2024 Jeep Wrangler 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 ostentatious. Its signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, distinguishing it from the boxy Volvos of the 1980s and 90s. The vehicle's rectilinear dimensions were complemented by 21-inch wheels, adding a hint of drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, 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 2024 Jeep Wrangler retained its iconic burly, body-on-frame look, appealing to off-road enthusiasts. The redesigned grille, first seen on the 2023 Wrangler Rubicon, was shorter and wider, improving engine airflow. The integrated windshield antenna was a practical upgrade, preventing snags during off-road adventures. The Wrangler offered a variety of roof options, including soft-top, hard top, and power-retractable sunroof configurations, allowing for a customizable open-air experience. The vehicle's rugged design was further emphasized by its ability to remove doors and fold down the windshield, catering to those seeking an adventurous driving 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 utilized a lithium-ion battery pack to power a 13-volt starter generator, enhancing the vehicle's fuel-saving auto stop-start technology. The XC90 offered a refined driving experience with its eight-speed automatic transmission, minimal road noise, and confident braking. However, it lacked the customizable driving dynamics found in some competitors, focusing instead on simplicity and ease of use.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offered a diverse range of powertrains, including a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower, a plug-in hybrid version with 375 horsepower, a 3.6-litre V6 with 285 horsepower, and a powerful 6.4-litre V8 with 470 horsepower. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were enhanced by various transfer cases, including the Command-Trac, Selec-Trac, and Rock-Trac systems, catering to different levels of off-road enthusiasts. The 4xe PHEV variant provided 35 kilometres of all-electric range, combining efficiency with impressive power. The Wrangler's solid axles and locking differentials ensured excellent traction on rough terrain, while the Offroad+ mode optimized performance for specific off-road conditions. Despite its off-road prowess, the Wrangler's on-road ride quality remained bumpy, though improvements in sound insulation made the cabin quieter.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a peaceful and pleasant front-seat experience, but its Scandinavian minimalism led to some space and storage challenges. The lack of dedicated cubby space for smaller items, such as cell phones, was a notable drawback. The second row provided reasonable comfort, but accessing the third row was challenging, especially with the standard seven-passenger seating configuration. The XC90's cargo space was competitive, offering 356 litres with all seats in place and expanding to 1,856 litres with the rear seats folded. However, it fell short compared to some rivals in its class.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler saw an upgrade in towing capacity, with certain models now able to tow up to 2,268 kilograms. Inside, the Wrangler offered heated seats and a heated steering wheel, with new 12-way power-adjustable front seats for added convenience. The 4xe variant featured a 30-amp Power Box, allowing for the use of various accessories. Despite its rugged design, the Wrangler's interior lacked ventilated seats, and its ride quality on pavement remained bumpy due to the solid front axle.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, the first of its kind in the automotive industry. This system integrated Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant, offering seamless connectivity and natural-language recognition. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions could be frustrating, as it lacked physical buttons for certain controls. Keyless entry was standard, with an optional head-up display.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Uconnect5, offering a cleaner interface and faster performance. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless hotspot and dual Bluetooth phone pairing. The Off-Road Pages provided real-time data for off-road enthusiasts, enhancing the Wrangler's tech offering.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Standard safety tech included 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 suite of driver aids.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler introduced first- and second-row side-curtain airbags, with forward collision warning standard on most models. However, many advanced driver aids were optional, and the Wrangler lacked lane-keeping assist and other highway assist features. The 2023 Wrangler received mixed safety ratings, with four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The addition of side curtain airbags for 2024 was expected to improve these ratings.