2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2023 Volvo XC90

For the 2022 Volvo XC60, the automaker implemented a series of subtle yet impactful styling changes. The introduction of a new front fascia, incorporating “air blades” on either side of the grille, gave the vehicle a sportier appearance. The rear bumper was redesigned to conceal the tailpipes, while new wheel designs were rolled out across all models. A reworked front grille housed the sensors for driver-assist systems behind the Volvo logo, which was heated to maintain sensor functionality in cold weather. Despite being built on the same Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform as the XC90, the XC60 maintained its distinctive identity. The interior largely retained its previous design except for the addition of a new digital instrument cluster. This brought a clean, uncluttered aesthetic highlighted by a portrait-oriented touchscreen. The aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats in our B6 R-Design test vehicle added flair, though the overall atmosphere was somewhat subdued compared to other models. The Inscription trim level, however, offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, elevating comfort and luxury.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution in Volvo’s design philosophy, abandoning the boxy shapes of the past. The XC90’s front end appeared robust and solid without being ostentatious. Its grille was bold but not oversized, and the "Thor’s Hammer" headlight design added a modern touch. The vehicle retained somewhat rectilinear dimensions but in a far more sophisticated manner than its predecessors. Our test vehicle, an all-wheel-drive (AWD) Ultimate trim, boasted 21-inch wheels with low-profile Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires, adding a touch of drama. The Platinum Gray paint with brown undertones further contributed to its luxurious feel. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with a two-tone leather steering wheel, exquisite metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and sumptuous Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist Scandinavian design extended to wood deco inlays, enhancing the aesthetic while maintaining practicality. Despite its clean look, the interior lacked excessive physical controls, opting for a more streamlined feel.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. These powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and an integrated starter generator capable of adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 variant also included an electric supercharger along with the turbo. The B5 engine produced 258 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Both were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B5 model offered standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional AWD, whereas the B6 was exclusively AWD. Although output was slightly reduced compared to the 2021 model, acceleration times for the B5 and B6 stood at 6.5 and 5.9 seconds, respectively. Despite the minimal reduction in power, the B6 R-Design felt far from slow, exhibiting smooth power delivery. The XC60 excelled in providing a calm, relaxing driving experience with impressive body control in corners, complemented by an optional air suspension. Additionally, a plug-in hybrid, the XC60 Recharge, offered a more electrified powertrain with 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered variant further increased output to 415 horsepower and 494 pound-feet, reaching 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds and featuring performance upgrades like Öhlins adjustable dampers and Akebono brakes.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 also transitioned to new B5 and B6 engines featuring mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. While the B5 employed a turbocharger and mild-hybrid system to produce 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the B6 combined a supercharger, turbo, and mild-hybrid tech to generate 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. These engines prioritized smoother operation and marginal improvements in fuel efficiency. Unlike full hybrids, these mild-hybrid setups used a lithium-ion battery to power a 13-volt starter generator for tasks like climate control and ignition, enhancing the fuel-saving stop-start technology. The XC90 offered a refined driving experience, showing minimal body roll in corners despite its large size and delivered respectable acceleration with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Noise insulation was commendable, resulting in a quiet ride. The braking system inspired confidence with a solid pedal feel, although the vehicle lacked some of the off-road features found in other SUVs. While the XC90 had a manual shift feature and an off-road mode, it mostly emphasized straightforward, comfortable driving.

Regarding interior space, the 2022 Volvo XC60 remained unchanged, offering competitive passenger space with above-average front-seat headroom. However, rear-seat headroom was tied with the Audi Q5 for the lowest in its segment. Legroom was average in both rows. Mild-hybrid models provided 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up, expanding to 49.8 cubic feet when folded. Plug-in hybrids offered slightly less capacity, at 21.1 cubic feet (seats up) and 49.3 cubic feet (seats down). Despite these numbers, the XC60 fell short compared to most rivals in terms of cargo space. Nonetheless, it delivered a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors and various driver aids.

The 2023 Volvo XC90, though offering a spacious and elegant front cabin, had some limitations in storage and accessibility. The lack of a dedicated cell phone space and small cubby sizes were noted drawbacks. Additionally, the second row, while comfortable, posed challenges in adjusting seats. The standard configuration featured seven-passenger seating, which could be altered to six-passenger seating with captain’s chairs for an additional $500 and a B6 engine upgrade. Accessing the third row was difficult, and the space back there was limited. The XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row up, 41.8 cubic feet with it down, and a maximum of 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded—figures that fell short of other competitors like the Audi Q7 and Infiniti QX60. Nonetheless, the XC90 handled like a smaller vehicle, making it easier to drive than typical three-row SUVs.

For 2022, the Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive OS, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Additional options included a head-up display and upgraded audio systems from Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins. The new Android-based system integrated Google Assistant for voice control and Google Maps for navigation, allowing Android users to sync their profiles with the car. Although iPhone compatibility was assured, the system’s design was more Google-centric. The layout featured horizontally swiping menus, making navigation easy. The digital instrument cluster could display a map but also had a “Calm” setting to reduce distraction.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 similarly utilized a 9-inch vertical touchscreen running Google OS, becoming the first to standardize this tech. Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant integrated seamlessly into the system, enhancing usability with natural-language recognition. Owners could even issue commands via Google Home devices. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions was a downside. Despite the sleek minimalist design, the lack of physical buttons made operations like adjusting the heated steering wheel or seat positioning cumbersome. Over time, drivers might acclimate to these nuances, but it could be frustrating initially.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 upheld Volvo’s reputation for safety, having received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for the 2021 model and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, and more. New additions for 2022 were the Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. The optional Pilot Assist system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering for enhanced highway driving.

Just like the XC60, the 2023 Volvo XC90 carried a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was awarded the “Top Safety Pick+” by the IIHS in 2022. Its extensive safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist, offering a reassuring driving experience in various conditions. These safety systems were standard, reinforcing Volvo’s commitment to occupant protection and collision avoidance.