2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2023 Toyota Venza

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 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 and pronounced wheel arches, giving it an athletic stance. The interior was described as "Scandinavian Modern" with natural wood and metal trim, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery. The XC90's design and materials conveyed a sense of luxury and quality, with features like the "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights adding a nod to its Swedish heritage.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Venza was a midsize crossover SUV with a sleek and sculpted design, more akin to a Lexus than a typical Toyota. Its contoured body and tapering roofline gave it a unique appearance, avoiding the bulkiness of other SUVs. Inside, the Venza borrowed elements from the RAV4 but featured upgraded materials and details, approaching a Lexus level of luxury. The dashboard and centre stack were similar to the RAV4, but the Venza offered more soft-touch surfaces and integrated climate control buttons. Overall, the Venza was considered one of Toyota's best-looking vehicles, with a cohesive and graceful design.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 250 horsepower, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 hp. 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, especially in the Recharge Inscription extended range model. Fuel efficiency varied, with the Recharge model achieving an 8.8 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode and a 4.0 Le/100 km with a 29-kilometre EV range.

The 2023 Toyota Venza was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system, producing 219 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Venza's acceleration was smooth, with the electric motors providing initial power before the gasoline engine seamlessly engaged. It reached 100 km/h in just over 7.5 seconds. The Venza prioritized ride comfort over sporty handling, with light steering and adequate maneuverability. Its ride quality was smoother than the RAV4 Hybrid but not as plush as a Lexus.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults would find it lacking in legroom. The XC90 provided ample cargo space, with up to 1,855 litres available with the second and third rows folded. It could tow up to 2,250 kilograms, making it versatile for family trips. The interior featured numerous storage options and a spacious cabin, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof. The climate control system performed well, even in extreme weather conditions.

The 2023 Toyota Venza's front seats provided ample space for taller occupants, with a panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of spaciousness. The rear seats offered good legroom, though headroom was limited. The Venza's cargo capacity was 816 litres, less than some competitors, and it was not rated for towing. However, it excelled in holding smaller personal items, with a wireless phone charger, large cupholders, and spacious door pockets.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. While the system offered intuitive smartphone-like gestures, it was occasionally slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with a Harman-Kardon audio system standard on higher trims. The Advanced package included a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Toyota Venza came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad. The base LE trim had an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured a 12.3-inch display. The new infotainment system offered sharp graphics and quick responses. The Venza XLE and Limited trims included a one-year trial of Drive Connect services, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist. It received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Toyota Venza also boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. It earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.