2022 Subaru Ascent vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Subaru Ascent embraced the trend of blacking out exterior trim with its new Onyx Edition trim level. This version featured blacked-out exterior trim and badges, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and special interior trim. The seats were wrapped in water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather, which was available in a gray two-tone scheme with light gray stitching. While the blacked-out treatment gave the Ascent a sporty appearance, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making it less comfortable on hot days.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution in Volvo's design language. The XC90's front end appeared stout and solid, with an assertive grille and the recognizable "Thor’s Hammer" headlights. The Platinum Gray paint added richness and depth, while the interior featured elegant design elements such as a two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was complemented by wood deco inlays, creating a clean and beautiful look.

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 all-wheel-drive (AWD) as standard. The Ascent achieved an EPA fuel-economy rating of 22 mpg combined, though our 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 featured Subaru’s X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines with mild-hybrid technology. The B5 engine produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 engine delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smooth operation, though the benefits were minimal. The XC90’s eight-speed automatic transmission provided quick acceleration and smooth shifts. The XC90’s driving experience was enjoyable, with minimal road and wind noise, and confidence-inspiring brakes. The XC90 lacked extensive off-road features but offered a simple and straightforward driving experience.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could carry up to eight people 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, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a wiper de-icer. The second-row seats were easy to load, and captain’s chairs were available. The Ascent provided 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 down.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a comfortable and elegant front cabin but lacked cubby space for smaller items. The second row was reasonably spacious, though adjusting the seats was challenging. The XC90 came standard with a second-row bench seat for seven-passenger seating, with an option for captain’s chairs. The third row was difficult to access and offered limited space. The XC90 provided 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in position, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent featured a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a CD player. The Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. The system’s voice recognition technology needed improvement, and the Onyx Edition used standard stereo speakers. Additional technology features for the Touring trim included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, with Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant as standard features. The 12.3-inch driver information display also showed Google Maps. The natural-language recognition technology was impressive, and owners could issue commands via Google Home devices. However, many key functions were filed within the touchscreen interface, leading to some frustration. The minimalist design lacked physical buttons and redundant controls, which could be inconvenient for some users.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and five-star crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The Ascent came standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance tech, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology. However, the system performed intermittently in direct sunlight and lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights, automatic high-beam assist, and available blind-spot monitoring.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 also received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. The XC90’s advanced driver safety tech included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which helped maintain distance and lane position. These safety features were standard on the 2023 Volvo XC90.