2022 Ford Bronco 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 moving towards a more upscale, luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company underwent a transformation, developing new vehicle platforms like the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) for its flagship SUV, the XC90. The 2022 model boasted a sleek profile with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches, exuding athleticism. Its superior fit and finish, along with distinctive LED headlights known as "Thor's Hammer," highlighted its Swedish heritage. Inside, the XC90 offered a "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" aesthetic, featuring natural wood and metal trim, a sliding wood tambour cover, and a crystal gear selector handle. Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030 was evident, with options like Nappa leather and a tailored wool blend upholstery available.

The 2022 Ford Bronco, with its retro styling and go-anywhere attitude, quickly became a sought-after vehicle. Following its successful debut, the Bronco expanded its lineup with the Everglades and Bronco Raptor models, designed for swamp trekking and deep water adventures. The Bronco's design was dictated by its off-road mission, featuring short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height. Its utilitarian appearance included large recovery hooks, removable fender flares, and a full-size spare mounted to the tailgate. Inside, the Bronco continued its rugged theme with features like sealed switches, marine-grade vinyl upholstery, and drain plugs for easy cleaning. The G.O.A.T. mode dial allowed drivers to select specific drive modes for various terrains. Despite its ruggedness, the Bronco offered modern technology, including a digital instrument panel, a large infotainment touchscreen, and advanced safety features.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. All models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90's driving experience was smooth, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the Recharge Inscription extended range model. Fuel efficiency varied, with the T5 achieving 11.5 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 on the highway, while the Recharge offered an 8.8 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode and a 29-kilometre EV range.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's base engine was a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, with an optional 2.7-litre V6 delivering 330 hp and 415 lb-ft. A seven-speed manual transmission was available for the two-door Bronco with the four-cylinder engine, while a 10-speed automatic was standard for the V6 and four-door models. The Bronco excelled in off-road capabilities, with models like the Everglades handling challenging terrains effortlessly. On pavement, the Bronco offered a smoother ride than its rival, the Jeep Wrangler, with precise steering and reduced driver fatigue. Wind noise was minimal, and the absence of tire howl contributed to its overall excellence.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six- and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults might find it lacking in legroom. The XC90 provided 357 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 1,855 litres with the second and third rows folded. It could tow up to 2,250 kilograms, making it suitable for light towing needs. The interior featured ample storage, comfortable seating, and a spacious cabin with a panoramic moonroof. The climate control system performed well, even in extreme weather conditions, and the XC90's AWD system and heated features made it a reliable choice for winter.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design maximized interior space, offering ample headroom and legroom. Accessing the rear seats in the two-door model required some effort, but grab handles and side steps aided entry. Cargo capacity varied, with the two-door hard top accommodating up to 634 litres behind the rear seats and 1,481 litres with them folded. The four-door hard top increased capacity to 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. Clever storage solutions included a large armrest bin, netted door pockets, and accessory rails. The Bronco's utility was enhanced by external hard mounting points and removable fender flares.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen interface, offering tablet-like functionality. While intuitive, the system was occasionally slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel providing crisp graphics. The Advanced package included a head-up display, a 360-degree camera system, and an advanced air cleaner. Keyless entry and a Harman-Kardon audio system were standard on higher trims, with USB ports for device charging.

The 2022 Ford Bronco embraced technology to enhance its off-road capabilities. The G.O.A.T. modes provided confidence for novice drivers, while seasoned off-roaders could manually select settings. A forward-looking trail camera and Trail Turn Assist feature aided in navigating challenging terrains. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses, sharp graphics, and off-road apps. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, complemented by a wireless charging pad.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's commitment to safety, featuring blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for highway driving. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered standard safety features like hill-start assist and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features like frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Bronco received a four-star frontal crash protection rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating from the IIHS for frontal, side, and roof strength tests.