2022 Ford Bronco vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Ford Bronco, with its retro styling and go-anywhere attitude, quickly became one of the most sought-after vehicles. It returned with two new top-tier models: the Everglades and the Bronco Raptor. The Everglades model was designed for swamp trekking and deep water, featuring an intake snorkel, a Warn winch, and 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires. The Bronco lineup expanded to seven trims, each with increasing off-road capabilities. Despite its rugged appearance, the Bronco offered modern technology, including G.O.A.T. modes, a digital instrument panel, and a large infotainment touchscreen. The interior was utilitarian, with features like sealed switches, marine-grade vinyl upholstery, and drain plugs for easy cleaning.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution from Volvo's past boxy designs. Its purposeful yet understated front end, assertive grille, and modern "Thor’s Hammer" headlights gave it a contemporary look. The XC90's dimensions remained rectilinear but far from the toaster-like designs of the past. Our test vehicle, an AWD Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels and a Platinum Gray paint with brown undertones. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was complemented by wood deco inlays, creating a clean and sophisticated cabin.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an optional turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 with 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The four-cylinder engine came with a seven-speed manual transmission, notable for its crawl gear, while the V6 was paired with a 10-speed automatic. All Broncos featured four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case. The Bronco excelled in off-road conditions, with models like the Wildtrak and Everglades conquering challenging terrains effortlessly. On pavement, the Bronco offered a smoother ride and better handling than its direct rival, the Jeep Wrangler, though wind noise was a minor issue.

For 2023, Volvo replaced the older turbocharged 2.0-liter engines in the XC90 with new B5 and B6 engines, both featuring mild-hybrid technology. The B5 engine produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 engine delivered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness, though the gains were minimal. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration, a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission, and excellent brakes. The XC90 handled well for its size, with minimal roll through corners and good insulation from road and wind noise. The mild-hybrid system's auto stop-start technology was almost imperceptible, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's squared-off styling contributed to its spacious interior. Headroom was ample, even for tall passengers, and legroom and lateral space were generous. Accessing the rear seats in the two-door model required some effort, but the four-door model was more accommodating. Cargo capacity varied by model and roof type, with the two-door hard top offering up to 52.3 cubic feet and the four-door hard top up to 77.6 cubic feet. Clever storage solutions included large armrest bins, netted door pockets, and rubberized phone trays. The Bronco also featured stowable doors and removable fender flares for added utility.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was elegant but had some space and storage limitations. The front seats were comfortable, but there was limited cubby space for smaller items. The second row was spacious but adjusting the seats was challenging. The XC90 came standard with a second-row bench seat, but captain’s chairs were available for an additional cost. Accessing the third row was difficult, and space was limited. Cargo capacity was 12.5 cubic feet with the third row in place, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The XC90 drove like a smaller car, making it more maneuverable than typical three-row SUVs.

The 2022 Ford Bronco smartly integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities. The G.O.A.T. modes provided confidence for novice drivers by optimizing settings for specific terrains, while seasoned off-roaders could manually select their preferred setups. The forward-looking trail camera and Trail Turn Assist feature were particularly useful for navigating challenging terrains. The Bronco's Sync 4 infotainment system was responsive and featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, along with helpful off-road apps.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, the first standard infotainment system of its kind. Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant were integrated, enhancing the user experience with natural-language recognition. However, many key functions were controlled through the touchscreen, which could be frustrating. The minimalist design meant fewer physical buttons, requiring more interaction with the screen for basic functions. Despite this, the Google OS system was impressive and likely to become more intuitive with regular use.

The 2022 Ford Bronco included standard safety features like hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Optional features included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams. The High package added front parking sensors and a surround-view camera, while the Luxe package included adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with four out of five stars for frontal crash protection and three out of five stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it top scores in most categories.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, carrying a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which helped maintain distance and lane position. These features worked well even in challenging conditions, making the XC90 a compelling choice for safety-conscious buyers.