2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2023 Subaru Forester

Volvo made subtle styling changes to the 2022 XC60, including a new front fascia with “air blades” for a sportier appearance and a rear bumper that hides the tailpipes. The front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind the heated Volvo logo. The interior remained largely unchanged, featuring a clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model added some flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, while the Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2023 Subaru Forester maintained its traditional, functional design, resembling previous models. It came in six trim levels, with the Touring trim featuring 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim. The Forester’s robust roof rails could support a tent, thanks to a 700-pound static-weight rating. Inside, the Touring trim offered exclusive Saddle Brown leather, exposed stitching, and metallic accents. The interior had a traditional Subaru design with analog gauges, an 8-inch touchscreen, and an abundance of hard plastic for easy cleaning. The control layout relied on traditional buttons and knobs, making it user-friendly.

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 an 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 delivered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 offering FWD or AWD and the B6 exclusively AWD. The B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the B6 did it in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT that mimicked a traditional automatic. The SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode for quicker responses. Most trims included the X-Mode off-road traction management system, with additional settings for different terrains. The Forester Wilderness trim provided enhanced off-roading capabilities. During testing, the Forester Touring handled flooded roads, rain-blasted freeways, and muddy trails with ease. On dry roads, it offered excellent driving dynamics, with light and accurate steering, responsive brakes, and well-tuned suspension. However, the engine remained merely adequate, and the Forester returned 25.9 mpg, falling short of the EPA rating of 29 mpg.

The 2022 Volvo XC60’s interior space remained competitive, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average in both rows. Mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering a practical and user-friendly interior. The Premium trim included a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and more. Higher trims offered StarTex artificial leather or genuine leather, dual-zone climate control, and heated rear seats. The Forester’s high seating position and large windows provided excellent visibility. However, the panoramic sunroof allowed excessive solar heating, and the rear seats lacked support. The Forester’s doors were well-sealed, and interior storage was plentiful. The cargo area offered 26.9 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and 69.1 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a “Calm” setting to minimize distractions. The system’s graphics were well-received, but Apple users might prefer a different design.

The 2023 Subaru Forester’s technology appeared outdated but was user-friendly. The Base trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system was available. The Forester’s older Starlink system had separate climate controls, easy-to-use volume and tuning knobs, and main menu buttons. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto essential.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for 2022, but the 2021 model received top ratings. 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. The optional Pilot Assist system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering.

The 2023 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight system with updated software and cameras. Models with blind-spot monitoring added Automatic Emergency Steering. Wilderness and Touring trims included Rear Automatic Braking, which could be overly sensitive. The Touring trim also had a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. The Forester received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, down from the previous year’s Top Safety Pick+ due to new testing criteria. The NHTSA awarded the Forester five-star ratings across the board, with a four-star rollover resistance rating.