2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, maintaining its traditional styling while introducing a more characterful appearance. The XC90 retained Volvo's signature boxy profile and blunt front end, but with softer lines, increased chrome detailing, and distinctive LED headlights featuring "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most striking, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism," with high-quality materials like matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery, creating a refined yet understated cabin atmosphere.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer shared its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, resulting in a traditional SUV design with a tall hood, broad shoulders, and an upright profile. However, the Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a black roof, unique hood, front fascia, and grille featuring laser-etched knurling. It also offered standard 20-inch wheels, with 22-inch wheels available on higher trims. The interior boasted high-end materials and features, including 24-way power front seats with memory and massage functions, Nappa leather upholstery, and American Walnut wood trim. The Grand Wagoneer provided a luxurious and spacious cabin, with thoughtful touches like seat controls placed high on the doors and a "Grand Wagoneer" badge on the dashboard.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centred around a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric motors, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. While the XC90's power was impressive, the small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 engines. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a quiet cabin, but its towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms was lower than some rivals.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, producing 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in approximately six seconds, despite its hefty 2,900-kilogram weight. The Grand Wagoneer featured standard four-wheel drive with the Quadra-Drive II system, offering five drive modes and a height-adjustable Quadra-Lift air suspension. With a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms, the Grand Wagoneer outperformed many competitors in this regard. However, its ride was bouncy at higher speeds, and its steering lacked precision, making it less agile than some rivals.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered a choice between six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom across all three rows. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The XC90's upright roof profile and optional power sunroof created a spacious feel, while standard four-zone climate control enhanced comfort. Cargo space was limited, with 317 litres behind the third row, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with all seats down. The XC90's towing capacity was 2,250 kilograms, and it featured a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven passengers with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Cargo space was generous, with 775 litres behind the third row and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. However, with all seats folded, its 2,667 litres of cargo space fell short of some rivals. The Grand Wagoneer boasted a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms and included a standard sunroof and four-zone automatic climate control.

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 was easy to use, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen that mimicked a tablet. However, the text and typeface made reading menus challenging while driving, and the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer boasted a comprehensive infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. Second-row passengers had their own 10.25-inch touchscreen, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Uconnect 5 system, with its Android-based operating system, offered over-the-air updates but was occasionally slow to respond. The Grand Wagoneer also featured a head-up display and screen sharing capabilities.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "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 a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It included standard safety features like a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included intersection collision assist, night vision, and two levels of driver-assistance systems. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring.