2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Subaru Forester came in various trims, including base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring. Prices started at $25,195 for the base model, with the top-tier Touring reaching $35,295, plus a $1,125 destination charge. All-wheel drive was standard across all trims. The Forester Wilderness, tested in Bend, Oregon, featured white paint, a dark gray interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and a base price of $33,945, including destination. With additional options like a navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a power rear liftgate, the total price was $36,014. The Wilderness trim added rugged features like a suspension lift, higher ride height, and extensive protective cladding, giving it a raccoon-like appearance. Inside, the Forester emphasized function over form, with a mix of hard plastic and soft surfaces, copper-colored stitching, and an 8-inch Starlink infotainment system.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution in Volvo's design language, moving away from the boxy aesthetics of the past. The XC90's front end was stout and solid, with an assertive grille and modern "Thor’s Hammer" headlights. The test vehicle, an AWD Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels and Platinum Gray paint with brown undertones. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design included wood deco inlays and a clean, button-free look, though it sometimes sacrificed practicality for aesthetics.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. All Foresters had a CVT and AWD, with the Wilderness model featuring a design that increased initial torque supply by 25% and doubled the towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The EPA estimated the Forester Wilderness's fuel economy at 26 mpg combined, and during testing, it averaged 25.9 mpg. The Forester's engine was adequate at sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT had eight programmed ratios and an SI-Drive system for a more lively response. The dual-function X-Mode system offered various settings for different surfaces, and the Wilderness trim had a re-tuned suspension with longer springs and shocks, improving ground clearance to 9.2 inches. The Forester excelled in various driving environments, including off-road courses and forest roads, though it lacked engine power and had excessive wind noise above 65 mph.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 replaced its older turbocharged engines with new B5 and B6 engines, featuring mild-hybrid technology. The B5 engine produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 engine, tested, delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness, though the gains were minimal. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration, a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission, and excellent brakes. The XC90's big wheels and thin tires reduced body roll, and the cabin was well-insulated from road and wind noise. The XC90 lacked extensive off-road features, focusing instead on a straightforward driving experience. During testing, it handled a New Hampshire snowstorm well, though dedicated winter tires would have provided more confidence.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized 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 offered high comfort levels, excellent visibility, and decent storage space, though it lacked a dashboard shelf or shallow tray. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet (69.1 with the sunroof) with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was elegant but had limited cubby space for smaller items. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, and accessing the third row was difficult with the standard bench seat. The XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in place, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. These figures were lower than some competitors. The XC90 drove like a smaller car, contributing to its appeal.

The 2022 Subaru Forester featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. Premium trim added a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. Higher trims included an 8-inch screen, navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a 180-degree forward-view camera. The PIN Code Access feature allowed keyless entry for outdoor activities.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display ran Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant. The 12.3-inch driver information display also showed Google Maps. The natural-language recognition system worked well, and owners could issue commands via Google Home devices. However, many functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, leading to frustration. The minimalist design sacrificed some practicality for aesthetics.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system, with a wider field of vision and smoother operation. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim added DriverFocus facial recognition technology. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was known for its safety, earning a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It featured adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which maintained distance from the car ahead and supported highway driving. These safety features were standard on the XC90.