2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness presented a rugged and adventurous aesthetic, distinguishing itself from the standard Outback models. It featured a higher ride height with 9.5 inches of ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. The exterior design was further enhanced by a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, while the interior boasted StarTex water-repellant upholstery and a dark gray and black color scheme. The Outback Wilderness was positioned between the Onyx XT and Limited XT in terms of pricing, offering a blend of off-road capability and distinctive styling.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication, moving away from the boxy designs of its predecessors. The XC90's sleek profile, pronounced wheel arches, and "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights contributed to its upscale appearance. Inside, the cabin was a showcase of "Scandinavian Modern" design, featuring natural wood and metal trim, a crystal gear selector, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery. The XC90's interior was both elegant and functional, providing a comfortable and luxurious environment for passengers.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided adequate power for the midsize SUV, though the CVT's performance was less engaging compared to a dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Outback Wilderness excelled off-road, thanks to its 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and advanced traction systems like the dual-function X-Mode. It was capable of tackling challenging terrains and steep grades, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a range of powertrains, including the T5, T6, and T8 models. The T5 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 250 horsepower, while the T6 added a supercharger for a total of 316 horsepower. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 455 horsepower. The XC90's driving experience was smooth and refined, with minimal body roll and responsive handling. The T8 model, in particular, provided spirited acceleration and seamless power delivery, making it an enjoyable SUV to drive.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness offered a practical and spacious interior, with StarTex upholstery that was water-repellant but not ideal for hot weather. The front seats provided power adjustments, and the rear seat offered ample space for passengers. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanded to 75.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Outback Wilderness also featured a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, suitable for rooftop camping.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 accommodated six or seven passengers, depending on the seating configuration. The third row was best suited for children, while the second row offered easy access with a slide and fold mechanism. The XC90 provided 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 85.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with ample storage options and a panoramic moonroof that enhanced the cabin's airy feel.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which required the use of the touchscreen for most functions. While physical knobs and buttons were available for basic controls, the voice recognition technology was less intuitive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better voice assistant functionality. The Outback Wilderness also included a PIN code entry system, allowing drivers to leave the key fob inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was equipped with the Sensus infotainment system, featuring a nine-inch touchscreen interface with familiar smartphone gestures. While the system was intuitive, it occasionally experienced glitches and slow responses. The XC90 offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display. The standard Harman Kardon sound system could be upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins system for superior audio quality. The XC90 also included multiple USB ports and a WiFi hotspot for connectivity.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with the EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Wilderness also featured steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the 2022 model were not available, the 2021 Outback received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's tradition of prioritizing safety, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. These included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping aid. The XC90's Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance on highways. The XC90 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing its reputation as a safe and reliable SUV.