2021 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older Subaru models. The analog gauges, steering wheel design, and seat forms were consistent with previous generations. However, the interior saw a significant upgrade, especially in trims above the base model, which featured a bright and sharp 11.6-inch portrait display surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim. The Onyx Edition XT, with its gray and black StarTex upholstery and lime green contrast stitching, added a touch of flair to the otherwise practical design. The exterior maintained a smooth and plain styling with high gray cladding on the wheel arches, sills, and bumpers, emphasizing its lifted wagon design.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 showcased a modern and upscale design, moving away from the boxy shapes of its predecessors. The XC90's sleek roofline, pronounced wheel arches, and "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights highlighted its athletic and luxurious stance. The interior exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" with natural wood and metal trim, a clear crystal gear selector handle, and a sliding wood tambor cover on the center console. Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030 was evident, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery. The XC90's design and materials underscored its position as a near-luxury SUV.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter flat-four engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). However, this powertrain struggled with the Outback's weight, especially when fully loaded, resulting in slow and noisy performance. The XT trims featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving acceleration and overall performance. The turbo engine was quieter, smoother, and more powerful than the base engine, though it slightly reduced fuel economy to 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway compared to the base engine's 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The Outback's handling was geared towards comfort, with long-travel springs and 8.7 inches of ground clearance enhancing its off-road capabilities. Subaru's electronically-variable all-wheel drive (AWD) system and X-Mode further improved traction and stability in various conditions.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrain options. The T5 model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or AWD. The T6 model added a supercharger to the turbocharged engine, increasing output to 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, available only in AWD. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined the supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. The T8 also offered an extended-range variant with up to 36 miles of electric-only range. All XC90 models used an eight-speed automatic transmission and required premium gasoline. Fuel economy varied, with the T5 FWD achieving 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, while the T8 extended range offered 26 mpg combined on gasoline and 66 MPGe. The XC90's driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the T8 model, thanks to the electric motor's early torque delivery.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted impressive ground clearance, surpassing many larger vehicles like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford F-150. This allowed the Outback to tackle various terrains without the drawbacks of being oversized. Inside, the Outback offered 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide, flat, and free of intrusive elements. The cabin provided ample headroom and legroom, with comfortable and supportive seats. Visibility was excellent, thanks to thin pillars and large windows. Storage options included large door pockets, a front center console with handy pockets, and a small shelf on the passenger-side dash. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. The third row was suitable for children but lacked legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 provided 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. Towing capacity ranged from 4,000 to 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The XC90's interior featured ample storage options, including door pockets, seat back pockets, console storage, and a large glove compartment. The cabin was airy and spacious, enhanced by the standard laminated panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well even in extreme heat and humidity, ensuring comfort in various weather conditions.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system felt outdated, with graphics and typefaces reminiscent of older gaming consoles. The central screen in the instrument panel was particularly lacking. Despite this, the system offered modern tech features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional navigation system was more visually appealing. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. However, the system relied solely on forward-looking cameras, which could be impeded in certain conditions, reducing its effectiveness compared to systems that also use radar.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which offered tablet-like functionality with familiar gestures like pinch, pull, and swipe. However, the system could be glitchy and slow to respond. Connecting an iPhone and using Apple CarPlay improved the experience. The nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen was positioned close to the driver's line of sight, minimizing distraction. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel provided easy configuration and crisp graphics. The $1,650 Advanced package included a head-up display, a 360-degree surround view camera system, and an advanced air cleaner. The standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound system could be upgraded to a $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins system, offering exceptional surround sound staging. The XC90 also included two front USB-A ports, two rear USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle control.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis compared to previous models. Standard safety equipment included a driver’s knee airbag and passenger seat-cushion airbag. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was optional on Premium trims and standard on higher trims. Rear emergency braking was optional on the Onyx Edition XT and standard on the Limited 2.5 and Touring trims. A driver-attention monitor was standard on the Limited XT and Touring trims. The Outback earned the 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and four stars for the rollover test.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with a comprehensive list of features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, slippery road alert, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. Volvo's Pilot Assist system combined several safety features to provide semi-automated driving assistance on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, highlighting its top-tier safety performance.