2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while stepping into the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, leading to the current XC90, which launched in 2016 as the flagship SUV on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The XC90's design was sleek and athletic, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches, while the interior boasted a "Scandinavian Modern" aesthetic with natural wood and metal trim. The vehicle offered both leather and non-leather upholstery options, with the latter being a tailored wool blend.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester, available in multiple trims including the rugged Wilderness, emphasized practicality and utility. The Forester's design was functional, with a focus on ease of use and durability, featuring water-repellant StarTex simulated leather and all-weather floor mats. The interior prioritized function over form, with hard plastic and soft surfaces creating a cabin that felt both well-constructed and somewhat dated. The Forester's infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons, and the Wilderness trim added features like a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. Despite its utilitarian focus, the Forester offered comfort and convenience, with ample storage and a spacious cabin.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a range of powertrains, including the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 250 horsepower, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp, and the T8 plug-in hybrid combining gasoline and electric power for a total of 455 hp. The XC90's driving experience was smooth and responsive, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model. Fuel efficiency varied across models, with the T5 FWD achieving up to 30 mpg on the highway, while the T8 offered an EV range of up to 36 miles.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The Wilderness model featured a CVT with improved initial torque supply, doubling its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester's fuel economy was competitive, averaging 25.9 mpg during testing. While the engine was adequate at lower altitudes, it felt sluggish at higher elevations, highlighting the absence of a turbocharger. The Forester's dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it a compelling choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six- and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row, though it was best suited for children. Cargo capacity was generous, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded. The XC90's interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the airy feel. The air-conditioning system performed well even in extreme heat, making the XC90 a comfortable choice in various climates.

The 2022 Subaru Forester excelled in functionality, with easy entry and exit and a practical interior designed for durability. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness trim included all-weather mats and a rubber cargo mat. The Forester's roof rails accommodated a three-person roof tent, and the cabin offered comfort and convenience, with rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports. Cargo space was ample, with up to 74.2 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded, making the Forester one of the roomiest compact SUVs.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen, offering smartphone-like functionality. While the system was intuitive, it occasionally lagged, performing better with Apple CarPlay. The XC90 included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and optional features like a head-up display and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system. USB ports and a WiFi hotspot were standard, along with the Volvo Care app for remote vehicle control.

The 2022 Subaru Forester's base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims offered an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Wilderness trim added a forward-view camera for off-roading. The Forester's infotainment system was user-friendly, though voice recognition was inconsistent. The PIN Code Access feature allowed for keyless entry, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist for highway driving. The XC90 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing Volvo's commitment to safety.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and new features like Automatic Emergency Steering. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, while the Touring trim added DriverFocus for monitoring driver alertness. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with expectations of retaining its IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.