Volvo XC90 vs Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a striking vehicle with a design that commanded attention. Its exterior styling was reminiscent of a long sedan, despite being an SUV, with a long hood and low ground clearance. The vertical light bars and LED headlights added a modern touch, while the grille and lighting effects enhanced its unique style. The interior was meticulously crafted, featuring leather-wrapped seats, polished controls, and a sweeping 33-inch OLED display. However, the floating centre console was a design misstep, offering little functionality.

In contrast, the 2025 Volvo XC90 maintained its timeless elegance with a refreshed design that retained its classic elements. The "Thor’s Hammer" headlights and modernized grille added sophistication, while the "Bright" exterior theme with chrome trim exuded old-world elegance. Inside, the XC90 offered a comfortable and well-appointed space with updates like a more spacious centre console and a standard Orrefors crystal shift knob. The interior materials were rich, with options like quilted Nordico, perforated Nappa leather, and a new herringbone weave textile made from recycled polyester.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was built for long-distance comfort rather than sportiness. It featured a dual-motor powertrain with 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, providing continuous all-wheel drive. The standard setup was a single rear motor with 340 hp and 325 lb-ft. The 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack offered a range of up to 505 kilometres with rear-wheel drive. However, the LYRIQ's handling was hindered by its weight, affecting steering and cornering performance. The regenerative braking system was a welcome feature, but the overall chassis needed improvement.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 offered two powertrains in Canada, both with standard all-wheel drive. The B6 mild hybrid produced 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the T8 plug-in hybrid delivered 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The T8 offered up to 53 kilometres of pure electric range. The XC90's suspension featured Frequency Selective Damping technology, providing a comfortable and stable ride. The air suspension option further enhanced ride quality, making the XC90 a refined and capable performer.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges with build quality and functionality. Misaligned rear fenders, a faulty charging port, and a cumbersome glovebox were notable issues. The floating console offered limited storage space, and the centre cubby was small. Despite these drawbacks, the LYRIQ provided generous headroom and legroom, with a spacious back seat. However, its cargo space was limited, with 793 litres behind the seats and 1,722 litres when folded.

The 2025 Volvo XC90's redesigned centre console improved practicality, with a relocated wireless charging pad and better small-item storage. USB-C charge ports were standard in the first and second rows, while third-row occupants had dedicated cupholders. The XC90 offered competitive space in its three-row configuration, with ample headroom and legroom in the front and middle rows. The third row was tighter but still competitive among midsize three-row SUVs.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ featured a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering touch-enabled controls and a large, legible instrument cluster. The infotainment system ran native Google Maps and Google Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Super Cruise system provided excellent hands-free driving capabilities, and the 19-speaker AKG stereo delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Volvo XC90's infotainment system was larger and offered sharper resolution, with a new user interface emphasizing fewer taps. The Android-based system included Google Built-In and standard Apple CarPlay connectivity. The Ultra package added a head-up display and a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system with four distinct listening modes, providing an exceptional audio experience.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ came with standard safety features like forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. However, the LYRIQ received a poor rating for its headlights from the IIHS and an acceptable mark for its front pedestrian collision avoidance system.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and scored top marks with five stars overall from the NHTSA for the 2024 version. The XC90 featured standard advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping aid, and blind-spot information. While it lacked a hands-free highway-driving system, its safety features operated smoothly and effectively.