2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between the classic two-door and the more practical four-door body style, catering to different preferences. Buyers could select from a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a gasoline-powered V6, a turbodiesel V6, a gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The standard six-speed manual transmission could be upgraded to an eight-speed automatic, and four-wheel drive was a given, with multiple systems available depending on the trim level. The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions like the Willys and Willys Sport, Sahara High Altitude, and Wrangler Rubicon 392. The High Tide model, based on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S trim, was a special edition in the US, featuring LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield upgrade.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from Volvo's past designs, showcasing a purposeful yet understated look. Its front end was solid without being ostentatious, and the grille was assertive without being flashy. The "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, and the overall dimensions leaned toward a rectilinear shape without resembling the boxy designs of the past. The XC90 Ultimate trim featured 21-inch wheels with low-profile Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires, adding drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. The Platinum Grey paint had brown undertones, giving it richness and depth. Inside, the XC90 boasted an elegant design with two-tone leather steering, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior featured wood deco inlays, contributing to its clean and beautiful look.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler was equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine featuring eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, providing 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. It had an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system, ideal for slippery conditions. According to Natural Resources Canada, the Wrangler Unlimited with the eTorque V6 consumed 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 14.0 L/100 km. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with a rough-and-tumble feel, loud cabin noise, and a tendency to squeal or spin tires around corners. Despite these traits, the Wrangler offered an immersive experience, especially with the top open and doors removed, making it a favourite for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid version of the previous powertrain, offering 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency slightly and provided smoother operation. The XC90's eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, and the vehicle accelerated quickly. It handled corners better than expected for its size, and road and wind noise were minimal due to excellent insulation. The brakes were solid, providing confidence during driving. The XC90 lacked extensive off-road features, focusing instead on a straightforward driving experience with minimal drive modes.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler posed challenges for entry and exit, especially with a raised suspension. The manual height adjuster for the driver's seat required frequent readjustment. The interior featured durable cloth upholstery, plastic, and rubber materials, with some padded spots for comfort. Visibility varied, with some areas requiring leaning forward to see traffic lights. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry difficulties but found comfortable accommodations once inside. The Wrangler offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's front seats provided a peaceful and pleasant experience, but the minimalist design led to limited storage space. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, and accessing the third row was difficult. With the third seat in place, the XC90 offered 356 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,183 litres with the third row folded and 1,856 litres with all rear seats down. The XC90 drove like a smaller car, contributing to its appeal.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's infotainment system was basic, with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio and a premium audio system. The Wrangler included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, with Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant as standard features. The system supported Apple CarPlay, but iPhones didn't integrate as seamlessly. The XC90's tech included natural-language recognition, allowing voice commands via Google Home devices. While the minimalist design was appealing, some functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, leading to potential frustration. Keyless entry was standard, with a head-up display as an option.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, offering features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were mediocre, with a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. Safety features were optional, and the Wrangler required careful driving.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist technology helped maintain distance from other vehicles, and these safety features were standard on the XC90.