2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's high-quality craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design, from the iconic kidney grille to the body shape, was unmistakably BMW, though this familiarity sometimes made it blend in with other BMW models. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights, with xLine models showcasing matte aluminum grilles and satin aluminum finishes, while M Sport models boasted body-color matched trims and high-gloss black accents for a sportier look. Wheel options ranged from 19 to 22 inches, adding to its upscale appearance.

Inside, the X5's interior carried the same BMW design language, with switches, dials, and displays familiar across the brand's lineup. Despite an abundance of black plastic, the cabin was filled with leather and soft-touch materials, ensuring a premium feel. M Sport models added unique styling elements like an M sports steering wheel and exclusive interior trim strips. However, the interior's sameness could make it feel less distinctive compared to other BMW models.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 marked a significant evolution from Volvo's boxy past, embracing a more upscale, luxury-oriented design while maintaining its family-friendly, safety-focused image. The XC90's stance and profile were impressive, with a sleek roofline and pronounced wheel arches that emphasized its athleticism. The "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights added a playful nod to its Swedish heritage, while superior fit and finish conveyed a sense of quality.

Inside, the XC90's interior was a blend of "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim for an authentic feel. Exquisite details like the sliding wood tambor cover and crystal gear selector handle highlighted its luxury status. Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030 was evident, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery. The wool blend, while durable and easy to care for, might not suit everyone's taste, making it essential to compare both options before deciding.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine delivering 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i came with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M boasted 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid achieved 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with a 30-mile all-electric range.

Despite its power, the X5's driving dynamics were not as engaging as expected. The steering felt disconnected, especially at higher speeds, and the SUV's handling was more akin to a Lincoln than a typical BMW. The cabin remained quiet, with minimal road or engine noise, and the suspension effectively absorbed bumps. Charging the xDrive45e was convenient, with a five-hour charge time on a Level 2 charger and an EPA-estimated 400-mile driving range. Fuel efficiency varied, with the X5 M achieving 15 mpg combined, the X5 M50i at 18 mpg, the X5 xDrive at 23 mpg, and the xDrive45e rated at 50 MPGe.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrain options. The T5 model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, producing 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The T5 was available in FWD or AWD, while the T6 and T8 were AWD only, with the T8 using its electric motor to drive the rear wheels.

The XC90's fuel efficiency varied, with the T5 FWD achieving 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/25 mpg combined, the T5 AWD at 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway/23 mpg combined, and the T6 AWD at 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway/22 mpg combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid achieved 27 mpg combined on gas and 55 MPGe, with an 18-mile EV range. The extended-range variant offered 26 mpg combined, 66 MPGe, and a 36-mile EV range. Charging the T8 took about five hours at 240 volts.

The XC90's driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and controlled handling. The T8 Inscription extended range model provided spirited acceleration, with the electric motor delivering torque early for smooth power delivery. While not a hot rod, the XC90 was fun to drive and handled like a smaller vehicle despite its size.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with front cupholders conveniently placed and a wireless phone charging pad out of the driver's line of sight. The center console, however, was cluttered with buttons and dials that were hard to differentiate at night. Seating was spacious and comfortable for short trips, though the front seats felt hard after extended periods. Heated seats and armrests worked well, and the rear seats were comfortable for kids and adults. The X5 offered an optional third row, though it was not tested.

The X5's climate controls were easy to manage, and the split liftgate with full power functionality made loading cargo convenient. The vehicle height adjustment button on the liftgate was particularly helpful for loading heavy or awkward-sized items. Without the third row, the cargo area was spacious, though the xDrive45e offered slightly less space. Moving children and cargo in and out of the second row was challenging due to the narrow door openings.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. The third row was suitable for kids but lacked legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. Towing capacity ranged from 4,000 to 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration.

The XC90's interior was well-utilized, with ample storage space in door pockets, seat back pockets, and the center console. The cabin was airy and spacious, enhanced by the standard laminated panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well during a heat wave, cooling the cabin quickly and effectively. The XC90's interior comfort and functionality made it an excellent choice for family tours.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional features included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, rear sunshades, and a dual-panel panoramic roof.

The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar. However, wireless Apple CarPlay had connectivity issues, often taking over musical operations without prompt, requiring the vehicle and phone to "forget" each other to resolve the problem.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, offering tablet-like functionality with familiar gestures. The system was intuitive but occasionally glitchy and slow to respond. Apple CarPlay worked better, though Android Auto was also available. The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel was customizable and offered crisp graphics. The $1,650 Advanced package included a head-up display, a 360-degree surround view camera system, and an advanced air cleaner.

The XC90 came with standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound, with an optional $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins upgrade for audiophiles. The system excelled in surround sound staging, with a unique Gothenburg Cathedral mode. The XC90 included two front USB-A ports, two rear USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot with a trial subscription, and the Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle controls.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, fatigue and focus alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. A rearview camera was also standard.

However, some safety features did not perform well. The Driving Assistance Professional Package's adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality struggled to react to stopped traffic in time, requiring human intervention. The lane-keeping system was also inconsistent, particularly in sunny conditions or light rain, causing the vehicle to swerve or ping-pong between lane lines.

The 2021 BMW X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a four-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), despite being the subject of seven recalls.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, slippery road alert, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. Volvo's Pilot Assist system combined several safety features to keep the car in its lane and at a set speed with minimal driver intervention on highways.

The 2022 XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its top-tier safety performance.