2023 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's past design ethos, which was often likened to utilitarian appliances. This model showcased a purposeful yet understated aesthetic, with a stout front end and an assertive grille that avoided being ostentatious. The signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, distinguishing it from the boxy Volvos of the past. The XC90's dimensions remained somewhat rectilinear, but it no longer resembled a household appliance. The Ultimate trim, with its 21-inch wheels and Platinum Grey paint, added a touch of drama and richness to the otherwise stoic design. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, metal speaker covers, crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior design, complemented by wood deco inlays, created a serene and sophisticated atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester maintained a more utilitarian appearance, prioritizing function over form. Its design was reminiscent of previous Forester models, with a boxy silhouette and practical features like robust roof rails. The Premier trim added a touch of sophistication with 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim. Inside, the Forester Premier offered exclusive brown leather and metallic accents, reflecting traditional Subaru design. The cabin featured analog gauges, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a mix of hard plastics for easy maintenance. The Forester's interior was busy, with a reliance on traditional buttons and knobs for controls, making it user-friendly. Despite its utilitarian appearance, the Forester's design was well-suited for practicality and ease of use.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain that replaced the older T5 and T6 engines. This new setup offered 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, slightly less than its predecessor but with improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The mild-hybrid system used a lithium-ion battery to power a 13-volt starter generator, reducing the engine's load and enhancing the fuel-saving auto stop-start technology. The XC90 delivered a refined driving experience, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. Its handling was surprisingly agile for its size, and the brakes provided a confident pedal feel. While lacking extensive off-road features, the XC90's simplicity in driving dynamics appealed to those seeking a straightforward driving experience.

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). The CVT mimicked a traditional automatic with eight programmed ratios, and the SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode for enhanced responsiveness. The Forester excelled in off-road capability, with X-Mode traction control and hill descent control. The Forester Wilderness trim further enhanced off-road performance with all-terrain tires and modifications. During testing, the Forester Premier handled adverse weather conditions with ease, showcasing its capability in challenging environments. On dry roads, the Forester's driving dynamics impressed with its comfortable yet communicative ride, precise steering, and effective brakes. However, the engine's performance remained adequate, and the Forester's fuel economy fell short of official ratings.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a serene and pleasant front-seat experience, but its Scandinavian minimalism led to some storage limitations. The lack of dedicated space for smaller items, such as cell phones, and the small centre console bin were notable drawbacks. While the second row was comfortable and spacious, accessing the third row proved challenging, especially with the standard seven-passenger seating configuration. The XC90 provided 356 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 1,183 litres with the third row folded and 1,856 litres with all rear seats down. Despite its smaller size compared to typical three-row SUVs, the XC90's driving experience felt more compact and agile.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering a practical and user-friendly interior. The Touring trim included features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. Higher trims offered StarTex artificial leather or genuine leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and heated rear seats. The Forester's high seating position and excellent visibility made it easy to drive and park. However, the panoramic sunroof's lack of tinting led to solar heating, and the rear seats lacked sufficient leg support. Interior storage was plentiful, with well-sealed doors and a spacious cargo area. The Forester offered 762 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,957 litres with the seats folded, providing ample room for various needs.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertically positioned touchscreen infotainment system running on Google OS, the first of its kind as standard. This system integrated Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant, enhancing the user experience with natural-language recognition. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions led to some frustration, as more physical buttons and redundant controls would have been appreciated. Keyless entry was standard, and a head-up display was optional.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology appeared outdated at first glance, but its user-friendly interface was a highlight. The Base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system was available. The Forester's older Starlink infotainment system offered separate climate controls, easy-to-use volume and tuning knobs, and main menu buttons. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation and commands.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist technology provided additional support for maintaining distance and lane position, enhancing overall safety.

The 2023 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight system with improved software and cameras for better 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 safety features included Rear Automatic Braking, though its sensitivity could be problematic. The DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System was exclusive to higher trims. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, a step down from the previous year's Top Safety Pick+ award, but maintained high ratings from the NHTSA.