2023 Ford Bronco vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Ford Bronco was a striking blend of retro-cool styling and modern engineering, offered in nine distinct trim levels. Its blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights made it unmistakable from afar. The Base trim had a primitive, bare-bones look with steel wheels, while the Raptor trim stood out with a wide stance, elevated height, and massive tires. The Heritage Edition trim added nostalgic elements like a white grille, roof, and wheels, along with plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's rugged personality was not just for show; functional features like cleats above the headlights and raised "fins" helped drivers navigate obstacles. Inside, the Bronco continued its rugged theme with a broad dash, sealed switches, and waterproof upholstery, making it easy to clean after off-road adventures. The interior materials prioritized durability over luxury, and while some creaking was noted over bumps, it was quieter than a Jeep Wrangler.

The 2024 Volvo XC90, available in B6 and Recharge T8 model series, was a luxury SUV that emphasized practicality, safety, and sustainability. The XC90 B6 featured a turbocharged and supercharged mild-hybrid engine, while the Recharge T8 was a plug-in hybrid with an estimated 53 kilometres of electric-only range. The XC90's exterior paint palette was subdued and earthy, with various wheel designs up to 21 inches. Inside, the XC90's design was dated but rich in materials, especially in the Ultimate trim. Options included wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and natural wood trim. Volvo allowed buyers to mix and match paint, wheels, and upholstery to suit their preferences. The XC90's interior was comfortable, with features like massaging front seats, a premium headliner, and a high-end audio system, but it struggled to keep up with the latest in advanced driving assistance systems.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices, starting with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. It was available with a seven-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic. The optional twin-turbo 2.7-litre V6 engine increased power to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, available only with the automatic transmission. The top-tier Bronco Raptor featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All Broncos came with a four-wheel drive drivetrain and a two-speed transfer case. The base four-cylinder engine was adequate for most adventures, while the Raptor's EcoBoost engine offered exhilarating power. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than a typical SUV but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler. Its high-riding dimensions and all-terrain tires required careful handling on curving roads, but the Bronco felt more confident than expected.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered 53 kilometres of electric-only driving. In hybrid mode, it averaged 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The XC90 Recharge T8 could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in five seconds. Recharging was straightforward, with options for a standard household outlet or a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 offered various driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, with up to 25 centimetres of ground clearance. However, the XC90's performance waned as the battery approached its minimum state of charge, and the ride quality was firm on irregular pavement. The XC90 was quick but lacked thrilling handling, and the cabin wasn't as quiet as expected for a luxury SUV.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, with plenty of room in the front and back. The four-door model was recommended for those regularly shuttling more than one passenger, as accessing the rear seats in the two-door required some effort. The Bronco offered numerous storage options, including netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for phones. The two-door Bronco had up to 634 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,481 litres with the rear seats folded. The four-door model offered 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo. The Bronco's fenders and doors were easily removable, appealing to hardcore off-roaders.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 was well-equipped, even in Core trim, with power-adjustable and heated front seats, optional leather upholstery, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims offered features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, but their shape could catch on clothing. The XC90 seated seven or six with optional captain's chairs, and the third-row seat was more accommodating than expected. Interior storage was adequate, and with the third-row seat folded, the XC90 offered up to 1,854 litres of cargo capacity, expanding to 2,426 litres with the second-row seat down.

The 2023 Ford Bronco incorporated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities. The G.O.A.T. drive modes allowed drivers to select terrain types, optimizing engine and suspension settings. Camera views provided visibility in tight spots, and the Trail Turn Assist feature enabled sharp turns. The Bronco's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Ford’s SYNC 4, and FordPass Connect. A wireless charging pad was optional, and most Broncos came with an eight-inch touchscreen, with a 12-inch display available for easier use.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, including Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with premium sound system options. The infotainment system was more intuitive than previous versions, and the XC90's cabin included a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The XC90 Recharge T8 also had a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and an available head-up display. The surround-view camera supported the SUV’s standard front and rear parking sensors.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received partial crash test results from the NHTSA, with the four-door earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS awarded it a "Good" rating in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, hill-start assist, and more. The Mid package added features like a blind-spot monitor and lane-keep assist, while the High and Luxe packages offered additional safety enhancements.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA in most assessments and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS in 2023. However, its advanced driving assistance systems were not as innovative as rivals. The XC90 included features like Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist. While generally smooth, Pilot Assist struggled with certain conditions, and a significant error during testing raised concerns about its reliability.