2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from Volvo's past, moving away from the boxy designs of the 1970s to 1990s while maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image. This model teetered on the brink of luxury, showcasing a sleek and athletic profile with pronounced wheel arches and a distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlight design. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian Modern and Swedish Luxury, featuring natural wood and metal trims, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery. The XC90's design and materials conveyed a sense of quality and luxury, making it a standout in its class.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Bronco embraced a retro-cool styling with modern engineering, offering nine distinct trim levels. Its blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights were unmistakable. The Bronco's interior continued the rugged theme with durable materials designed for off-road adventures. Features like sealed switches, drain plugs, and marine-grade vinyl upholstery made it easy to clean after a day in the dirt. The Bronco's design was more about durability and functionality than luxury, appealing to those seeking adventure and off-road capability.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, starting with the T5's turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model increased output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft with a supercharged and turbocharged version of the engine. The Recharge model, a plug-in hybrid, delivered 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 and controlled, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the Recharge Inscription extended range model.

The 2023 Ford Bronco also offered three engine choices. The base 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine produced 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, available with a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-litre V6 engine increased power to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft, while the Bronco Raptor's 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 delivered 418 hp and 440 lb-ft. All Broncos featured a four-wheel drive system with a two-speed transfer case. The Bronco excelled in off-road performance, with features like G.O.A.T. drive modes and Trail Turn Assist enhancing its capabilities. On-road, it offered a quieter and more stable ride than its main competitor, the Jeep Wrangler.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six- or 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 offered up to 1,855 litres of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, and it could tow up to 2,250 kilograms. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the airy feel. The climate control system performed well, even in extreme temperatures, making the XC90 a comfortable choice year-round.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, especially in the four-door model. The two-door version required some effort to access the rear seats, but the four-door offered easy entry. The Bronco featured practical storage solutions, like netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for phones. Cargo space varied from 634 litres in the two-door to 2,197 litres in the four-door with seats folded. The Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, appealing to off-road enthusiasts. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, limiting cargo versatility.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. While intuitive, the system could be slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with a head-up display and 360-degree camera system included in the Advanced package. The XC90 also offered a Harman-Kardon audio system and multiple USB ports for device connectivity.

The 2023 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, with G.O.A.T. drive modes and numerous camera views for navigating challenging terrain. The Trail Turn Assist feature allowed for sharp turns in tight spaces. The Bronco's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional 12-inch display for improved usability. Ford's SYNC 4 and FordPass Connect were standard, with a wireless charging pad available.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Volvo's Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance on highways. The XC90 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing its reputation as a safe family vehicle.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's safety ratings were mixed, with the four-door model receiving four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and hill-start assist. Additional driver assistance features were available in optional packages, but the Bronco's safety offerings were less comprehensive than those of more conventional SUVs.