2023 Nissan Ariya 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 developed new vehicle platforms, including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) for the XC90. The 2022 model boasted a sleek and athletic profile, with pronounced wheel arches and a distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlight design. Inside, the XC90 featured a "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" aesthetic, with natural wood and metal trim, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya showcased a modern and striking design, with a smooth, oval shape and minimal creases or angles. Its front and rear ends sloped away from the roof's high point, and the front featured thin LED headlights and an illuminated Nissan emblem. The interior of the Ariya was crafted with care, featuring dual 12-inch monitors and illuminated haptic buttons. The absence of a transmission tunnel contributed to an open and airy cabin, and the vehicle offered a range of trim levels with both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. The Ariya's interior was designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with features like a powered bin under the centre stack and adjustable centre console.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre 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 driving experience was praised for its minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, particularly in the Recharge Inscription extended range model. Fuel efficiency varied across models, with the Recharge offering an 8.8 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode and a 29-kilometre EV range.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya's trim lineup included the Engage FWD with a 63-kWh battery and 214 hp, the Evolve e-4ORCE with 335 hp, and the Venture+ FWD with 238 hp. The Platinum+ e-4ORCE offered 389 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Ariya's performance was characterized by quick steering, well-managed body roll, and a quiet ride. The AWD models featured a dual-motor powertrain, reducing 0-60 mph acceleration to 4.8 seconds. The Ariya's driving modes included Eco, Standard, and Sport, with the latter providing a temporary performance boost. The FWD Ariya achieved an average of 5.6 km per kWh, translating to a range of over 350 km.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six- and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults found it lacking in legroom. The XC90 offered up to 1,855 litres of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, and a towing capacity of up to 2,250 kg. The interior featured ample storage, comfortable seating, and a panoramic moonroof. The climate control system performed well even in high temperatures, and the vehicle was equipped with heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya's ground-up EV architecture provided a spacious interior, with ample legroom for front and rear passengers. The lack of a transmission tunnel contributed to a mobile living room feel, although headroom was slightly limited in the rear. The Ariya offered 1,670 litres of cargo space behind the front seats. Interior features included a powered bin under the centre stack, adjustable centre console, and haptic buttons for drive modes and other functions. The Ariya's interior was designed for both functionality and comfort.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although it was occasionally slow to respond. 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, and the vehicle offered multiple USB ports for device charging.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya boasted dual 12-inch displays for driver information and infotainment, with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. The Ariya was compatible with Alexa, allowing for smart home integration. The infotainment system was user-friendly and modern, with a head-up display available on most trims. The Ariya's technology package was designed to inform, connect, protect, and assist drivers, making it one of Nissan's most tech-forward models.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping aid. The Pilot Assist system provided assisted driving on highways. The XC90 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing Volvo's commitment to safety.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya included ProPilot Assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. While the Ariya had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, its safety features were designed to provide a high level of protection and driver assistance.