2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty appearance with a new front fascia featuring "air blades" and a reworked grille that cleverly concealed sensors behind a heated Volvo logo. The rear bumper was redesigned to hide the tailpipes, and new wheel designs were introduced across all models. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, ensuring a consistent design language. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, though the interior felt somewhat subdued compared to other Volvo models. The Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel for added luxury.

The 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. This gave the Outback a more aggressive look, complemented by a simulated skid plate, fog lights, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model. The Outback Onyx Edition, with black wheels and trim, offered a more cohesive look. The Outback was available in seven trims, with the Onyx Edition priced at $38,695 in Canada. The standard 2.5-litre engine was available in several trims, while the turbocharged XT models offered more power and were priced higher. The Limited trim, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, provided a comfortable and upscale interior, though the large infotainment screen and gloss black trim were prone to collecting dust and smudges.

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 integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 powertrain also included an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission and came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The XC60 B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the B6 achieved it in 5.9 seconds. The XC60's standout features included a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard engine produced 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. The Outback XT models offered a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. The XT models were less fuel-efficient, with a combined rating of 9.5 L/100 km, while the Wilderness trim rated at 10.1 L/100 km. The Outback's Active Torque Split AWD system varied power distribution between the front and rear axles, while the X-Mode traction system optimized the drivetrain for challenging terrain. The Outback excelled off-road, handling mud and trails with ease. In cities, its excellent visibility and high stance made parking and navigating tight spaces easy. However, the standard engine lacked power, especially at higher speeds and elevations. The Outback's suspension provided a firm ride at lower speeds and absorbed bumps at higher speeds, offering excellent ride quality.

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 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack and flat door sill trim. The Limited trim offered a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Outback's interior was comfortable, with premium Nappa leather upholstery. It provided ample legroom and storage space, with 923 litres of cargo space behind the back seat and 2,141 litres with the seat folded. The Outback's roof rails and rack were robust, ready for accessories. However, more practical storage space could be added by redesigning the transmission shifter.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, 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. The system supported over-the-air updates and was compatible with iPhones, though Android users benefited more. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distraction.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate control. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with access to Starlink connected services. The voice recognition system was limited, requiring Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for better functionality. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was unavailable.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for 2022, but the 2021 model received top safety 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 Outback featured new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster, earning top safety marks from the IIHS. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The system added Automatic Emergency Steering to avoid obstacles. The Premier XT trim offered a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems were less impressive, with artificial steering feel. The rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways.