2023 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2022 Honda Passport shared a striking resemblance with the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, especially from the front. This similarity was due to the shared vehicle platform with the Ridgeline, Odyssey minivan, and Pilot SUV. The Passport was essentially a shorter version of the Pilot, minus the third-row seating, and featured a more rugged styling. Honda's design updates aimed to give the Passport a tougher look, which was applied across all three trim levels: EX-L, TrailSport, and Elite. The TrailSport trim, in particular, was designed to appeal to off-road enthusiasts, although it was more about aesthetics than actual off-road capability. The Passport boasted a spacious interior, with quality materials and thoughtful design elements like orange contrast stitching and amber ambient lighting in the TrailSport trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution from Volvo's past boxy designs. The XC90's exterior was purposeful yet understated, with a solid front end and a grille that was assertive without being flashy. The "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, and the overall shape was more refined than its predecessors. The test vehicle featured 21-inch wheels and a Platinum Gray paint with subtle brown undertones. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather, metal speaker covers, and Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was complemented by wood deco inlays, creating a clean and sophisticated cabin environment.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options, with the latter being standard on the TrailSport and Elite trims. The Passport's V6 engine was smooth and responsive, providing a satisfying driving experience. The EPA rated the Passport at 22 mpg combined for FWD and 21 mpg for AWD. The i-VTM4 AWD system enhanced the Passport's handling, especially on twisty roads, although its off-road capabilities were limited. The Passport excelled in everyday driving, offering a firm ride and agile handling, but its brakes could become less reliable on steep descents.

For 2023, Volvo introduced the B5 and B6 engines in the XC90, both featuring mild-hybrid technology. The B5 engine delivered 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 offered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency slightly and provided smoother operation. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle's insulation kept road and wind noise to a minimum, and the brakes inspired confidence with their solid feel. The XC90's driving dynamics were straightforward, with limited customizable options, but it handled well in various conditions, including a New Hampshire snowstorm.

The 2022 Honda Passport offered easy access with its large doors and low step-in height. The front seats were spacious and comfortable, with standard leather upholstery and heated seats. The Elite trim added ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed ample space and a slightly elevated seating position, with large windows enhancing the open feel. The Passport provided generous storage options, including a massive center console and various compartments. Cargo space was impressive, with 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was peaceful and pleasant, but its minimalist design led to some storage challenges. The lack of dedicated space for small items, like cell phones, was noticeable. The second row was comfortable, but accessing the third row was difficult with the standard bench seat. The XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in use, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 65.5 cubic feet. While the XC90 drove like a smaller vehicle, its cargo capacity was less than some competitors.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The TrailSport trim added navigation, while the Elite trim featured a 10-speaker premium sound system and HondaLink connected services. The system was functional but not advanced, with some users preferring to use Apple CarPlay for navigation. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, but the overall tech package was basic.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen running Google OS, with Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant integrated. The system's natural-language recognition was a highlight, allowing for seamless voice commands. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating, with a lack of physical buttons for common tasks. Despite this, the Google OS provided a modern and intuitive experience.

The 2022 Honda Passport came with the Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. While comprehensive, some features were less refined, with lane-departure warning and lane-centering assist being intrusive. The Passport received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating for front passenger protection in frontal impacts. The IIHS rated it highly, with an Acceptable rating for front-passenger protection in small overlap collisions.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, with a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It featured advanced driver safety tech, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist technology provided additional support, maintaining distance and speed in various conditions. These safety features were standard, reinforcing Volvo's reputation for safety.