2019 Subaru Forester vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2019 Subaru Forester was slightly larger and wider than its predecessor, resembling a scaled-down version of the Subaru Ascent. This design choice made sense, as the Ascent was previously described as a scaled-up Forester. The Forester's cabin prioritized function over form, ensuring all utility aspects were considered before luxury. Available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims, the Forester featured standard LED headlights, symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), and EyeSight driver-assistance systems across all trims. The base trim was well-equipped with 60/40 split-fold rear seats, dual front USB ports, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen. Higher trims added features like 17-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic moonroof, leather upholstery, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Subaru's Starlink infotainment system.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased the pinnacle of Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as beautiful as a sedan. The R-Design trim featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, mirrors, a more aggressive chin spoiler, and 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were standard, emphasizing the vehicle's width and stability. The interior was equally impressive, with options for matte wood trim, wool fabric seats, and leather with aluminum or carbon-fiber trim. The seats were power-adjustable, offered optional massage, and provided excellent support. The cabin was filled with padded materials for quality and safety, and finer details like the Swedish flag tag and twist-action ignition knob showcased craftsmanship.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement from the previous model's 170 hp and 174 lb-ft. However, the lack of a turbocharged engine option, which was available in the 2018 Forester, left some drivers wanting more power. The Forester's symmetrical AWD and continuously variable transmission (CVT) prioritized efficiency over performance, resulting in underwhelming acceleration. The SI-Drive system, standard across all trims, allowed drivers to switch between "Intelligent" and "Sport" modes for better throttle response. The X-Mode terrain-management system, available on higher trims, optimized power delivery for various driving conditions. Despite its lackluster acceleration, the Forester offered a smooth ride, minimal body roll, and impressive fuel economy of 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 added a supercharger for 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Polestar tune further boosted the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. Despite these numbers, the XC90's acceleration was not linear, and the engine noise was unrefined for its price range. The T8 plug-in hybrid, with 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, provided up to 18 gas-free miles but was not significantly faster than the T6. The XC90's fuel economy was unimpressive, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The Polestar upgrade improved transmission, throttle, and steering response, but the XC90 remained more comfortable than sporty.

The 2019 Subaru Forester's larger dimensions resulted in a tailgate opening 5 inches wider than the previous model. The base trim offered a class-leading 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while other trims provided 70.9 cubic feet. The Forester's larger wheelbase increased backseat space, and its 8.7 inches of ground clearance made it suitable for dirt and snow. The cabin featured numerous cubbies, compartments, and bottle holders, with a tall greenhouse providing excellent visibility and a commanding driving position. The combination of ground clearance and seat height was beneficial for older buyers.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system initialized faster and responded more quickly than earlier models. The system controlled all climate functions, including seat and steering wheel heating, through the touchscreen. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an integrated booster cushion for young children in the second row. The six-seat configuration was available on the T6 and T8 powertrains but not on the R-Design model. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and suitable for small children. Cargo space was up to 85.7 cubic feet with the last two rows folded, and sightlines from the driver's seat were good.

The 2019 Subaru Forester's Starlink infotainment system, available with a 6.5-inch or 8-inch screen, was responsive and provided standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was intuitive, with easy-to-read icons, colors, and fonts. Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver-assistance systems included Lead Vehicle Alert, which notified drivers when the vehicle ahead moved away at a stoplight. This feature helped reduce distracted driving.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, providing an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easier, and onboard apps offered location sharing, voice memos, and media streaming. The instrument panel could display the map between analog-style dials but lacked major reconfiguration options.

The 2019 Subaru Forester's EyeSight driver-assistance features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and adaptive headlights. Lane-keeping Assist provided small steering inputs to keep the vehicle centered. Standard safety features included front- and side-impact airbags and a reversing camera, making the Forester a very safe vehicle with excellent visibility.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), though its headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of boron steel roofs, curtain airbags, and a unique whiplash protection system.