2022 Subaru Ascent vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while moving towards the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, leading to the current XC90, which launched in 2016 as the flagship SUV on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The XC90's design was sleek and athletic, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches, complemented by the iconic "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights. Inside, the XC90 boasted a "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" aesthetic, featuring natural wood and metal trim, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced the Onyx Edition trim, featuring a blacked-out exterior for a sporty appearance. The Ascent offered various trims, including Convenience, Touring, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Premier, with prices ranging from $37,295 to $51,795. The Onyx Edition, priced at $44,995, included black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille, and water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather seats. The interior featured a gray two-tone scheme with metallic trim, though the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat. Despite this, the Ascent's styling and features aimed to attract a youthful audience.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. All models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption varied, with the T5 achieving 11.5 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 on the highway, while the Recharge offered an 8.8 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode. The XC90's driving experience was smooth and agile, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the Recharge Inscription extended range model.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre flat-four engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. The Ascent's fuel consumption was rated at 10.5 L/100 km combined, with 11.7 city and 9.0 highway. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, allowing for brisk acceleration and a towing capacity of up to 2,270 kilograms. The Ascent's X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 22 centimetres of ground clearance provided off-roading capability. The Ascent's driving experience was nimble and responsive, though the lane-keeping and lane-centring assistance technologies could feel unstable.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. However, the third row was best suited for children due to limited legroom. The XC90 provided 357 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,855 litres with the second and third rows folded. The SUV could tow up to 2,250 kilograms. The interior featured ample storage, a panoramic moonroof, and effective climate control, making it comfortable for family tours.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent accommodated up to eight passengers with a second-row bench seat, though the third row was more suitable for children. The Ascent offered a comfortable driving position and was equipped for winter weather with features like heated seats and a wiper de-icer. Cargo space was generous, with 458 litres behind the third row and up to 2,061 litres with both rows folded. The Ascent's interior included practical storage solutions, such as a dashboard shelf and large cupholders.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen, offering smartphone-like gestures and Bluetooth functionality. The system was occasionally glitchy but improved with Apple CarPlay. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and optional head-up display enhanced driver awareness. The XC90 included a Harman-Kardon audio system and multiple USB ports for device charging.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent's base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. The system's voice recognition needed improvement, and the Onyx Edition's standard stereo lacked sonic quality. Premier trim offered additional features like a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot Assist system provided assisted driving on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent also earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and a five-star rating from NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. The Ascent featured EyeSight driver-assist technology, though it had limitations in direct sunlight and with adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and optional blind-spot monitoring.