2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from Volvo's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while moving towards the luxury class. After its acquisition by Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, Volvo developed new platforms, leading to the current XC90, which launched in 2016 as the flagship SUV on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The XC90's design was sleek and athletic, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches, complemented by the iconic "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian Modern and Swedish Luxury, featuring natural wood and metal trim, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) was based on the SR5 trim and featured retro body stripes, a heritage grille, and bronze accents. The 4Runner maintained a truck-based SUV look, appealing to those nostalgic for past designs. Its interior was practical, with a focus on durability and ease of use, featuring analog gauges and large, glove-friendly controls. The 4Runner's cabin was spacious, with comfortable seating and ample storage, though the third-row seat option was best avoided due to its impact on cargo space and comfort.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre 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 economy varied, with the T5 achieving 10.1 L/100 km combined, the T6 at 10.8 L/100 km, and the Recharge offering 8.8 L/100 km in hybrid mode. The driving experience was smooth and responsive, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the Recharge Inscription extended range model.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. It had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and a fuel economy rating of 13.8 L/100 km combined. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, with features like Active Traction Control, a locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select. However, its on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a brake pedal that lacked finesse. Despite these drawbacks, the 4Runner's powertrain was reliable, maintaining steady speeds on inclines and handling gentle curves with ease.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in 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 and support. The XC90 offered up to 1,855 litres of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, and a towing capacity of 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 heat, and the AWD system and heated features made it winter-ready.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a power-down rear window, sunroof, and automatic windows for excellent ventilation. The interior was roomy, with comfortable seats and dual-zone climate control. The second row offered good legroom and support, while the optional third row was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner provided 1,337 litres of cargo space. The tailgate doubled as a seat, and the cargo area included storage cubbies and a power outlet. However, the lack of rubber liners in storage areas led to items sliding and rattling.

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 was occasionally slow, but Apple CarPlay improved its performance. The Advanced package added a head-up display, 360-degree camera, 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 Toyota 4Runner had a more traditional setup with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with options for navigation and a JBL sound system. Despite its dated graphics, the system was user-friendly, with effective voice recognition. The 4Runner's controls were large and easy to use, even with gloves.

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. It received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, reflecting Volvo's commitment to safety.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. However, its crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Marginal rating from IIHS for certain tests.