2024 Subaru Ascent vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from Volvo's past reputation for producing boxy vehicles like the 240dl and the 700 series. With its contemporary design, the XC90 looked purposeful but not boastful. The front facade appeared stout and solid without being overly flashy, and the assertive grille provided a bold but balanced aesthetic. The notable “Thor’s Hammer” design of the headlights added to its modern flair, a clear evolution from the 1980s and 90s models.

Our test vehicle, endowed with the AWD Ultimate trim, featured striking 21-inch wheels wrapped in low-profile Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires. The Platinum Gray paint, with its subtle brown undertones, offered a richness and depth observable in direct sunlight, though Volvo's overall palette remained conservative with shades of black, white, off-white, silver, and gray.

Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance. A two-tone leather steering wheel and three-spoke design set the tone, complemented by exquisite materials like metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers and an Orrefors crystal shift knob. The luxurious Nappa leather upholstery, available in "charcoal" and "blond," maintained the brand's signature of tasteful sophistication. The minimalist nature of the front cabin, characterized by clean lines and wood deco inlays, augmented the interior's serene ambiance despite the scarcity of physical controls.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Subaru Ascent struggled to make an aesthetic statement, especially following a refresh that introduced distracting visual elements like tusks and spears marking the grille and headlights. Available in trims from Base to Touring, the Ascent's price ranged from $34,395 to $50,181 with added optional features.

The Touring trim, chosen for our review, brought premium comfort features such as Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the interior's design felt overly modular and practical rather than sophisticated. While the functional aesthetic aligned with Subaru’s emphasis on utility, it lacked the modern, cohesive design appeal found in the XC90.

For 2023, Volvo introduced new powertrains for the XC90, replacing the older turbocharged four-cylinder engines (T5 and T6) with B5 and B6 engines equipped with mild-hybrid technology. The B5 engine produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6, akin to the T6 engine, generated 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were anchored by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder setup, supplemented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

The mild-hybrid setup included a lithium-ion battery pack powering a 13-volt starter generator, resulting in smoother operation and marginally better fuel efficiency. Despite not operating as full hybrids, these engines delivered imperceptible stop-start ignition technology and a comfortable driving experience, helped by an eight-speed automatic transmission and sturdy brakes.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent continued to use a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, yielding 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 pound-feet of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard AWD, this engine was suitable for diverse driving scenarios, from urban to off-road conditions.

However, the Ascent had its limitations. The CVT, although mimicking a conventional automatic well, showed weaknesses on twisty mountain roads. Additionally, the Ascent’s hefty weight and softly tuned suspension limited its handling. Fuel economy was underwhelming, especially in city driving, with recorded figures of 16.7 mpg in the city and 18.6 mpg combined, though it had the added benefit of a 5,000-pound towing capacity and a 19.3-gallon fuel tank.

The XC90’s well-crafted front seats exuded a sense of peace and comfort but fell short in practicality due to limited storage space. The lack of a dedicated cell phone holder and limited USB port accessibility exemplified these frustrations. The second-row bench seat provided reasonably comfortable seating for seven passengers, but upgrading to six-passenger seating with captain's chairs required an additional cost.

Third-row access was cumbersome, and overall cargo capacity was less than rivals. The XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with it folded, and maxed at 65.5 cubic feet, falling short compared to other SUVs in its segment.

The Ascent, however, prioritized practicality with features like a dashboard shelf, large cupholders, and backpack pegs. Its Touring trim boasted premium Nappa leather with heated and ventilated front seats, though the lack of a height adjuster for the front passenger seat was noted. The wide-opening rear doors eased child loading, and the rear seats, though snug, included many child-focused amenities.

The third-row seat, while supportive and equipped with practical vents, was slightly narrower for access. The Ascent excelled in cargo space, offering up to 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.5 cubic feet with it folded, and an expansive 75.6 cubic feet maximum with the second-row folded, surpassing the XC90 in all areas.

The 2023 XC90 featured a 9-inch vertically positioned touchscreen running on Google OS, incorporating functionalities from Android Auto like Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. However, too many functions were relegated to the touchscreen, causing potential frustration. Although the XC90's minimalist design was aesthetically pleasing, it required the driver to adjust to touchscreen controls for several basic functions.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent came with the Starlink infotainment system, including an 11.6-inch touchscreen and features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims added connected services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and a premium sound system. Despite an intuitive interface, the display performance suffered in direct sunlight, and native voice recognition was poor. Still, the presence of physical buttons for essential controls was a plus.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of prioritizing safety, earning a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. Its standard driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, were exceptional, offering comprehensive coverage and seamless functionality.

Similarly, the 2024 Subaru Ascent upheld Subaru's safety reputation, earning top marks from both NHTSA and IIHS. The standard EyeSight package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, the lane-centering assist exhibited inconsistency and resistance to driver input, leading to a compromised driving experience during longer, twisting routes.