2024 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from Volvo'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 past. The vehicle's rectilinear dimensions were softened by elegant design elements, such as the 21-inch wheels and the rich Platinum Gray paint with subtle brown undertones. Inside, the XC90 exuded Scandinavian elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior featured wood deco inlays and a clean, button-light design, creating a serene and sophisticated cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler retained its iconic, rugged appearance, characterized by a burly, body-on-frame design. The redesigned grille, first seen on the 2023 Rubicon 20th Anniversary edition, was shorter and wider, enhancing engine airflow. The integrated windshield antenna was a practical upgrade for off-road enthusiasts, preventing snags on branches. The Wrangler offered a variety of roof options, from traditional soft-tops to power-retractable sunroofs, and the ability to remove doors and fold down the windshield for an open-air experience. The Wrangler's design was consistent across its various trims, with larger tires and unique features distinguishing the more capable models like the Rubicon X and Rubicon 392.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines, replacing the older T5 and T6 powertrains. These engines incorporated mild-hybrid technology, offering improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation, albeit with minimal horsepower and torque sacrifices. The B5 engine produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 engine, equipped with both a supercharger and turbocharger, delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system utilized a 48-volt starter generator to reduce engine load, enhancing features like climate control and ignition. The XC90 provided a refined driving experience, with quick acceleration, a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission, and excellent noise insulation. Its handling was commendable, with minimal body roll despite its size, and the brakes offered a confident pedal feel. The XC90's simplicity in driving dynamics, with limited drive modes and off-road features, appealed to those seeking straightforward operation.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offered a diverse range of powertrains, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower, a plug-in hybrid variant with 375 horsepower, a 3.6-liter V6 with 285 horsepower, and a robust 6.4-liter V8 producing 470 horsepower. The Wrangler's off-road prowess was supported by various transfer cases, such as the Command-Trac, Selec-Trac, and Rock-Trac systems, catering to different levels of off-road capability. The 4xe PHEV Wrangler stood out with its 21 miles of all-electric range and impressive power output. The Wrangler's solid axles provided excellent articulation, and features like locking differentials and BF Goodrich KO2 tires enhanced its off-road performance. However, the Wrangler's on-road ride quality was less refined, with a bumpy ride and vague steering. The addition of sound-deadening materials improved cabin quietness, and the optional WARN winch offered added trail security.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was characterized by Scandinavian minimalism, which, while aesthetically pleasing, led to some storage limitations. The lack of dedicated space for small items, such as cell phones, and the small center console bin were notable drawbacks. The second row offered reasonable comfort and space, but accessing the third row was challenging, especially with the standard seven-passenger seating configuration. The XC90 provided 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. These figures were modest compared to competitors like the Audi Q7 and Infiniti QX60. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a more compact vehicle, offering a nimble driving experience.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler's significant update was its increased towing capacity, now rated at 5,000 pounds for specific four-door Rubicon models. This improvement was due to the new full-float solid rear axle. Inside, the Wrangler offered heated seats and a heated steering wheel, with new 12-way power-adjustable front seats that remained functional even when submerged. The 4xe model featured a 30-amp Power Box, allowing for the use of various accessories powered by the vehicle's battery. The Wrangler's interior was designed for practicality and adventure, with features like removable doors and a fold-down windshield enhancing its versatility.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertically oriented touchscreen running Google OS, the first of its kind as a standard infotainment system. This system integrated Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant, offering seamless natural-language recognition. The 12.3-inch driver information display also showcased Google Maps. While the tech was advanced, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating, as it lacked physical buttons for frequently used features. Despite this, the system's capabilities were impressive, and users could control the XC90 via Google Home devices.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler came equipped with a 12.3-inch center infotainment screen running Uconnect5, with optional navigation. The system offered cleaner graphics and a more user-friendly interface, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The speed of the new system was a notable improvement, particularly when accessing Off-Road Pages, which provided detailed off-road data. The Trails Offroad feature offered guidance on over 200 trails, with the option to subscribe for access to 3,000 trails. Additional features included a wireless hotspot, dual Bluetooth phone pairing, and the ability to store multiple user profiles.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS in 2022. The XC90 came standard with advanced driver safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, which supported Volvo's Pilot Assist system. These features provided a high level of safety and convenience, making the XC90 a compelling choice for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler introduced first- and second-row side-curtain airbags, enhancing its safety profile. Forward collision warning was standard on most trims, while other advanced driver aids were optional. The Wrangler had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS for 2024, but the 2023 model received mixed ratings, with four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated the four-door Wrangler "Good" in roof strength and head restraints but "Moderate" in frontal and side crashes. The addition of side curtain airbags was expected to improve these ratings.