2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E 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. The XC90 presented a purposeful yet understated aesthetic, with a stout front end and an assertive grille that avoided being overly flashy. Its "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, distinguishing it from the boxy Volvos of the past. The vehicle's rectilinear dimensions were complemented by 21-inch wheels, adding a touch of drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather steering, metal speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior design was enhanced by wood deco inlays, creating a serene and sophisticated cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E embraced a bold design that merged Mustang styling cues with a crossover SUV form. Despite initial skepticism, the Mach-E's long, narrow, and tall dimensions, adorned with galloping horse emblems and tri-bar taillights, proved popular. The Mach-E GT, in particular, showcased a distinctive look with unique bumpers, 20-inch wheels, and a dark front panel. Inside, the Mach-E GT offered a luxurious feel with artificial leather and synthetic suede seats, copper stitching, and a high-tech ambiance created by metallic and gloss-black trim. The cabin's design seamlessly blended past and future elements, offering a sporty yet upscale experience.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain that replaced the older T5 and T6 engines. This new setup delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than its predecessor but with improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The mild-hybrid system used a lithium-ion battery to power a 13-volt starter generator, enhancing the vehicle's auto stop-start technology. The XC90 offered a reserved yet enjoyable driving experience, with minimal roll through corners and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. While lacking extensive off-road capabilities, the XC90's simplicity in driving dynamics appealed to those seeking a straightforward driving experience.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered a range of powertrain options, with the GT Performance Edition standing out with its extended-range battery and AWD layout. This configuration delivered 480 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds. The Mach-E GT featured multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Unbridled Extend mode for track use. While the steering in Engage mode lacked sharpness, the overall driving dynamics impressed, with consistent brakes and a firm suspension. The Mach-E GT's ride quality was firm, but its efficiency exceeded expectations, achieving 22.9 kWh per 100 km during testing.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a peaceful and pleasant front-seat experience, though its Scandinavian minimalism led to limited storage space. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, and accessing the third row was difficult. With the third seat in place, the XC90 provided 356 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,183 litres with the third row folded and 1,856 litres with all rear seats down. Despite its smaller size compared to typical three-row SUVs, the XC90's driving experience felt more compact and manageable.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E, as a crossover SUV, prioritized function alongside form. It accommodated up to five passengers and offered 965 litres of cargo space, including a sizable frunk. The Mach-E GT featured performance seats with unique upholstery and a tiered centre console for storage. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed sufficient legroom and a panoramic glass roof. The Mach-E provided 841 litres of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 1,691 litres with the rear seats folded. The frunk added an additional 133 litres of storage, designed for easy cleaning with a drain plug.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running on Google OS, integrating Android Auto and Google Assistant. The system offered natural-language recognition and allowed commands via Google Home devices. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions led to some frustration, as more physical buttons would have been appreciated. Keyless entry was standard, with an optional head-up display.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E boasted a 15.5-inch touchscreen running on Ford's Sync 4A platform, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a range of features. The system learned user habits and provided predictive suggestions, while natural voice recognition handled various commands. The Bang & Olufsen premium sound system delivered excellent audio quality. The Mach-E also featured Phone As A Key technology, allowing smartphone-based vehicle access and operation.

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, providing comprehensive safety assistance.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E came equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system, version 1.2, added features like lane-change and predictive speed assist. While impressive, BlueCruise required constant attention, and a head-up display would have improved usability. The Mach-E received top safety marks from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete at the time of review.