2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was a minivan that catered to families with its practical design and thoughtful features. Its sliding side doors made it easy to load children into car seats, even in tight parking spaces, and the spacious third-row seat provided comfort for additional passengers like grandparents or carpoolers. The Odyssey's design, while adhering to the traditional minivan aesthetic, included stylish elements such as kinked sliding doors and dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels on the Elite trim. Inside, the Odyssey offered a classic open-concept layout with quality materials and a user-friendly center stack, making it a practical choice for those who valued functionality and space.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution in Volvo's design language, moving away from the boxy shapes of the past. The XC90 presented a purposeful yet understated appearance, with a solid front end and the distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" headlights. The interior of the XC90 was a testament to Scandinavian elegance, featuring luxurious materials like Nappa leather and wood deco inlays. Despite its minimalist design, the XC90's cabin was not without its challenges, such as limited storage space for small items. However, the overall aesthetic and quality of materials made the XC90 a sophisticated choice for those seeking a premium SUV experience.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This front-wheel-drive minivan utilized a 10-speed automatic transmission with dashboard-mounted pushbutton controls. While it lacked the all-wheel drive and hybrid options available in competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Toyota Sienna, the Odyssey offered a respectable EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg in combined driving. During testing, the Odyssey averaged 22.6 mpg on a varied driving route. The Odyssey's driving dynamics were enjoyable, with quick acceleration and responsive handling, though its brakes showed signs of strain on downhill grades.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 powertrains. The B5 engine, with a turbocharger and mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 engine, featuring both a supercharger and turbocharger, delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Although the fuel economy benefits were minimal, the mild-hybrid system contributed to smoother operation. The XC90's driving experience was refined, with quick acceleration and a well-tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. The brakes provided a confident feel, and the vehicle's insulation kept road and wind noise to a minimum.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey offered easy access with wide-opening doors and a low ride height. Inside, the Odyssey Elite featured quality leather seats with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, along with a tri-zone automatic climate control system. Storage was abundant, with various compartments and a handy floor tray. The second-row Magic Slide seats allowed for flexible configurations, enhancing safety and convenience. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the Odyssey provided 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind it, expanding to 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior exuded Scandinavian minimalism, but this design approach led to limited storage space for small items. The second row was comfortable, though adjusting the seats could be challenging. The XC90 offered a standard second-row bench for seven-passenger seating, with an option for captain's chairs. Cargo space was 12.5 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 65.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While the XC90 drove like a smaller vehicle, its overall dimensions were more compact than typical three-row SUVs.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with a range of technology features, though its infotainment system lagged behind competitors. Starting with the EX trim, the Odyssey included an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added navigation, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk systems. The rear-seat entertainment system featured a 10.2-inch display, but it was considered outdated. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium audio system and a wireless charging pad, though the infotainment system's small screen and lack of a tuning knob were noted drawbacks.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertically oriented touchscreen running Google OS, with built-in Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. The system's natural-language recognition was a highlight, allowing for seamless interaction. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating, as more physical buttons and redundant controls were desired. Despite these challenges, the integration of Google OS provided a modern and intuitive tech experience.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was well-equipped with safety features, including the Honda Sensing suite, which offered adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. However, the system's lack of refinement and occasional false warnings were noted. The Odyssey received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. The XC90's advanced driver safety tech, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, worked effectively, contributing to Volvo's reputation for producing some of the safest vehicles on the road.