2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design language, blending traditional elements with modern touches. While maintaining its boxy profile and rectangular grille, the XC90 introduced softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more basic looks, respectively. The XC90's interior embraced "Swedish minimalism," featuring high-quality materials like matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery, creating a refined yet understated cabin.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide edition was all about rugged practicality and off-road capability. The High Tide model, based on the four-door Sport S trim, featured a raised suspension, 35-inch BF Goodrich tires, and a 1.5-inch suspension lift. The interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and plastic and rubber materials dominating the cabin. The driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard, requiring some acclimation. Visibility was a mixed bag, with excellent views in some areas and compromised views in others. Rear-seat passengers faced entry and exit difficulties but enjoyed agreeable accommodations once inside.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T5 came with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was optional on the T5 and standard on the T6 and T8. Despite its power, the XC90 struggled with acceleration from stops on electric power alone, and the gasoline engine often had to assist. The XC90 excelled in ride quality and old-school luxury, with an optional air-suspension system and a quiet cabin. It also had a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option, and the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system was also included. The Wrangler's fuel economy was lower than expected, averaging 16.8 mpg over a week of driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique and immersive, with a rough-and-tumble feel, loud cabin noise, and touchy brakes. However, it excelled in off-road capability and provided a sense of adventure and freedom.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with headroom and legroom in all three rows being about average for the segment. The third-row space was tight for adults, and the seats in both the second and third rows lacked support. The interior felt spacious, thanks to the optional power moonroof and upright roof profile. The front seats were 10-way power-adjustable with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, storage space was limited, with a shallow center console storage bin and few storage options on the console. Cargo space was also limited, with 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit difficult, especially for shorter or less-limber individuals. The seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery and some soft, padded spots for arms and elbows. The driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard, requiring acclimation. Visibility was mixed, with excellent views in some areas and compromised views in others. Rear-seat passengers faced entry and exit difficulties but enjoyed agreeable accommodations once inside. Storage was limited, with netting on the lower door panels, a small tray on the dashboard, and a small but deep center console box. Cargo space was 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which included a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The touchscreen was easy to use, with a portrait orientation and swipe functionality. However, the amount of text and typeface made reading some menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad added for 2021 was too small for most phones, and the XC90 only had second-row USB-C ports.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide had a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The larger Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system was optional and offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo's Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, providing smooth and quick reactions to other vehicles.

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. The Wrangler received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings in IIHS crash tests. Safety features were optional rather than standard, and the Wrangler's ratings suggested it needed to be driven with extra care.