2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while stepping into the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, leading to the current XC90, which launched in 2016 as the flagship SUV on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The XC90's design was sleek and athletic, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches, while the interior boasted a "Scandinavian Modern" aesthetic with natural wood and metal trim. The vehicle offered both leather and tailored wool blend upholstery options, with the latter being a sustainable choice as Volvo aimed to go leather-free by 2030.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made its presence known through its unique sound and appearance, with minimal differences from the regular Wrangler aside from its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) features. The Wrangler 4xe's silent operation, thanks to its electric power, turned heads as it navigated through Yosemite National Park. The test vehicle, a Firecracker Red Rubicon trim, was equipped with over $13,000 in options, bringing its price to $66,690. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe retained the classic Wrangler look with some modern touches, such as blue seat stitching and PHEV-specific gauges. The interior was functional, with a focus on practicality rather than luxury, and offered features like heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as part of the optional Cold Weather Group.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 250 horsepower, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp, and the T8 plug-in hybrid combining gasoline and electric power for a total of 455 hp. The T5 models were available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), while the T6 and T8 were AWD only. The T8's electric motor drove the rear wheels, providing a smooth and spirited driving experience. Fuel efficiency varied, with the T5 FWD achieving up to 25 mpg combined, while the T8 offered 27 mpg combined on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range. The extended-range T8 variant boasted a 66 MPGe rating and a 36-mile EV range.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour battery, offering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The battery allowed for an estimated 21 miles of electric driving, with a combined efficiency rating of 49 MPGe. The Wrangler 4xe featured three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, each optimizing performance for different driving conditions. The vehicle could accelerate to 60 mph in six seconds and offered a total driving range of 370 miles. During a road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe demonstrated its ability to recharge the battery through regenerative braking, enhancing overall efficiency.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults might find it lacking in legroom. The XC90 offered up to 85.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded and could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the cabin's airy feel. The air-conditioning system performed well even in high temperatures and humidity.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe required some effort to enter and exit due to its high door sills and lack of side steps on the Rubicon trim. Once inside, passengers found the Wrangler comfortable, with a classic driving position offering clear views. Storage was limited due to the hand-brake and transfer case lever, but rear passengers had access to air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a power outlet. Cargo space measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, with a maximum of 72.4 cubic feet when the seat was folded. The Wrangler's design included a swing-out tailgate and flip-up rear glass window, adding to its charm but complicating cargo access.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen, offering smartphone-like functionality. However, the system was occasionally glitchy and slow, performing better with Apple CarPlay. The XC90 also included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. The standard Harman Kardon sound system could be upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins system for audiophiles. The vehicle offered multiple USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a Volvo Care app for remote vehicle control.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon's Uconnect infotainment system featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. The system was intuitive but showed signs of aging in terms of load time and responsiveness. The Wrangler 4xe also provided a Trip Summary data panel and charging indicator lights for easy monitoring of the battery status. The Alpine sound system was powerful enough to overcome wind noise on the freeway, though it made conversation difficult at high volumes.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued the brand's commitment to safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist. The XC90 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered safety features through the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages, including blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. The Wrangler's LED headlights received a Marginal rating from the IIHS, while the vehicle's frontal-impact protection was rated Marginal due to a tendency to tip over in tests. The NHTSA awarded the Wrangler Unlimited a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.