2022 Subaru Ascent vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from Volvo's boxy past, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while moving into the luxury class. After being sold to China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, Volvo developed new platforms, including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) for the XC90. The 2022 model had a sleek, poised stance with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches, exuding athleticism. The interior was a blend of "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim, a crystal gear selector, and optional Nappa leather or tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced the Onyx Edition trim, featuring blacked-out exterior trim, badges, and 20-inch aluminum wheels. The Onyx Edition also included water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather seats. The Ascent's interior had a gray two-tone scheme with metallic trim, but the StarTex material tended to trap sweat. The Ascent's design aimed for a sporty appearance, and the interior offered practical features like triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a panoramic moonroof option.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the T8 plug-in hybrid combining a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor for a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft. The T5 was available in FWD and AWD, while the T6 and T8 were AWD only. The T8 had an EV range of up to 36 miles and a combined fuel economy rating of 66 MPGe. The XC90 handled like a smaller vehicle, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and standard AWD. The Ascent achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 22 mpg combined, with our test averaging 20.5 mpg. The flat-four engine layout provided a lower center of gravity for improved handling. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, allowing the Ascent to tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Ascent's X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Ascent felt nimble and maneuverable in urban settings but exhibited more body motion on country roads.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. The third row was suitable for children but lacked legroom for adults. The XC90 provided 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds. The interior featured ample storage, comfortable seating, and a standard panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well even in high heat and humidity.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could carry up to eight people with a second-row bench seat, but the third row was best for children. The Ascent Onyx Edition included water-resistant seat material, triple-zone climate control, and heated front seats. Loading the second row was easy due to wide rear doors, and captain's chairs were available. The Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. The panoramic sunroof reduced cargo space slightly. The interior offered plenty of storage, including a dashboard shelf and large cupholders.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was intuitive but occasionally slow to respond. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display were available. The XC90 came with a standard Harman Kardon sound system, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins upgrade. USB ports and a WiFi hotspot were included, along with the Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle control.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent's base trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and a CD player. The Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. The system's voice recognition needed improvement, and the Onyx Edition's standard stereo lacked sonic quality. The Touring trim offered a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front camera.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's commitment to safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for highway driving. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent also earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The Ascent came with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance tech, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering. However, EyeSight's performance was affected by direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and optional blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking.