2025 Subaru Forester vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 models, each equipped with a standard all-wheel drive. The B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance. The Recharge T8, a plug-in hybrid, offered the most power and efficiency, with an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. Trim levels included Core, Plus, and Ultimate, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding destination charges. The Recharge T8 in Ultimate trim boasted luxurious features like massaging front seats, a premium audio system, and a 5,000-pound towing capacity, with an MSRP of $89,145. The XC90's design emphasized practicality and sustainability, with a subdued color palette and rich interior materials, including wool-blend upholstery and natural wood trim.

The 2025 Subaru Forester, known for its practicality, received notable styling updates. It featured standard roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels, with a more generic appearance. The Forester Sport had bronze trim accents and 19-inch wheels, while the Touring trim included a low-profile roof rack and chrome badging. The Forester maintained its large-greenhouse shape with geometric wheel arches and a more decisive window design. Interior updates included StarTex material in the Sport trim and genuine leather in Limited and Touring trims. The cabin had a more intentional design, with structural dash elements and a dark headliner to resist marks.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It offered 32 miles of electric-only driving and averaged 27 mpg in hybrid mode. The SUV accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds. Charging took about 12 hours on a standard outlet, reduced with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, and Hybrid, with a ground clearance of 9.9 inches in Off-Road mode. However, real-world testing showed a slightly lower electric range and fuel economy. The XC90 excelled in power delivery but lacked thrilling handling, with a firm ride and some cabin noise.

The 2025 Subaru Forester retained its 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It featured a Lineartonic CVT and standard Symmetrical AWD. The Forester's engine was quieter than expected, with minimal noise at low speeds. Subaru's X-Mode system, standard from the Premium trim, improved stability on challenging terrain. The Forester Sport's performance was stable on various surfaces, with smooth steering and seamless X-Mode activation. Fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined, with slight variations for Sport and Touring trims. A hybrid version was anticipated.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 offered a well-equipped interior with power-adjustable heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims included features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats. The XC90 seated seven, with a comfortable second-row bench and a tight third-row access. Cargo space was limited with all seats in use but expanded to 65.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 85.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced a hands-free power liftgate, increasing cargo space to 29.6 cubic feet with seats up and 74.4 cubic feet with them down. The cargo area featured eight heavy-duty hooks. The Forester's roomy second row slightly reduced cargo space compared to competitors. Interior features included a dark headliner, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats in higher trims. The Touring trim added driver’s seat memory and heated rear seats.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM were standard, with premium audio options available. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a digital voice assistant and a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel. A head-up display and surround-view camera were optional.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system, standard on all but the base trim, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premium trims included USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The Touring trim featured a voice-activated navigation system and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Subaru’s Starlink connected services offered additional capabilities.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was renowned for safety, with a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. However, its ADAS features were not particularly innovative, lacking a hands-free driving system. Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, had some limitations, including a significant error during testing.

The 2025 Subaru Forester included Starlink Connected Services with Emergency Stop Assist, available on Touring trims. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technology was standard, with enhancements for 2025. The Forester had not yet been crash-tested, but previous models received high safety ratings.