2023 Ford Bronco vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's past design ethos, which was often likened to utilitarian appliances. This model showcased a purposeful yet understated aesthetic, with a stout front end and a grille that was assertive without being ostentatious. The signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, distinguishing it from the boxy Volvos of the past. The XC90's rectilinear shape was still present, but it had evolved into a more sophisticated form. The test vehicle, in Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels and a Platinum Grey paint with subtle brown undertones, adding depth to its appearance. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, metal speaker covers, crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior design was complemented by wood deco inlays, creating a serene and refined atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Bronco embraced its retro-cool styling with a blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and distinctive round headlights. The Bronco was available in nine trims, each offering a unique blend of nostalgia and modern engineering. The Base trim had a primitive charm, while the Raptor trim boasted a wide stance and massive tires. The Heritage Edition trim added a throwback touch with a white grille, roof, and plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's rugged theme extended to the interior, with a broad dash and sealed switches for easy cleaning. The materials prioritized durability over luxury, and the interior was designed for practicality, with features like drain plugs and marine-grade vinyl upholstery. The Bronco's styling was not just for show; it had functional elements like cleats for securing cargo and a grid-like mesh for attaching accessories.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. This new powertrain incorporated mild-hybrid technology, offering 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. While the horsepower was slightly reduced from the previous T6 engine, the B6 aimed to improve fuel efficiency and smoothness. The mild-hybrid system used a 13-volt starter generator to handle functions like climate control and ignition, enhancing the fuel-saving auto stop-start technology. The XC90 provided a reserved yet enjoyable driving experience, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its size, the XC90 handled corners well, and its brakes inspired confidence. However, it lacked the customizable driving dynamics found in some SUVs, focusing instead on simplicity.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine options, starting with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. A twin-turbo 2.7-litre V6 engine increased power to 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, while the top-tier Raptor trim featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. All Broncos came with a four-wheel drive system and a two-speed transfer case. The Bronco excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like G.O.A.T. drive modes and numerous camera views for navigating challenging terrain. On-road, the Bronco offered a bouncier ride than typical SUVs but was more stable than the Jeep Wrangler. The Bronco's high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curving roads, but it remained confident and maneuverable.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a peaceful and pleasant front-seat experience, but its Scandinavian minimalism led to some space and storage limitations. The lack of dedicated cubby space for smaller items, such as a cell phone, was a drawback. The second row was comfortable and spacious, but accessing the third row was challenging. With the third-row seats in place, the XC90 provided 356 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,183 litres with the seats folded. The maximum cargo capacity of 1,856 litres fell short compared to competitors like the Audi Q7 and Acura MDX. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a more compact vehicle, offering a nimble driving experience.

The Ford Bronco's boxy shape contributed to its generous interior space. The two-door model required some effort to access the rear seats, while the four-door model offered easier entry. The Bronco featured practical storage solutions, including netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for securing personal items. The two-door model provided up to 634 litres of cargo space, while the four-door model offered up to 1,008 litres. However, the rear seats did not fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered loading longer cargo. The Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, enhancing its off-road versatility.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running on Google OS, making it the first vehicle to offer this technology as standard. The system integrated Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant, providing a seamless user experience. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions could be frustrating, as it lacked physical buttons for certain controls. Keyless entry was standard, and a head-up display was optional.

The Ford Bronco incorporated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, with G.O.A.T. drive modes and numerous camera views for navigating challenging terrain. The Trail Turn Assist feature allowed for sharp turns by braking the inside rear wheel. The Bronco also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Ford’s SYNC 4 and FordPass Connect. The available 12-inch infotainment display provided ease of use, and a wireless charging pad was optional.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA 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. These technologies supported Volvo’s Pilot Assist, which helped maintain distance from other vehicles.

The Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with the four-door model earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it a "Good" rating in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and hill-start assist. Additional driver assistance features were available through optional packages.