in various trims, including Base, Touring, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Premier, the Forester prioritized function over form. The Premier trim stood out with 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim. The Forester's robust roof rails allowed for carrying sporting equipment or even pitching a tent. Inside, the Premier trim offered exclusive brown leather and metallic accents, maintaining Subaru's traditional design with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. The interior was practical, with a mix of buttons and knobs for easy control, though hard plastic was prevalent.

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, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 version also featured an electric supercharger. The 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 and came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The XC60's acceleration was slightly slower than the 2021 model, with the B5 reaching 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 emphasized luxury over performance, offering a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge provided 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. The CVT had eight programmed ratios, and the SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode for quicker responses. The Forester included an X-Mode off-road traction control system with hill descent control, and the Sport trim added Deep Snow and Mud settings. The Forester Wilderness trim enhanced off-road capability with all-terrain tires. The Forester Premier handled various weather conditions confidently, though the engine was merely adequate. The Forester's driving dynamics were excellent, with responsive steering, effective brakes, and well-tuned suspension. However, a turbocharged engine would have been beneficial for better performance at elevation. The Forester returned 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres, below the official rating of 8.2 L/100 km.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's interior space remained unchanged, offering competitive passenger space within its segment. Front-seat headroom was above average, but rear-seat headroom was tied with the Audi Q5 for the worst in the segment. Legroom was average in both rows. The mild-hybrid models provided 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 offered a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering features like a panoramic glass sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. The Forester Wilderness and Premier trims offered StarTex artificial leather and perforated genuine leather, respectively. The Forester's high seating position and large windows provided excellent visibility, making it easy to drive and park. However, the panoramic sunroof allowed excessive solar heating, and the rear seats lacked comfort. The Forester's doors were well-sealed, and interior storage was plentiful. The cargo area offered 762 litres of space with the rear seats up and 1,957 litres with them folded, with additional hidden storage under the load floor.

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 also enabled. The system was compatible with iPhones, though Android users could sync their profiles. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distraction.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology appeared outdated but was functional. The Base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Starlink connected services. An 8-inch touchscreen was available, along with a navigation system and Harman Kardon audio. The Forester's older Starlink system was user-friendly, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for the 2022 model year, 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 2023 Subaru Forester introduced a next-generation EyeSight system with updated software and cameras for improved performance. Adaptive cruise control was standard, and higher trims added Automatic Emergency Steering. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all but the Base trim. The Forester's DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System was exclusive to the Limited and Premier trims. The Forester received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, a step down from the previous year's Top Safety Pick+ award, and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.