2023 Nissan Ariya vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Nissan Ariya showcased a modern and striking design, setting itself apart from traditional gas-powered SUVs. Its smooth, oval shape, with minimal creases and angles, gave it a unique appearance. The front featured thin LED headlights and a V-Motion design language, while the rear had a thin taillight spanning its width. Inside, the Ariya boasted beautiful craftsmanship with minimal hard plastics and a simplistic dashboard. Dual 12-inch monitors provided necessary information, and the interior felt open and airy due to the absence of a transmission tunnel. However, the differing heights of the centre and door armrests were a minor discomfort.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 presented a purposeful yet understated design. Its front end was solid and assertive, complemented by the recognizable "Thor’s Hammer" headlights. The XC90 maintained a rectilinear shape but avoided the boxy look of older Volvos. The Ultimate trim featured 21-inch wheels and a rich Platinum Grey paint. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather, metal speaker covers, and Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was enhanced by wood deco inlays, though the lack of physical controls could be frustrating for some users.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya offered a range of powertrains, starting with the Engage FWD model, which had a 63-kWh battery and a 160-kW motor producing 214 horsepower. The Evolve e-4ORCE added a second motor for 335 hp, while the Venture+ FWD featured an extended-range battery and a 178-kW motor for 238 hp. The Platinum+ e-4ORCE delivered 389 hp with its dual-motor setup. The Ariya's performance was commendable, with quick steering and well-managed body roll. The AWD version provided significant power, accelerating from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds. The Ariya's drive modes included Eco, Standard, and Sport, with the latter offering a temporary performance boost. The FWD model achieved an average of 5.6 km per kWh, translating to a range of over 350 km.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 replaced its older engines with the B6 powertrain, featuring mild-hybrid technology. This setup produced 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, offering smoother operation and slightly improved fuel efficiency. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with minimal body roll and quick acceleration. Its eight-speed automatic transmission performed seamlessly, and the brakes provided a solid pedal feel. The XC90 lacked extensive drive modes, focusing on simplicity. Its mild-hybrid system enhanced the fuel-saving auto stop-start technology, making it almost imperceptible.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya benefited from its EV architecture, providing a spacious interior with ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. However, headroom in the back was slightly limited due to the moonroof. The Ariya offered 1,670 litres of cargo space, comparable to other EVs but less than traditional SUVs. Interior features included a powered bin under the centre stack and adjustable centre console, enhancing convenience. The Ariya's drive modes and other functions were controlled via haptic buttons, which required some pressure to operate.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was characterized by Scandinavian minimalism, which sometimes led to limited storage space. The front seats were comfortable, but the lack of dedicated phone storage and small centre console bin were drawbacks. The second row was spacious, but accessing the third row was challenging. With the third seat in place, the XC90 offered 356 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,856 litres with all rear seats folded. Despite its three-row configuration, the XC90 drove like a smaller vehicle, thanks to its compact dimensions.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya featured dual 12-inch displays for driver information and infotainment. The screens were crisp and bright, with a seamless connection between them. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, while Android Auto required a wired connection. The Ariya integrated with Alexa, allowing users to control smart home devices and start the car remotely. Its infotainment system was user-friendly and modern, enhancing the overall tech-forward experience.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen ran on Google OS, integrating Android Auto features like Google Maps and Google Assistant. The system's natural-language recognition was a highlight, allowing voice commands via Google Home devices. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions could be frustrating. The XC90 offered keyless entry as standard, with an optional head-up display.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya included ProPilot Assist, an advanced driver assistance system, along with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. However, it had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. These technologies supported Volvo's Pilot Assist, enhancing driving safety and convenience.