2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Volvo XC60

Volvo made subtle styling changes to the 2022 XC60, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier look, a rear bumper that hides the tailpipes, and new wheel designs. The front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, ensuring a consistent design language. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design with a new digital instrument cluster, a portrait-oriented touchscreen, and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, adding some flair, while the Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

For 2022, the Subaru Forester came in several trims, including the new Wilderness model. Prices started at $25,195 for the base model, with the Touring trim topping out at $35,295. 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. The test vehicle included options like a navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a power rear liftgate, bringing the total to $36,014. The Wilderness model had a rugged look with a suspension lift, higher ride height, and protective cladding, though it wasn't universally appealing. Inside, the Forester emphasized function over form, with hard plastic and soft surfaces creating a practical yet somewhat dated cabin. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the three display screens could be cumbersome.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 also featured an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 available in FWD or AWD and the B6 in AWD only. The B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds with FWD), and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60's standout features were its quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. Volvo also offered a plug-in hybrid version, the XC60 Recharge, with 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, and a Polestar Engineered model with 415 hp and 494 lb-ft.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. 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 it averaged 25.9 mpg during testing. The Forester's engine was adequate at sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT had eight programmed ratios and included SI-Drive for a more lively response. The Wilderness model also featured Subaru's dual-function X-Mode system for better off-road performance, a re-tuned suspension for improved ride and handling, and longer springs and shocks for increased ground clearance. The Forester excelled in various driving environments, though it lacked engine power and had excessive wind noise at higher speeds.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's interior space remained unchanged, offering competitive passenger space within its segment. Front-seat headroom was above average, but rear-seat headroom was tied with the Audi Q5 for the worst in the segment. Legroom in both rows was about average. The mild-hybrid models provided 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them folded. The plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo space, at 21.1 cubic feet with the seats up and 49.3 cubic feet with them down. The XC60 offered a commanding driving position with good forward and rear visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality, with easy entry and exit thanks to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness model featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, a rubber cargo mat, and washable rear seatbacks. 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's interior provided high comfort levels, with excellent visibility and rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports for passengers. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it. Folding the rear seats down increased cargo capacity to 74.2 cubic feet (69.1 with the sunroof), making the Forester one of the roomiest compact SUVs.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Optional features included a head-up display and upgraded audio systems from Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins. The new operating system integrated Android-specific features like Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The system also supported over-the-air software updates and promised full iPhone compatibility, though without the added functionality of syncing a Google profile. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in base trim, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. Premium trim added access to a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. The Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims included an 8-inch screen, navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a 180-degree forward-view camera. The test vehicle's Harman Kardon audio system produced clear, rich sound, though the voice recognition system was hit-and-miss. The Forester also featured a PIN Code Access system, allowing owners to leave the key fob in the vehicle and use a PIN code to re-enter.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of review, but the 2021 model received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist driver-assistance system was available as an option, combining adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted 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, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction, with a new gesture control function for climate adjustments. The NHTSA awarded the 2022 Forester a 5-star overall crash-test rating, with 5-star ratings in all evaluations except for rollover resistance, which received a 4-star rating. The IIHS had not rated the 2022 model, but it was expected to retain the 2021 model's "Top Safety Pick+" rating.