2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, available in Canada, offered a range of five trim levels, starting with the base model and moving up to the Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. Prices began at $72,395, with the Summit Reserve reaching $91,490 before options. The Trailhawk trim, which was tested, featured a panoramic sunroof, Luxury Tech Group III, and Advanced ProTech Group II, bringing the MSRP to approximately $85,000, including destination charges. Despite its high price, the Grand Cherokee 4xe did not qualify for Canada's EV sales incentives. The Trailhawk was distinguishable by its sky blue exterior detailing and matte-black hood decal, designed to reduce glare. However, the interior fell short of luxury expectations, with excessive plastic and gloss black surfaces that attracted dust and fingerprints. While the leather and artificial suede upholstery were appreciated, the overall interior leaned more towards style than substance, with controls that were difficult to read and locate.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution in design from its boxy predecessors. The XC90's purposeful yet understated appearance featured a stout front end, assertive grille, and distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" headlights. The test vehicle, in Ultimate trim, came with 21-inch wheels and a Platinum Grey paint with brown undertones. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with a two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was complemented by wood deco inlays, creating a clean and beautiful interior. However, the lack of physical controls and reliance on the touchscreen interface for many functions could be frustrating for some users.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and an 8-speed automatic transmission. This setup produced 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 2,720 kilograms. The Trailhawk's 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case, offered impressive off-roading capabilities, supported by Selec-Terrain technology and a height-adjustable air suspension. However, the Grand Cherokee 4xe's performance in daily driving was less impressive, with an unrefined gas engine, uneven power delivery, and noticeable body lean. The vehicle's all-electric range was estimated at 42 kilometres, but real-world testing showed a shorter range. Despite its off-road prowess, the Grand Cherokee 4xe's fuel economy and handling fell short of expectations.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain with 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. While the fuel economy benefits were minimal, the mild-hybrid system contributed to smoother operation and aligned with Volvo's electrification goals. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration, a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission, and minimal road and wind noise. The brakes provided a solid pedal feel, and the vehicle's handling was commendable, despite its size. The XC90's simplicity in driving dynamics, with limited customizable modes, might appeal to some drivers but could be underwhelming for others.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe struggled with practical storage and cargo space, partly due to its off-roading hardware. The interior featured artificial suede and leather seats with heating and ventilation, but comfort was lacking, with firm front seats and low, unsupportive second-row cushions. Rear legroom was tight, and cargo space was limited, with 1,067 litres behind the back seat and a maximum of 2,004 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was peaceful and pleasant, but Scandinavian minimalism led to limited storage space. The second row was comfortable, but accessing the third row was challenging. The XC90 offered 356 litres of cargo space with the third row in place, expanding to 1,183 litres with the seats folded down, and a maximum of 1,856 litres. While the XC90 drove like a smaller car, its cargo capacity fell short compared to some competitors.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe boasted up to six screens, including a 10.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, and Jeep Connect services. However, the low-contrast display and average voice recognition system were drawbacks. The Trailhawk also featured a 10.3-inch front passenger infotainment screen and optional tech-related features like wireless smartphone charging.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display ran on Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. The system's natural-language recognition was a highlight, but the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating. Keyless entry was standard, and a head-up display was optional.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe came equipped with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Advanced ProTech Group II added features like intersection collision assist and a Night Vision system. The Grand Cherokee 4xe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though the latter did not specifically test the 4xe variant.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, with a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ designation 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 semi-autonomous driving assistance.