2022 Subaru Outback vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged take on the classic Outback design, offering a higher stance and a more adventurous aesthetic. With 23 centimetres of ground clearance, it was equipped with aggressive all-terrain tires and restyled bumpers that improved its approach and departure angles. The Outback Wilderness featured a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, all contributing to its distinctive look. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark grey and black tones, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery and Anodized Copper stitching adding to its utilitarian charm.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a more refined and elegant design. Its front end was solid yet understated, with a bold grille and the signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights. The XC90's dimensions leaned towards a rectilinear shape, but it was far from the boxy designs of Volvo's past. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian minimalism, featuring luxurious Nappa leather upholstery, a crystal shift knob, and wood deco inlays. The XC90's cabin was a blend of elegance and functionality, with a minimalist approach to controls and a focus on high-quality materials.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided ample power for its 3,896-pound frame and a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The Outback Wilderness excelled off-road, thanks to its 23 cm ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and advanced traction systems like the dual-function X-Mode. However, its on-road performance was somewhat hindered by the CVT's droning and the limitations of its tires.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain that delivered 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This setup offered a smoother operation and slightly improved fuel efficiency compared to its predecessors. The XC90's eight-speed automatic transmission was responsive, and its handling was surprisingly agile for a vehicle of its size. While it lacked the off-road capabilities of the Outback Wilderness, the XC90 provided a comfortable and composed driving experience, with excellent noise insulation and confident braking.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a practical interior with water-repellant StarTex upholstery and heated front seats. The driver's seat offered 10-way power adjustment, while the rear seats provided generous head and legroom. The cargo area boasted 920 litres of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,144 litres with the seats folded. The Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack capable of supporting a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was a blend of luxury and minimalism, with comfortable seating for up to seven passengers. However, storage space for smaller items was limited, and accessing the third row could be challenging. The XC90 offered 356 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 1,856 litres with the rear seats folded. While it fell short of some competitors in terms of cargo capacity, the XC90's interior was designed for comfort and style.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring integrated climate control and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system required some learning for voice commands, it offered physical knobs for volume and tuning. However, the lack of a premium audio system was a notable omission for a vehicle targeting a higher-income demographic.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen running Google OS, with built-in Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. The system offered excellent natural-language recognition and could be controlled via Google Home devices. While the minimalist design was appealing, some functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, which could be frustrating for users accustomed to physical controls.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The system was effective and unobtrusive, providing Level 2 ADAS capabilities. While crash-test results for the Wilderness were unavailable, the standard Outback received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It came standard with advanced driver safety tech, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The XC90's Pilot Assist technology offered a semi-autonomous driving experience, maintaining distance and lane position with ease.