Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs Volvo XC90

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer. This resulted in a tall hood, broad shoulders, and an upright profile, reminiscent of the smaller 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof, model-specific hood, front fascia, and grille, featuring laser-etched knurling. It boasted 20-inch wheels as standard, with 22-inch wheels available on higher trims. The interior shared styling cues with the Wagoneer but offered more luxurious materials and features, such as 24-way power front seats with memory and massage functions, Nappa leather upholstery, and American Walnut wood trim.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from Volvo's past boxy designs, showcasing a purposeful yet understated look. Its front end was solid without being ostentatious, and the grille was assertive without being flashy. The "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, while the overall shape retained a rectilinear influence. The XC90's Ultimate trim featured 21-inch wheels and a Platinum Grey paint with brown undertones, adding depth to its appearance. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather steering, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was complemented by wood deco inlays, creating a clean and sophisticated cabin environment.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, enabled the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in approximately six seconds. The vehicle featured a standard Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential, along with a height-adjustable Quadra-Lift air suspension system. With a maximum ground clearance of 25.4 cm, the Grand Wagoneer could tackle various terrains, although its size limited its off-road capabilities. Despite its powerful engine, the Grand Wagoneer was best suited for a stately driving pace, as its ride could become bouncy at higher speeds.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain producing 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This setup offered improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation compared to its predecessors. The mild-hybrid system included a lithium-ion battery pack powering a 13-volt starter generator, enhancing the vehicle's fuel-saving auto stop-start technology. The XC90 provided a refined driving experience, with its eight-speed automatic transmission delivering seamless shifts. The vehicle's handling was commendable, with minimal body roll through corners, and its brakes offered a solid pedal feel. While the XC90 lacked extensive off-road features, its simplicity in driving dynamics appealed to those seeking a straightforward driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven passengers with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. However, front-row space was more limited compared to these rivals. The Grand Wagoneer provided 775 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. Its maximum towing capacity was 4,472 kg, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to the Grand Wagoneer's additional weight. Standard features included a sunroof and four-zone automatic climate control, although forward visibility was somewhat restricted.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was characterized by Scandinavian minimalism, which, while aesthetically pleasing, resulted in limited storage space for smaller items. The second row was comfortable and spacious, but accessing the third row was challenging, especially with the standard seven-passenger seating configuration. The XC90 offered 356 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 1,183 litres with the third row folded, and maxing out at 1,856 litres with all rear seats down. This cargo capacity was less than some competitors, but the XC90's smaller size contributed to its agile driving dynamics, making it feel more like a smaller car than a typical three-row SUV.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. It supported simultaneous pairing for two Bluetooth-enabled phones and offered a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Second-row passengers had access to a 10.25-inch touchscreen for climate control, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with an Android-based operating system, provided over-the-air software updates, although the screen response was occasionally slow.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's tech suite included a 9-inch vertically positioned touchscreen running Google OS, integrating features like Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. The system supported Apple CarPlay, although iPhones were less compatible. The XC90's natural-language recognition, powered by Google, enhanced user experience, and commands could be issued via Google Home devices. While the minimalist design was appealing, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating. Keyless entry was standard, and a head-up display was optional.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. Standard safety features included a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features encompassed intersection collision assist, driver-attention monitor, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring, with a hands-free version planned for future release.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS in 2022. 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, which maintained distance from the car ahead from a standstill to highway speeds, enhancing the XC90's reputation as a safe and reliable vehicle.