2023 Toyota Venza 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 exterior, with a stout front end and an assertive grille that avoided being ostentatious. Its signature "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 its two-tone leather steering wheel, Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior design was enhanced by tasteful wood deco inlays, although the limited physical controls might have posed a learning curve for new users.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Venza offered a sleek and sculpted design that could easily be mistaken for a luxury vehicle. Its tapered rear roofline and harmonious curves set it apart from the typical boxy SUVs, giving it a more refined appearance. Inside, the Venza borrowed elements from the Toyota RAV4 but elevated them with higher-quality materials and a more luxurious feel. The dashboard and centre stack were well-integrated, and the use of soft-touch surfaces added to the cabin's upscale ambiance. The Venza's interior was attractively styled, with a focus on comfort and quality, making it one of the best-looking vehicles in Toyota's lineup.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a new B6 engine with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. This powertrain 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 quick acceleration and a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. Its handling was surprisingly agile for its size, and the brakes provided a confident pedal feel. However, the XC90 lacked extensive customizable driving dynamics, focusing instead on simplicity.

The 2023 Toyota Venza was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The hybrid setup included a CVT and standard AWD, with electric motors providing initial acceleration before the gasoline engine seamlessly took over. The Venza reached 100 km/h in just over 7.5 seconds, offering respectable performance for its class. The vehicle prioritized ride comfort over sporty handling, with light steering and adequate maneuverability. The Venza's ride quality was smoother than the RAV4 Hybrid's, though not as plush as a Lexus, providing a comfortable driving experience.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a peaceful and pleasant front-seat experience, though its Scandinavian minimalism led to limited storage space for smaller items. The second row was comfortable and spacious, but accessing the third row was challenging. 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. These figures fell short compared to some competitors. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a more compact vehicle, offering a nimble driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota Venza's front seats provided ample space, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. The rear seats were spacious, with abundant legroom and foot room. However, the Venza's cargo capacity was limited to 816 litres, significantly less than some competitors. The vehicle excelled in holding smaller personal items, with a wireless phone charger, well-sized cupholders, and a deep centre armrest bin. The Venza's interior materials were of high quality, matching the front seats' luxury feel.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running on Google OS, the first of its kind as a standard system. It integrated Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant, offering natural-language recognition for a seamless user experience. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating, as more physical buttons would have been appreciated. Keyless entry was standard, with an optional head-up display.

The 2023 Toyota Venza came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad. The base LE trim had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XLE and above featured a 12.3-inch display. The new infotainment system offered sharp graphics and quick responses. The Venza XLE and Limited trims included a one-year trial of Drive Connect services, using Google map data for navigation. The base audio system had six speakers, with a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system available on higher trims.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, carrying a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It came standard with advanced driver safety tech, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. These features supported Volvo's Pilot Assist technology, providing a comprehensive safety package.

The 2023 Toyota Venza also received high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. It included the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The XLE trim added parking sensors and reverse emergency braking, while the Limited trim offered a surround-view camera system and a digital rearview mirror.