2022 Subaru Outback vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged departure from the standard Outback, boasting 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 featured a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and blacked-out exterior trim with Anodized Copper accents. The matte black hood decal reduced glare, and the new roof rack system supported a 700-pound static load, perfect for rooftop camping. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark gray and black StarTex water-repellant upholstery, with Anodized Copper stitching and accents. The interior also included a black headliner, Gunmetal Gray trim, brushed aluminum pedals, and all-weather floor mats. The Outback Wilderness was priced at $36,995 plus a $1,125 destination charge, with our test car totaling $39,965.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased Volvo's evolution from boxy designs to a more refined aesthetic. The front end was stout and solid, with an assertive grille and the recognizable "Thor’s Hammer" headlights. The XC90's dimensions were still rectilinear but far from the toaster-like shapes of old. Our test vehicle, an AWD Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels and Platinum Gray paint with brown undertones. Inside, the XC90 was elegant, with 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 included wood deco inlays and a clean, button-light dashboard.

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 the 3,896-pound vehicle, with a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The EPA estimated 24 mpg in combined driving, though our test averaged 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The Wilderness trim featured 9.5 inches of ground clearance, 17-inch wheels with Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, and improved approach, breakover, and departure angles. The dual-function X-Mode traction system and hill descent control made it capable off-road, though the CVT's droning detracted from the driving experience on pavement.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. The B5 engine produced 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 engine in our test car delivered 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency slightly and provided smoother operation. The XC90's eight-speed automatic transmission was responsive, and the vehicle handled well despite its size. The XC90's brakes were solid, and road and wind noise were minimal. The XC90 lacked extensive off-road features but performed well in a New Hampshire snowstorm.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats were heated, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 8-way for the passenger. The rear seat offered generous space and heated seats, though the StarTex material could be uncomfortable. The cargo area provided 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat. The roof rack supported a 220-pound dynamic load and a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's front seats were comfortable and elegant, but the interior lacked cubby space for smaller items. The second row was spacious but challenging to adjust, and accessing the third row was difficult. 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. This was less than some competitors. The XC90 drove like a smaller car, which was a plus for a three-row SUV.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which controlled most functions. Physical knobs and buttons were provided for volume, tuning, and temperature control, but the voice recognition technology was not user-friendly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, and the Outback featured PIN code entry technology for keyless access.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen running Google OS, with Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant built-in. The 12.3-inch driver information display also showed Google Maps. The natural-language recognition was excellent, and owners could issue commands via Google Home devices. However, many functions were buried in the touchscreen interface, which could be frustrating. The minimalist design meant fewer physical buttons, which some users might find inconvenient.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness included EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and a driver monitoring system. The Wilderness also had steering-responsive headlights, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The 2021 Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was known for its safety, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which maintained distance and lane position from a standstill to highway speeds.