2024 Dodge Hornet vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's past utilitarian designs, showcasing a more refined and modern aesthetic. The front end of the XC90 appeared robust yet understated, with a grille that was assertive without being ostentatious. The distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a contemporary touch, distinguishing it from the boxy Volvos of the past. The XC90's dimensions remained somewhat rectilinear, but it no longer resembled a household appliance. The test vehicle, in Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels that added a touch of drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. The Platinum Grey paint, with its subtle brown undertones, provided a richness that was appreciated, even if Volvo's colour palette remained conservative. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design, complemented by wood deco inlays, created a serene and sophisticated cabin environment.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet, while not a traditional muscle car, retained the brand's distinctive styling with a bold and muscular front end. The grille featured multiple openings, and the new Rhombi logo took centre stage. The tail lamp extended across the width of the crossover, with an illuminated Rhombi at its centre, while oversized tailpipes hinted at its performance capabilities. The Hornet was available in four trim levels, with the R/T Plus trim offering a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Built alongside the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the Hornet shared visual similarities with its Italian sibling but maintained classic Dodge design elements. Inside, the Hornet's interior benefited from a modern feel, with Alcantara upholstery and a driver-focused centre stack. The steering wheel, while well-sized, featured buttons that felt somewhat outdated. The seats, though stylish, were heavily bolstered, which might not suit all buyers.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain that replaced the older T5 and T6 engines. This new setup offered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than the previous T6 engine, but with improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The mild-hybrid system used a 13-volt starter generator powered by a lithium-ion battery, which handled functions like climate control and ignition, reducing the load on the engine. While the fuel economy benefits were minimal, the XC90's driving experience was enjoyable and reserved. The eight-speed automatic transmission performed smoothly, and the vehicle's insulation kept road and wind noise at bay. The XC90's brakes provided a solid pedal feel, and its handling was surprisingly agile for its size, although it lacked customizable driving dynamics.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet offered different powertrains across its trim levels. The GT model featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The R/T model, a plug-in hybrid, combined a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine with a 15.5-kWh battery and two electric motors, delivering 288 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The R/T's electric all-wheel drive system and six-speed automatic transmission provided a different driving experience. The Hornet R/T was quick, with a Sport mode and a "Powershot" feature for an extra 30 horsepower. The suspension balanced comfort and handling, while the steering was accurate but heavy. The R/T's all-electric range was approximately 53 kilometres, with a fuel economy of 3.1 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a peaceful and pleasant front-seat experience, but its Scandinavian minimalism led to some storage frustrations. The lack of dedicated space for smaller items, such as a cell phone, and the small centre console bin were notable drawbacks. While the second row was comfortable and spacious, adjusting the seats was challenging. The standard seven-passenger seating could be configured for six passengers with captain's chairs. Accessing the third row was difficult, and space was limited. The XC90 provided 356 litres of cargo space with the third row in place, expanding to 1,183 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 1,856 litres. These figures fell short compared to competitors like the Audi Q7 and Infiniti QX60.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet prioritized front passenger comfort, with good headroom and visibility. However, the rear seat felt cramped due to the high beltline and dark interior. Despite 965 millimetres of legroom and headroom, the back seat felt claustrophobic. The R/T's PHEV battery reduced cargo capacity, offering 648 litres behind the rear seat and 1,430 litres with it folded, compared to the GT's 764 litres and 1,549 litres. Both iterations fell short of competitors like the Hyundai Tucson PHEV.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertically positioned touchscreen infotainment display running on Google OS, the first of its kind as a standard system. Google OS integrated Android Auto features, including Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. The natural-language recognition was a standout feature, allowing for seamless interaction. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions led to some frustration, as more physical buttons and redundant controls would have been appreciated. Keyless entry was standard, with an optional head-up display.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet boasted a best-in-class 12.3-inch digital driver information display and a 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment display running on UConnect 5. The system was user-friendly and customizable, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The test vehicle included a premium Harman Kardon audio system and a wireless phone charger. The ability to personalize the tech system with dedicated user profiles and widgets was a highlight.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued the brand's legacy of safety, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA 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 additional support, maintaining distance and speed in traffic.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet had not yet been evaluated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered an impressive array of standard safety features. These included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control was standard, with an optional advanced version featuring traffic-sign recognition. The Tech Pack added level 2 autonomous driving functions, enhancing safety and convenience.