2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60, though no longer purely Swedish, benefited greatly from its acquisition by Geely Holding Group. This change allowed Volvo to shed its Ford-influenced designs and emerge with a near-luxury lineup of cars and crossover SUVs. The XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was built on Volvo’s SPA platform, shared with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles. The XC60 featured an elegant, tailored design with short overhangs, an upright grille with the iconic iron mark logo, and Thor’s hammer-shaped LED daytime running lights. The interior was equally impressive, with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene aura, highlighted by a 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen and elegant HVAC vents.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, available in multiple trims including the new Wilderness, was evaluated in the rugged terrain of Bend, Oregon. The Wilderness model, with its white paint and dark gray interior, featured water-repellant StarTex simulated leather and a base price of $33,945. The Forester’s exterior, with its suspension lift, higher ride height, and massive protective cladding, gave it a rugged appearance. Inside, the Forester emphasized function over form, with hard plastic and soft surfaces creating a cabin that exuded quality and clarity of purpose. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system, with physical knobs and buttons, was intuitive and easy to use, though the three display screens could be less than ideal.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models, available in FWD or AWD, produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 models, with AWD, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, thanks to a turbocharger and supercharger. The T8 models, plug-in hybrids, combined a gasoline engine with an 87-hp electric motor, resulting in 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with the T8 Polestar Engineered variant pushing these figures to 415 hp and 472 lb-ft. The XC60’s AWD system and torque vectoring provided a solid and secure driving experience, with EPA fuel economy figures ranging from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined for the T5 FWD to 27 mpg combined for the T8 PHEV.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. All Foresters featured a CVT and AWD, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply and a towing capacity of 3,000 pounds. The EPA estimated the Forester Wilderness’s fuel economy at 26 mpg combined, with real-world testing averaging 25.9 mpg. The Forester’s driving dynamics were pleasing, though it lacked the outright acceleration of turbocharged competitors. The CVT’s eight programmed ratios and SI-Drive’s Sport mode provided acceptable performance, but a turbocharger would have been a welcome addition. The dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension improved the Forester’s off-road capabilities, making it a compelling choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system capable of handling sub-freezing temperatures. The XC60’s interior featured smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, with 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The XC60 could tow up to 3,500 pounds, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality, with easy entry and exit, water-resistant StarTex upholstery, and standard all-weather floor mats. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds, suitable for a three-person roof tent. The Forester’s interior offered high comfort levels, with rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Wilderness trim included a full-size spare tire, enhancing its practicality for off-road adventures.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, a tablet-style touchpad interface with a portrait orientation. The system, which divided the screen into function quadrants, required a learning curve but offered intuitive operation once mastered. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system provided exceptional sound quality.

The 2022 Subaru Forester’s base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim added a 180-degree forward-view camera. The PIN Code Access feature allowed drivers to leave the key fob in the SUV and re-enter using a PIN code, ideal for outdoor activities.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 boasted a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, collision avoidance, and various driver assistance technologies. The semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system integrated adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, while the XC60’s top speed was restricted to 112 mph for safety.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, with improved camera-based technology and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also offered a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear automatic braking system. The Touring trim added DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.