2023 Subaru Outback 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 China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) for the XC90, which debuted as a 2016 model. The 2022 XC90 showcased a sleek and athletic profile, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches. Its interior was a testament to Scandinavian Modern and Swedish Luxury, featuring natural wood and metal trim, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift, adopting a more aggressive appearance with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the bold cladding. The Outback offered seven trim levels, with the Onyx Edition priced at $38,695 in Canada. The interior of the Limited trim, with premium Nappa leather and contrasting stitching, provided an upscale feel. Despite some hard plastic elements, the Outback's cabin was practical and comfortable, though the large infotainment screen was prone to collecting dust and smudges.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 250 horsepower, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 hp. All models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90's driving experience was impressive, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the Recharge Inscription extended range model. Fuel efficiency varied, with the T5 achieving 10.1 L/100 km combined, the T6 at 10.8 L/100 km, and the Recharge offering 8.8 L/100 km in hybrid mode.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a standard 2.5-litre flat-four engine with 182 hp, paired with a CVT. While the engine provided adequate power for city driving, it struggled with passing and climbing. The Outback XT models, with a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine producing 260 hp, offered better performance but at a higher cost and reduced fuel efficiency. The Outback's AWD system and X-Mode traction system enhanced its off-road capabilities, while the suspension provided a comfortable ride. However, the standard engine's lack of power and fuel economy were disappointing.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 accommodated six or seven passengers, with easy access to the third row. Cargo capacity ranged from 357 litres behind the third row to 1,855 litres with all seats folded. The XC90's interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a panoramic moonroof. The climate control system performed well, even in extreme weather conditions, and the AWD system and heated seats made it suitable for winter driving.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility, with features like a robust roof rack and flat door sills. The Limited trim offered comfortable seating with power adjustments and heating, wrapped in premium Nappa leather. The Outback's cargo space was generous, with 923 litres behind the back seat and 2,141 litres with the seats folded. The vehicle's height made entry and exit easy, and the interior provided ample storage, though more practical space could be added by redesigning the centre console.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. While the system was intuitive, it was occasionally slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, and the Advanced package offered a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The Harman-Kardon audio system and multiple USB ports added to the XC90's tech offerings.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, came with an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the voice recognition was lacking. Additional technologies included a digital rearview mirror and a front-view camera. The infotainment system's usability had improved, but the graphics and icons were not user-friendly.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was equipped with numerous safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist. It received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing Volvo's commitment to safety.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured the EyeSight system with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Premier XT trim added a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian detection. The Outback earned top safety marks from the IIHS, though some driver assist features were less impressive in operation.