2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, successfully blending traditional elements with modern touches. Known for its conservative styling, Volvo retained its signature boxy profile and rectangular grille but introduced softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor's Hammer" daytime running lights. The XC90's interior embraced "Swedish minimalism," offering high-quality materials and thoughtful design. The Inscription trim featured luxurious touches like an Orrefors crystal shifter, while the R-Design and Momentum trims catered to sportier and more understated tastes, respectively.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe maintained Jeep's iconic design cues, such as the seven-slot grille, while integrating modern features like active shutters for improved aerodynamics. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was available only as a two-row SUV, emphasizing comfort and space for passengers. The Overland trim, with its leather seats, wood and metal accents, and bronze contrast stitching, provided a premium feel. However, the interior also featured hard plastic materials, raising concerns about durability. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's design successfully combined Jeep's rugged heritage with contemporary comfort.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 variant delivered 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 increased output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft with turbo- and supercharging. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, or Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors, achieving 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. Despite its power, the XC90's small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' larger engines. The XC90 excelled in luxury, offering a smooth ride and quiet cabin, but its towing capacity was limited to 2,250 kilograms.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine and a 400-volt, 17-kWh battery pack, producing 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain surpassed the output of Jeep's 5.7-litre V8. The Grand Cherokee 4xe boasted a total driving range of 719 kilometres, with 42 kilometres of all-electric range. The vehicle offered E Select powertrain modes, including Hybrid, Electric, and eSave, allowing drivers to optimize efficiency. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's off-road capabilities were enhanced by two 4x4 systems, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, and the Select-Terrain traction system.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six- or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom across its three rows. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The XC90's cargo space was limited, with 317 litres with all seats in place, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded. The interior featured a power sunroof and four-zone climate control, but storage options were minimal.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, a two-row SUV, offered ample space for passengers, with improved cargo capacity from 1,067 litres to 2,004 litres when the second row was folded. The air suspension allowed for quick height adjustments, aiding in loading and unloading. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's interior was comfortable for families, with features like a heated steering wheel enhancing its appeal.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, known for its simplicity and functionality. It included a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. The system's portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, but the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones. The XC90 also offered a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe boasted the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, an Android-powered interface with customization options like My Pages. The Grand Cherokee 4xe included a 10.1-inch touchscreen front-passenger display, a 10.25-inch digital driver information display, and optional rear-seat entertainment screens. The 19-speaker McIntosh stereo, available on higher trims, was highly praised for its sound quality.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered extensive standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera. The NHTSA gave the Grand Cherokee a five-star overall safety rating, but the IIHS had not yet published its results.