2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Honda Passport

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 non-leather upholstery options, with the latter being a tailored wool blend.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Passport shared its platform with the Ridgeline pickup, Odyssey minivan, and Pilot SUV, resulting in a familiar design. The Passport's new styling aimed for a tougher look, especially in the TrailSport trim, which added off-road appeal with standard all-wheel drive and increased ground clearance. The interior was spacious, with quality materials and features like orange contrast stitching and amber ambient lighting in the TrailSport. The Passport's design focused on practicality and comfort, with large doors and a low step-in height for easy access, making it a suitable choice for families and road trips.

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 with optional all-wheel drive, while the T6 and T8 were all-wheel drive only. The XC90's driving experience was smooth and responsive, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model.

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. The Passport offered front-wheel drive in the EX-L trim, while the TrailSport and Elite trims came with Honda's i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system. The Passport's V6 engine provided satisfying acceleration and a firm, communicative ride, with the i-VTM4 system enhancing traction in various conditions. However, the Passport's brakes showed some limitations during mountain descents, affecting confidence in its towing capacity.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 accommodated six or seven passengers, with easy access to the third row, though it was best suited for children. The XC90 offered up to 85.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, and a towing capacity 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 extreme heat, making the XC90 a reliable choice for various climates.

The 2022 Honda Passport featured large, comfortable seats with standard leather upholstery and heated front seats. The Elite trim added ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Passport's interior was roomy, with plenty of legroom and storage options, including a massive center console and generous cargo space of up to 77.7 cubic feet. The Passport's practicality and comfort made it a convenient choice for daily use and long trips.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered tablet-like functionality with a nine-inch touchscreen, though it was occasionally slow to respond. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and optional head-up display. The XC90 came with a standard Harman Kardon sound system, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins upgrade for audiophiles. The vehicle included multiple USB ports and a WiFi hotspot, with the Volvo Care app providing remote vehicle controls.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The TrailSport trim added navigation, while the Elite trim offered a 10-speaker premium sound system and HondaLink connected services. The system included shortcut buttons and a volume knob but lacked a tuning knob. The Passport's technology was straightforward, with wireless smartphone charging as standard, though the navigation system was less user-friendly than smartphone alternatives.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and Volvo's Pilot Assist system. The XC90 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, reflecting its strong safety performance.

The 2022 Honda Passport included the Honda Sensing suite, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. However, some features, like lane-departure warning and lane-centering assist, were less refined. The Passport received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though it had some areas for improvement in crash protection.