2022 Subaru Outback vs 2023 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged departure from the standard Outback, featuring a higher stance and more aggressive all-terrain tires. With 9.5 inches of ground clearance, it was closer to a Jeep than a traditional station wagon. The Wilderness model also boasted unique design elements like a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and a matte black hood decal. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark gray and black StarTex water-repellant upholstery, with Anodized Copper accents adding a touch of flair. The roof rack system was robust, supporting a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC60 exuded Scandinavian elegance and minimalism. The test vehicle, a Recharge model with the Ultimate package, featured soft Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof that added to the sense of space. The interior was a blend of wood trim, metal accents, and ambient lighting, making it feel luxurious. The exterior, with its Thunder Grey paint and blacked-out trim, sat on 20-inch wheels, showcasing Volvo's timeless design. Despite its compact size, the XC60 managed to offer a comfortable and opulent experience for its occupants.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided adequate power for a midsize SUV weighing 3,896 pounds. The Wilderness had a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and an EPA-rated fuel efficiency of 24 mpg in combined driving. However, real-world testing showed an average of 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The Wilderness trim featured 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a dual-function X-Mode traction system, making it the most capable Outback for off-road adventures.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 455 horsepower and 423 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain allowed the XC60 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. The PHEV system provided an estimated 35 miles of electric driving range, and the vehicle averaged 54.6 mpg over a 65-mile evaluation route. The XC60 offered multiple driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, Pure, Off-road, and Constant AWD, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle's performance to their needs. The XC60's air suspension and torque-vectoring rear motor added to its dynamic driving experience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 8-way for the passenger, while the rear seats provided ample space for two adults or three children. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.7 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The Outback also had a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, making it suitable for rooftop camping.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, being a compact SUV, was best suited for four passengers, though it could accommodate five if needed. The front seats, wrapped in Nappa leather, offered heating, ventilation, and power cushion extensions for added comfort. The rear seats were also comfortable but had limited legroom for taller passengers. The XC60 provided 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 63.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The vehicle featured a power liftgate, a ski pass-through panel, and buttons to lower the air suspension for easier loading.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system. While it had physical knobs for volume and tuning, most functions required using the touchscreen. The voice recognition system was not very intuitive, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for voice commands. The Outback also featured a PIN code entry system, allowing owners to leave the key fob inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 9-inch portrait-style touchscreen with Google Built-in. The infotainment system included Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play, with four years of complimentary access. The system supported both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The voice-recognition system was impressive, capable of handling complex commands. The test vehicle also had an optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system, which provided exceptional audio quality.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with Subaru's EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-centering assistance. The Wilderness also featured steering-responsive headlights, a blind-spot warning system, and rear cross-traffic warning. The 2021 Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2023 Volvo XC60, known for its safety, came with Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering capability. The system performed well on highways, maintaining safe distances and ignoring freeway off-ramps and on-ramps. The XC60 also featured Oncoming Lane Mitigation, which helped avoid collisions with oncoming vehicles. The XC60 B5 and B6 mild-hybrids earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, though the PHEV model had not been specifically tested.