2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a new Onyx Edition trim level, which featured a trendy blacked-out exterior trim. This edition sat in the middle of the Ascent lineup, offering a sporty appearance with black 20-inch aluminum wheels, unique grille design, and special interior trim. The Onyx Edition was priced at $37,995, with an optional package for an additional $2,000 that included a panoramic moonroof, navigation system, and cargo cover. Inside, the Ascent Onyx Edition featured a gray two-tone StarTex synthetic leather upholstery, which was water-repellant but had a tendency to trap sweat, making ventilated seats a desirable option that was only available on the Touring trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC40 maintained its distinctive design with a flat-roofed profile and clean exterior lines. For 2023, Volvo updated the XC40's styling with pixelated "Thor’s Hammer" headlights, a more angular front bumper, and new wheel designs. The XC40 shared its Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform with other Volvo and Polestar models, making it the only CMA-based model in the U.S. with a combustion engine. Inside, the XC40 continued with its minimalist design, featuring thin air vents, scalloped door elements, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Leather upholstery was available, with vegan leather for Recharge models. The XC40 Ultimate test vehicle included a panoramic moonroof and an Orrefors crystal shift knob, though the all-black interior felt somewhat utilitarian.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The Ascent achieved an EPA fuel-economy rating of 22 mpg combined with 20-inch wheels, though testing averaged 20.5 mpg. The CVT offered eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, allowing for brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent could tow up to 5,000 pounds and included Subaru’s X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. While the Ascent demonstrated competence on various terrains, its lane-keeping and lane-centering assistance technologies sometimes felt unstable.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, adding a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator. The base B4 powertrain combined this system with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, producing 197 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, while the B5 model offered 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B4 being FWD-only and the B5 AWD-only. The B5 model accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The XC40's chassis tuning provided a refined ride, absorbing bumps smoothly, though it lacked a sport driving mode. The XC40 Recharge variant offered 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and a 223-mile range.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could accommodate up to eight passengers with a second-row bench seat, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent Onyx Edition featured water-resistant seat material, triple-zone climate control, and heated front seats. Loading the second-row seat was easy, thanks to wide rear doors, and captain’s chairs were available. The Ascent offered 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. A panoramic sunroof reduced cargo space slightly.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while compact, offered reasonable space among its competitors. It provided ample rear-seat headroom and average legroom, with generous shoulder room enhancing spaciousness. The XC40 offered 20 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats in place and 46.9 cubic feet with them folded. A power tailgate and keyless entry were standard on higher trims. Interior storage was well-designed, with large door panel carve-outs and a spacious center console.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a CD player. Premium trims added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition required improvement, and the Onyx Edition's standard stereo lacked sonic quality. Touring trims offered additional tech features like a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 adopted an Android-based infotainment system with Google apps, including Google Maps and Google Assistant. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 9-inch touchscreen were standard, with a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system available on higher trims. The system's graphics were pleasing, though users preferring Apple devices might find the Google features less satisfying. The XC40's minimalist design meant most controls were accessed via the touchscreen, which could be cumbersome for some functions.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent earned a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover rating. It came standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance tech, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology. However, EyeSight's performance was affected by direct sunlight, and its adaptive cruise control lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and optional blind-spot monitoring.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. Higher trims added features like a 360-degree camera system and Pilot Assist, which controlled steering, acceleration, and braking on highways. The XC40 received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, though it dropped to "Acceptable" in the updated side-impact test. The NHTSA awarded the gasoline XC40 a five-star overall safety rating.