2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

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 luxurious class. After Volvo's acquisition by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company underwent a transformation, developing new platforms for its vehicles. The XC90, launched as a 2016 model, became the flagship SUV, built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The 2022 model boasted a sleek and athletic profile, with features like pronounced wheel arches and a distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlight design. Inside, the XC90 offered a "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" aesthetic, with natural wood and metal trim, and options for leather or tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a bold departure in styling, with a more assertive and truck-like appearance. It was larger than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase and wider tracks, giving it a muscular stance. The CR-V retained its classic D-pillar taillights but updated them for a modern look. The Hybrid Touring trim featured sporty elements like black roof rails and 19-inch wheels. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid followed the design direction of the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, with a premium feel and high-quality materials. The interior was consistent with Honda's stablemates, featuring a honeycomb grille on the dash and contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft 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 fuel efficiency varied, with the T5 achieving 11.5 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 on the highway, while the Recharge model offered an 8.8 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode and a 29-kilometre EV range. The driving experience was smooth and responsive, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the Recharge Inscription extended range model.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a new hybrid powertrain combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date, with a top speed of 185 km/h and a towing capacity of up to 450 kilograms. The CR-V Hybrid used a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered four drive modes: Snow, Sport, Normal, and Econ. The updated Real Time AWD system could send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels. The CR-V Hybrid's fuel efficiency was impressive, with an estimated 6.0 L/100 km in the city and 6.9 on the highway. The new "B" shifter position allowed for increased regenerative braking, enhancing fuel efficiency and providing a one-pedal driving experience.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second 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, depending on the configuration. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a standard panoramic moonroof. The climate control system performed well, even in extreme heat, and the AWD system and heated features made it suitable for winter conditions.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to more interior volume, with 1,028 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 2,030 litres with them folded. The Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate, and all CR-Vs had wide-opening rear doors for easy access. Rear seat legroom increased to 1,042 millimetres, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The reclining rear seats offered eight positions, and headroom measured 970 mm in both rows. The interior included a cubby for smartphones, eight cupholders, and a traditional console design with ample storage.

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

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid catered to those who preferred physical buttons, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and a 9-inch version for higher trims. The CR-V Hybrid was well-equipped, featuring USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors and seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. Higher trims added a heated steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM, HD radio, Wi-Fi capability, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Hybrid Touring trim included Honda's smart navigation system, optimizing fuel efficiency based on the route.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system combined several features for highway driving, and the XC90 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid included the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, with improved collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, and lane-keeping assist systems. New features included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, low-speed braking control, blind-spot monitoring, and cross-traffic monitor. The CR-V Hybrid also received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with additional structural updates for crash protection.