2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's past design ethos, which was often likened to utilitarian appliances. This model showcased a purposeful yet understated aesthetic, with a stout front end and a bold grille that avoided being ostentatious. The signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, while the overall shape retained a hint of the rectilinear design of yesteryears. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian elegance, featuring two-tone leather steering, luxurious Nappa leather seats, and tasteful wood deco inlays, all contributing to a minimalist yet sophisticated cabin ambiance.

In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek maintained a familiar appearance to its predecessor, despite new sheet metal and chassis updates. It introduced new colors like Sun Blaze and Sapphire Blue, with the Wilderness trim offering an exclusive Geyser Blue. The Crosstrek's design included a steeper departure angle and slightly reduced cargo space, but it retained its rugged charm with features like black plastic cladding and a hexagonal grille on the Wilderness trim. Inside, the Crosstrek Wilderness boasted StarTex synthetic leather and copper accents, emphasizing its adventurous spirit. The interior dimensions remained largely unchanged, offering practicality and comfort for its occupants.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B5 and B6 engines, both featuring mild-hybrid technology for improved efficiency and smoother operation. The B5 engine delivered 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 offered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Despite the mild-hybrid setup, the XC90 did not achieve the fuel economy of full hybrids, but it provided a refined driving experience with minimal road noise and confident braking. The XC90's eight-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth acceleration, and its handling was commendable for a vehicle of its size.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.5-liter engine producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which Subaru had refined to minimize droning and improve responsiveness. The Crosstrek Wilderness trim featured a shorter final-drive ratio for better off-road capability and increased towing capacity. While the Crosstrek's performance was not as spirited as some turbocharged competitors, it excelled in off-road conditions with its standard AWD and X-Mode traction management system.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a serene front-seat experience, though its Scandinavian minimalism led to limited storage options. The second row was comfortable but adjusting the seats proved challenging. The XC90's third-row access was tight, and its cargo space, while decent, fell short compared to some rivals. With 12.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 65.5 cubic feet, it was smaller than typical three-row SUVs.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, built on the Impreza platform, provided competitive cargo space for a subcompact SUV. It offered 19.9 cubic feet of trunk space and 54.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring robust materials and ample cupholders, including those sized for Nalgene bottles. The Wilderness trim added adventure-oriented features like all-weather floor mats and a cargo tray.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen running Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. While the system offered advanced natural-language recognition, it relied heavily on the touchscreen for controls, which could be frustrating. The minimalist design meant fewer physical buttons, requiring users to adapt to the interface over time.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek boasted an 11.6-inch touchscreen, standard on all but the Base trim. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad available. While the system impressed with its graphics, it suffered from glare in bright sunlight and required navigating through menus for some features. In states with Right to Repair laws, Subaru removed certain features, impacting remote start functionality.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. It came standard with advanced driver safety tech, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, contributing to its Pilot Assist system for enhanced driving support.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, expected to maintain its Top Safety Pick status, featured Subaru's EyeSight safety system as standard. EyeSight included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The 2024 model introduced a wider-angle lens and automatic emergency steering for improved safety.