2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was a nod to the classic Bronco, capturing its rugged spirit in a more compact, suburban-friendly package. It featured a modern retro design with short front and rear overhangs, tall fender wells, and a tucked-in body, making it suitable for both urban driving and weekend adventures. The bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, along with the modest Ford badge, added to its distinctive look. Inside, the Bronco Sport offered a rugged yet tasteful interior with an uncluttered design, featuring an 8-inch infotainment screen and a rotary gear selector. The interior trim varied across models, from cloth to leather-trimmed seats, with practical features like a rubberized cargo floor.

The 2022 Volvo XC90, on the other hand, showcased a sleek and upscale design, moving away from Volvo's boxy past. It had a poised stance with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches, exuding a sense of luxury and athleticism. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian Modern and Swedish Luxury, with natural wood and metal trim, a sliding wood tambor cover, and a crystal gear selector handle. Volvo's commitment to sustainability was evident, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery. The XC90's interior was designed for comfort and elegance, making it a true luxury SUV.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine choices. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims were equipped with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands and First Edition models featured a more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, along with a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance, while maintaining good on-road manners.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains. The T5 models had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 models featured a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined the supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, achieving a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The XC90's driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model. The electric motor provided early torque, smoothing out power delivery and enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was designed with active buyers in mind, offering clever features like cargo space engineered to hold two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. It had a catalog of over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 150 pounds, and the 2.0-liter engine could tow up to 2,200 pounds. The cargo hold featured a flip-up rear glass and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table. The front cabin had ample storage compartments, though taller drivers might find visibility challenging due to the roof overhang and hood bulges.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults might find it lacking in legroom. The XC90 provided up to 85.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior was spacious and airy, with ample storage and a standard panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well even in extreme heat, making the XC90 a comfortable choice for all seasons.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered Ford+Alexa and SiriusXM capability, along with a standard 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims had a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a 360-degree camera. The terrain management system included up to seven G.O.A.T. modes, with trail control technology for off-roading. Intelligent access with push-button start was available on all trims except the Base model, and higher trims featured a digital instrument panel.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came with the Sensus infotainment system, offering tablet-like functionality with a nine-inch touchscreen. While the system was intuitive, it could be slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display. The XC90 featured a standard Harman Kardon sound system, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins upgrade. It included multiple USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle controls.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a reversing camera. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and more. All models featured AWD and a terrain management system with traction control and electronic stability control. However, crash-worthiness ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system provided assisted driving on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, highlighting its commitment to safety.