2023 Subaru Outback vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding, giving it an aggressive look. The addition of a simulated skid plate, fog lights in oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model further enhanced its bold appearance. While these changes might not appeal to everyone, opting for a dark paint color could help tone down the design's excesses. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the cladding well and was made more accessible with a non-turbo powertrain option, starting at $33,495. The Outback's interior, especially in the Touring trim, was praised for its upscale Java Brown leather and cohesive design, despite some hard plastic elements. The large infotainment screen and gloss black trim, however, were prone to collecting dust and smudges.

The 2024 Volvo XC90, available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 models, offered a range of powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid with 32 miles of electric-only range. The XC90's exterior was characterized by a subdued and earthy paint palette, with various wheel designs up to 21 inches. The interior, though dated, was fitted with rich materials, especially in the Ultimate trim, featuring options like wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather. The Orrefors crystal shift knob and natural wood trim added a touch of class. Volvo provided more customization options for paint, wheels, and upholstery compared to some rivals. The XC90's interior design, while luxurious, was not as modern as some competitors, but it maintained a focus on practicality, safety, and sustainability.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design, which helped lower the vehicle's center of gravity. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, but the 3,781-pound test vehicle felt underpowered, especially during passing and climbing. The EPA estimated 28 mpg in combined driving, but real-world testing returned 25.6 mpg. The Outback XT models, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, offered 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing better acceleration and responsiveness. However, the XT models were less fuel-efficient, with most rated at 25 mpg combined. All Outback models came with a CVT and standard AWD, featuring an Active Torque Split system and X-Mode traction for off-road capabilities. The Outback excelled in off-road conditions and city driving, but the standard engine lacked urgency, making the turbocharged XT models more appealing for those seeking better performance.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. The SUV offered 32 miles of electric-only range and averaged 27 mpg in hybrid mode. Recharging took about 12 hours on a standard outlet, or half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. During testing, the XC90 fell short of its electric range and fuel economy estimates, but it performed well in suburban driving. The powertrain delivered impressive acceleration, but the SUV's handling was more suited to luxury than performance. The ride quality was firm, and the cabin wasn't as quiet as expected for a luxury SUV, but the XC90 remained a comfortable and capable vehicle.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a robust roof rack, flat door sill trim, and a dashboard storage shelf. The Touring trim offered a comfortable interior with 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heating and ventilation, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. The Outback provided ample legroom and storage space, with 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 75.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The vehicle's design made it easy to enter and exit, and the roof rack was ready for accessories. However, the Outback could benefit from more practical storage solutions in the cabin.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 came well-equipped with features like power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims offered additional comforts like a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats with massage. The XC90 seated seven, with a comfortable second-row bench and a more accommodating third row than expected. Interior storage was adequate, and the SUV offered up to 65.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row folded, expanding to 85.7 cubic feet with the second row down. The XC90's interior was luxurious, but the climate control struggled on hot days, and the front seat design could be awkward for some.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from the Premium trim onward. The system included a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and optional navigation and Harman Kardon audio. While improved, the Starlink system's graphics and voice recognition were lacking, making smartphone connectivity essential. Additional tech included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was unavailable.

The 2024 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system used Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM were standard, with optional Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins audio systems. The system was intuitive, despite its smaller size, and included a stereo volume knob and tuning buttons. The XC90 also featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was highly rated for safety, with new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster enhancing its features. The IIHS awarded it top marks, including in the new side-impact crash test. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist, with additional features available on higher trims. The Outback's safety systems were effective, though some, like adaptive cruise control, felt artificial in operation.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS in 2023. However, its ADAS features lagged behind competitors, lacking innovation and a hands-free driving system. Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, worked well overall but had some issues, such as steering errors during freeway exits.