2023 Nissan Pathfinder 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 SUV's design featured a sleek roofline, pronounced wheel arches, and a distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlight detail, all contributing to its athletic and luxurious appearance. Inside, the XC90 boasted 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 Pathfinder, redesigned for the 2022 model year, carried over with minimal changes, except for the new Rock Creek trim. Its design combined futuristic headlights and an angular C-pillar, creating a modern yet timeless look. The interior offered clean lines and a practical layout, making it both visually appealing and user-friendly. The Pathfinder's trims ranged from S to Platinum, with each level adding features like a panoramic moonroof, surround-view monitor, and ProPILOT Assist. The Rock Creek trim introduced a rugged aesthetic with off-road enhancements, while the Platinum trim offered luxury features like second-row captain's chairs and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

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 combining gasoline and electric power for a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft. 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 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 Nissan Pathfinder was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, with the Rock Creek trim offering a slight boost to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. The power was delivered through a nine-speed automatic transmission to standard all-wheel drive. The Pathfinder's off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Rock Creek trim with a taller suspension and off-road shocks, though this resulted in a rougher ride on paved roads. The Pathfinder featured a rotary drive mode dial with options like Eco, Sport, and All-Terrain, and a downhill crawl assist for off-road adventures. The standard towing capacity was 1,587 kilograms, with the Rock Creek and higher trims capable of towing up to 2,720 kilograms.

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 would find it lacking in legroom. The XC90 provided 357 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,855 litres with the second and third rows folded. The SUV's 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 heat, and the XC90's all-wheel drive and heated features made it suitable for winter conditions.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered up to 2,279 litres of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, and 470 litres with all seats upright. The first two rows provided ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was best for short trips. The Platinum trim featured second-row captain's chairs with a removable centre console. The Pathfinder boasted 12 cupholders and four bottle holders, along with numerous storage compartments. The Rock Creek trim's roof racks were practical for carrying up to 100 kilograms of cargo, though their proximity to the roof made snow removal challenging.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen, offering tablet-like functionality and standard Bluetooth. While the system was occasionally glitchy, Apple CarPlay improved its performance. The XC90 also included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a head-up display, and a Harman-Kardon audio system on higher trims. USB ports were available for both front and rear passengers.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with larger 9-inch screens on higher trims. The system was user-friendly, with real buttons and dials, though some found the graphics dated. Standard features included Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, with additional USB ports and wireless charging on higher trims. While not the most advanced, the Pathfinder's tech offerings were practical and sufficient for most users.

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 Pilot Assist for highway driving. It received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing Volvo's commitment to safety.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder also offered a robust array of driver-assistance features, such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and ProPilot Assist. The SL trim added traffic-sign recognition, while the Platinum trim included rain-sensing wipers. The Pathfinder earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings for the 2023 model were not yet complete.