2021 Ford Bronco vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Ford Bronco had been a long-awaited revival, drawing inspiration from its original 1966 model. The new Bronco embraced a "Retrofuturism" design, blending classic aesthetics with modern technology. It featured a single-piece grille with bold B-R-O-N-C-O lettering, round headlights, and a rugged body with removable doors and fenders. The Bronco came in two-door and four-door configurations, with a variety of paint colors and tire options, including the off-road-focused Sasquatch package. Inside, the Bronco combined retro styling with modern tech, including a color touchscreen and a digitized instrument cluster.

The 2022 Volvo XC90, on the other hand, showcased a sleek and modern design, moving away from Volvo's boxy past. The XC90 had a poised stance with a long, sleek roofline and pronounced wheel arches. Its interior was described as "Scandinavian Modern" with natural wood and metal trim, and luxurious details like a crystal gear selector handle. The XC90 offered a choice of leather or tailored wool blend upholstery, with the latter being a sustainable option. The cabin was spacious and airy, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof, and provided ample storage space for a family-friendly experience.

The 2021 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a standard 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 310 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The 2.3-liter engine came with a seven-speed manual transmission, while the 2.7-liter was paired with a 10-speed automatic. All Bronco models featured standard four-wheel drive. The Bronco excelled in off-road conditions, with features like the Sasquatch package's 35-inch tires and position-sensitive Bilstein shock absorbers. On-road, the Bronco's ride was noisy and wiggly with the off-road tires, but the 2.7-liter engine provided smooth and responsive power delivery.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrain options: the T5 with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the T8 plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The T5 models were available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the T6 and T8 were AWD only. 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 smooth power delivery, making the XC90 fun to drive.

The 2021 Ford Bronco's design emphasized modularity and practicality. The removable doors came with dedicated storage bags and easy-to-use electrical connections. The Bronco also featured removable fenders and bumpers, making repairs and upgrades straightforward. Inside, the Bronco had a row of buttons for off-road settings and beefy toggle switches for auxiliary equipment. The interior was rugged yet functional, with thoughtful touches like trail sights on the hood for managing roof-mounted cargo.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. The third row was suitable for kids but cramped for adults. 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 comfortable, 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 featured the SYNC 4 infotainment system with an 8-inch standard touchscreen, upgradeable to a 12-inch screen. The system included enhanced voice recognition and was easy to use. The Bronco also offered a 10-speaker B&O sound system, wireless device charging, and a rear-view camera with backup assist lines. The G.O.A.T. system provided up to seven drive modes for various terrains, enhancing the Bronco's off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 used the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. The system supported familiar smartphone gestures but could be slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with better performance when connected to an iPhone. The XC90 also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display. The standard Harman Kardon sound system could be upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins system for audiophiles. The XC90 included multiple USB ports and a WiFi hotspot, along with the Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle control.

The 2021 Ford Bronco offered a range of safety features, with more advanced options available on higher trims. The Base model included airbags, while the Mid Package added features like a reverse sensing system, pre-collision assist, blind-spot information, and lane-keeping system. The High Package included a 360-degree camera and forward-sensing system. The Bronco's side curtain airbags were designed to deploy appropriately in off-road situations, enhancing safety without compromising off-road capability. However, crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with a comprehensive list of features. These included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for semi-autonomous driving on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, highlighting its top-tier safety performance.