2023 Honda CR-V vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Honda CR-V adopted a more refined and slightly aggressive appearance with its blunt nose, long hood, and extended wheelbase. While it lacked the distinct personality of its predecessor, the conservative styling was expected to age gracefully. The CR-V EX-L featured 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass, enhancing its sophisticated look. Inside, the leather-wrapped seats, steering wheel, and shift knob elevated the interior's quality, complemented by a dashboard design inspired by the latest Civic. The CR-V EX-L boasted a larger touchscreen infotainment system, power-adjustable front passenger seat, and a power rear liftgate, adding to its appeal. Pricing in Canada started at $34,240 for the CR-V LX-B with FWD, with the EX-L AWD priced at $43,390 before fees.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a purposeful yet understated design, moving away from the boxy aesthetics of its predecessors. The front end appeared solid and assertive, with the grille and "Thor’s Hammer" headlights adding a modern touch. The XC90's dimensions remained rectilinear, but it no longer resembled a toaster. The Ultimate trim featured 21-inch wheels and a Platinum Grey paint with brown undertones, adding depth to its appearance. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design included wood deco inlays, creating a clean and sophisticated cabin environment.

The 2023 Honda CR-V retained its turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 179 lb-ft of torque between 1,700 and 5,000 rpm. While the engine provided ample power for a compact SUV, the CVT transmission detracted from the driving experience with its droning noise during acceleration. Despite this, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling, with a well-tuned suspension, steering, and brakes. It offered a smooth and engaging drive, handling speed bumps and uneven pavement with ease. The CR-V achieved impressive fuel economy, averaging 8.1 L/100 km on a mountainous route.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. The B6 powertrain delivered 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, slightly less than its predecessor but with improved fuel efficiency. The mild-hybrid system enhanced smoothness and reduced engine load, though it didn't match the fuel economy of full hybrids. The XC90 offered a refined driving experience, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. It handled corners well, and road noise was minimal due to excellent insulation. The XC90's brakes provided confidence with a solid pedal feel, and while it lacked extensive off-road features, it offered simplicity in driving dynamics.

The 2023 Honda CR-V claimed to be the roomiest yet, though the driver's seat felt more car-like than SUV-like. Outward visibility was excellent, and the redesigned seats provided comfort. The second row offered more space, resembling a midsize model, with ample thigh support and legroom. Storage options were plentiful, with a large centre armrest bin and various trays and bins throughout the cabin. The CR-V's cargo area provided 1,113 litres of space, expandable to 2,166 litres with the rear seats folded.

In the 2023 Volvo XC90, the front seats offered a peaceful and pleasant experience, though storage space was limited. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, and accessing the third row was difficult. With the third seat in place, cargo space was 356 litres, expanding to 1,183 litres with the third row folded and 1,856 litres with all rear seats down. The XC90's smaller size contributed to its car-like driving experience.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX-L trim added a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, SiriusXM, and an upgraded sound system. While the tech was an improvement over the previous model, it didn't surpass competitors in features.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display ran on Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. The system offered natural-language recognition and could be controlled via Google Home devices. However, many functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, leading to some frustration. Keyless entry was standard, with a head-up display as an option.

The 2023 Honda CR-V improved its driver assist systems with the Honda Sensing package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. New features included a seatbelt reminder, rear-seat reminder, driver monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. The CR-V's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure and new airbag designs enhanced safety. The IIHS rated it as a Top Safety Pick+.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist technology provided additional support in maintaining distance and speed.