2025 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Volvo XC90

In Canada, the 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in B6 and Recharge T8 model series, both featuring standard all-wheel drive. The B6 model came with a turbocharged and supercharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the Recharge T8 was a plug-in hybrid offering superior performance and efficiency, with an estimated electric-only range of 53 kilometres. The XC90 was offered in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $71,550 to $94,500, excluding destination charges and fees. The Recharge T8 Ultimate trim, tested with seven-passenger seating, included luxurious features such as massaging front seats, a premium headliner, active air suspension, and a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The exterior design was characterized by a subdued and earthy colour palette, with various wheel designs up to 21 inches in diameter. Inside, the XC90's design was somewhat dated but featured rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and natural wood trim.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, encountered in a rental scenario, was presented in a black-on-black-on-black colour scheme, which was less than ideal for a tropical climate. Despite this, the Wrangler's design, rooted in its World War II military vehicle heritage, remained fundamentally appealing. In Canada, the Wrangler was available in several trim levels, including Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, and Rubicon X, with prices ranging from $42,995 to $80,085. The Sport S model tested featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission, a black hardtop, and a Convenience Group package. The Wrangler's interior was designed for functionality, with a focus on durability and ease of cleaning. Despite its rugged appeal, the Wrangler's interior lacked sophistication, with limited storage space and a rough ride. However, its capability to traverse almost any terrain made it a popular choice among off-road enthusiasts.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing a total of 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Recharge T8 offered 53 kilometres of electric-only driving in Pure mode, though real-world testing showed a range of 45 kilometres. As a hybrid, it averaged 9.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, slightly above the predicted 8.9 L/100 km. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, with the latter providing up to 25 centimetres of ground clearance. Despite its power, the XC90 was not a performance SUV, with handling that was less than thrilling and a ride quality that was firm on irregular pavement.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The latter produced 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, offering marginally better fuel efficiency with a rating of 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. During testing, the Wrangler averaged 12.3 L/100 km. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it highly capable off-road. However, its slow steering and sloppy handling traits were noticeable, and the ride was rough, delivering a steady stream of jiggles and jolts. The Wrangler's three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA was a concern, highlighting the need for caution when driving laterally across slopes.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in its base Core trim, was well-equipped with features such as power-adjustable and heated front seats, optional leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added a touch of luxury, while higher trims offered additional comforts like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The XC90's seating configuration allowed for seven passengers, with a comfortable bench seat in the second row and a tight but accommodating third row. Cargo capacity was adequate, with up to 1,854 litres available with the third row folded and 2,426 litres with the second row down.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The Sport S trim's cloth upholstery was comfortable, and the Convenience Group package added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Wrangler's seating was best suited for four people, with limited rear-seat legroom and storage space. Cargo access was cumbersome, requiring the tailgate and rear window to be opened separately. The four-door model offered 897 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were also standard. The XC90 offered a choice between a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a digital voice assistant and a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel. A head-up display and surround-view camera were available options.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio preparation. The Sport S model featured an eight-speaker stereo, with a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system available as an option. The Wrangler offered Jeep Connect connected services, providing access to adventure guides and GPS trail logs. The Convenience Group package added a 7-inch digital display, passive entry, and a remote engine starting system.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA in every assessment except rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. However, the XC90's advanced driving assistance systems were not as innovative as some rivals, with Pilot Assist struggling in certain situations. Despite this, the XC90's safety features worked smoothly overall.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler introduced side curtain airbags as standard equipment, a significant safety upgrade. Optional ADAS features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with forward collision warning available on higher trims. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated it Good for side-impact protection but Marginal in the small overlap frontal-impact test.