Volvo XC90 vs Subaru Forester Hybrid

The 2025 Volvo XC90 maintained its reputation for timeless elegance with a refresh that subtly modernized its design while preserving its classic appeal. The updated "Thor’s Hammer" headlights appeared more robust and deliberate, thanks to a precise outline that enhanced their established identity. The grille, while retaining its shape, was given a contemporary twist with diagonal, slightly convex slats that created a sophisticated, woven appearance. The XC90's exterior theme, featuring chrome trim elements, resisted fleeting trends, opting instead for enduring elegance. The interior remained comfortable and understated, with updates like a more symmetrical centre console and a standout Orrefors crystal shift knob. The introduction of new interior materials, including the eco-friendly herringbone weave textile, added a fresh touch to the XC90's already rich cabin.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid introduced a more cohesive design for its sixth-generation model, albeit at the cost of some distinctiveness. Its blockier shape and rugged appearance, accentuated by black plastic elements, hinted at its off-road potential. Inside, the Forester retained some of its previous charm with a beveled dashboard centre section, now dominated by a large vertical infotainment touchscreen. The cabin featured a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch materials, with the front seats offering ample cushioning and support. The hybrid model included heated outboard rear seats, enhancing comfort. While some argued the Forester lost some personality, its more conventional design aimed for broader appeal.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 offered two powertrains in Canada, both with standard AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B6 mild hybrid, a four-cylinder engine with turbo- and e-supercharging, delivered up to 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The T8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) combined a four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an 18.8-kWh battery pack, producing a total system output of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The PHEV offered up to 53 kilometres of pure electric range on a full charge. The XC90's suspension featured Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology, enhancing ride comfort and stability.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre horizontally opposed flat four-cylinder "boxer" engine, paired with a parallel hybrid system that included two motor/generators and a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This setup produced 194 horsepower, surpassing the standard Forester's 180 hp. The hybrid powertrain, similar to Toyota's, featured a standard AWD system with a traditional driveshaft for better traction. While acceleration was adequate, the hybrid transmission sometimes made it feel slower than it was. The Forester Hybrid excelled off-road with its X-Mode drive programming and hill descent control, offering a balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability.

The 2025 Volvo XC90's redesigned centre console improved practicality by relocating the wireless charging pad below the centre stack, freeing up space for cupholders. The reorganization enhanced small-item storage, while first- and second-row USB-C charge ports were standard. The third-row seats, though tight, offered competitive space in the midsize three-row segment, with 922 mm of headroom and 810 mm of legroom. The XC90's panoramic roof provided a shared view for all passengers, contributing to a sense of openness.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid impressed with its unimpeded forward view, thanks to thinner front roof pillars. The front seats offered ample space, and the cockpit felt open and airy. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and headroom, enhanced by the standard panoramic sunroof. The Forester Hybrid featured a wireless charging pad, though its hard plastic surface allowed phones to slide during turns. The cargo area offered 779 litres of space, with a hands-free power liftgate and power remote seatback releases for added convenience.

The 2025 Volvo XC90's infotainment system featured a larger touchscreen with sharper resolution and a new user interface. The system emphasized a fewer-taps approach, with key functions accessible from the homescreen. The Android-based system included Google Built-In and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The Ultra package added a head-up display and a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system, offering four distinct listening modes.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen, featuring built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Starlink infotainment system received praise for its large on-screen buttons and intuitive menus. The X-Mode off-road drive menu and external camera views enhanced off-road capability. The Forester Hybrid also included an 11-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and received five stars overall from the NHTSA for the 2024 model. The XC90 featured standard advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping aid, and blind-spot information. However, it lacked a hands-free highway-driving system.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid received five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it earned four stars. The IIHS awarded the non-hybrid model a Top Safety Pick. The Forester Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight suite of safety features, with additional features like blind spot monitoring and a surround-view monitor on the top trim.