2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Volvo XC90

When shopping for a 2022 Jeep Wrangler, buyers had to choose between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door model. Depending on this choice, they could select from a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or plug-in hybrid. The standard six-speed manual transmission could be upgraded to an eight-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive (4WD) was standard, but multiple systems were available depending on the trim level. The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions offering different roof and top options. The High Tide special edition, based on the four-door Sport S trim, added features like LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. The Xtreme Recon package, standard on the High Tide, included a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, and 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution in Volvo's design language. Unlike the boxy Volvos of the past, the XC90 had a purposeful yet understated look. Its front end was stout and solid without being overly flashy, and the grille was assertive without being too big. The "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern flair. The XC90's dimensions and shape leaned toward rectilinear but were far from the toaster-like designs of the 1980s and 90s. Our test vehicle, an AWD Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels with low-profile Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires, adding a touch of drama to the otherwise stoic design. The Platinum Gray paint had brown undertones, giving it richness and depth. Inside, the XC90's design was elegant, with two-tone leather on the steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior featured wood deco inlays and a clean, button-free look.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option. The Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system was also optional. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg for the Wrangler Unlimited with the eTorque V6, but our test vehicle averaged 16.8 mpg over a week and 435 miles of driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique and immersive, with a rough-and-tumble feel, loud cabin noise, and vague steering. Despite these quirks, the Wrangler's off-road capabilities and open-top driving experience made it a beloved choice for many.

For the 2023 model year, Volvo replaced the older turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines (T5 and T6) in the XC90 with new B5 and B6 engines, featuring mild-hybrid technology. The B5 engine, with a turbocharger and 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The B6 powertrain, which included a supercharger and turbo, delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness but did not provide propulsion. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable and reserved, with quick acceleration, a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission, and excellent road and wind noise insulation. The brakes were solid and confidence-inspiring. The XC90 lacked extensive off-road features, focusing instead on a simple and straightforward driving experience.

Getting in and out of the 2022 Jeep Wrangler was challenging, especially with the High Tide's raised suspension. The manual height adjuster for the driver's seat required frequent readjustment. The Wrangler's seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery and a mix of plastic and rubber materials. Visibility was a mixed bag, with some areas requiring leaning forward or relying on the reversing camera. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Storage options were limited, with netting on the lower door panels, a small tray on the dashboard, and a deep center console box. The tailgate, with its heavy 35-inch wheel, required careful handling. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's front seats provided a peaceful and pleasant experience, but the minimalist design led to some storage frustrations. There was no dedicated space for a cell phone, and the USB port was located in the small center console bin. The second row was comfortable and spacious, but adjusting the seats was challenging. The standard second-row bench seat could be replaced with captain's chairs for an additional $500, but this required upgrading to the B6 engine. The third row was difficult to access and offered limited space. With the third seat in position, the XC90 provided 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. This fell short of competitors like the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, Genesis GV80, and Acura MDX.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on the Sport S trim, featured a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system, but our test vehicle did not have this option. Despite the basic infotainment technology, streaming Pandora and using Apple CarPlay for navigation sufficed. The Wrangler High Tide included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, single-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats and steering wheel.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertically positioned touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, the first standard infotainment system of its kind. Google OS integrated Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant. Natural-language recognition was a standout feature, allowing for voice commands via Google Home devices. However, many key functions were filed within the touchscreen interface, leading to some frustration. The minimalist design meant fewer physical buttons, requiring interaction with the screen for tasks like adjusting the heated steering wheel or driver's seat position. While these quirks might fade with daily use, they could be initially frustrating for new owners.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. The Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. Despite these features, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were subpar. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it a three-star rating for rollover resistance, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated it Marginal in several tests. The Wrangler's safety features were optional rather than standard, and its ratings suggested it needed to be driven with extra care.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, carrying a five-star rating from the NHTSA and being named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS in 2022. The XC90's advanced driver safety tech included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which helped maintain distance from the car ahead and supported lane-keeping from a standstill to highway speed. These safety features were standard on the 2023 Volvo XC90, reinforcing its reputation as one of the safest vehicles on the road.