2022 Porsche Macan vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, maintaining its traditional styling while adding a touch of modern flair. The XC90 retained its boxy profile and blunt front end, but with softer lines and more chrome detailing, it presented a more refined appearance. The LED headlights with "Thor's Hammer" daytime running lights were a distinctive feature that enhanced its character. The Inscription trim, with its optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most visually striking, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. Inside, the XC90 embraced Swedish minimalism with high-quality materials and a restrained design, featuring matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery. The Orrefors crystal shifter added a touch of luxury, albeit slightly out of place in the otherwise understated interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Porsche Macan maintained its sporty and athletic design, evolving subtly over the years. The Macan S test vehicle, with its Volcano Gray paint and 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, exuded a dynamic presence. The Macan's design elements, such as the sloping clamshell hood and rakish roofline, communicated its performance-oriented nature. Inside, the Macan drew inspiration from other Porsche models, featuring a flat and wide dashboard, a large tachometer, and a center console with haptic touch controls. The red leather, gloss black trim, and silver metallic accents in the test vehicle's cabin created an upscale and sporty ambiance. However, the steering wheel's thinness and the touch-sensitive controls on the center console were points of contention.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centered around 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 variant added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, or Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. While the XC90 provided ample power, the small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 options. The XC90's drive modes—Pure, Hybrid, and Power—offered varying levels of efficiency and performance, but the Pure mode was limited to low-speed use. Despite its powertrain limitations, the XC90 excelled in ride quality and comfort, with an optional air-suspension system enhancing its smoothness.

The 2022 Porsche Macan lineup included a base model with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 261 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Macan GTS inherited a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 from the previous Macan Turbo, generating 434 hp and 406 lb-ft. The Macan S, equipped with the same V6, delivered 375 hp and 383 lb-ft, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. All Macans featured a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and a fully variable AWD system. The Macan S test vehicle boasted enhanced performance with Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus and Porsche Surface Coated Brakes. The Macan's driving experience was exhilarating, with precise handling and impressive grip, though the brake pedal required more effort than expected. The Macan S achieved an as-tested fuel economy of 18.1 mpg, close to its EPA rating.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with headroom and legroom being average for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. An optional power moonroof and standard four-zone climate control enhanced the interior's spacious feel. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, but the steering wheel was not power-adjustable. Cargo space was limited, with 11.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with all seats down. A hands-free power tailgate was a convenient feature.

The 2022 Porsche Macan prioritized driver and front passenger comfort, with optional 14-way power-adjustable seats offering heating and ventilation. The rear seats were cramped, especially for taller passengers, but entry and exit were easy. The Macan's new steering wheel, inspired by the 911, felt thin and uncomfortable over long drives. The redesigned center console with haptic touch controls looked modern but required attention away from the road. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 53 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and head-up display were available. The touchscreen was intuitive, but the text was difficult to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and only second-row USB-C ports were available.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, and navigation. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with Bose and Burmester upgrades available. The user experience was generally intuitive, though the voice recognition system was less reliable than competitors. Physical controls for stereo volume and climate settings minimized the need for touchscreen interaction.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It offered extensive standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Volvo's Pilot Assist driver aid, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane centering.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking as standard. Blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist were optional. The Macan's safety features performed as expected, but it lacked advanced driving assistance technologies. Parking assistance features, such as a surround-view camera and Park Assist, were available.