2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

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 China's 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 exterior was marked by a poised stance, sleek roofline, and pronounced wheel arches, with the "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights nodding to its Swedish heritage. Inside, the XC90 exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," with natural wood and metal trim, a crystal gear selector, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner stayed true to its rugged roots, tracing back to the SUV craze of the 1980s and maintaining its connection to the Toyota Tacoma pickup. Unlike many SUVs that transitioned to car-based platforms, the 4Runner retained its truck-like construction, appealing to those who ventured off-road. Its adventurous spirit was evident in its high ride height, boxy proportions, and obstacle-ready front bumper. Inside, the 4Runner's design reflected its last full redesign in 2009, with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s. The 4Runner offered various trims, from the SR5 to the TRD Pro, each with unique features catering to different driving needs, whether on-road or off-road.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the T8 plug-in hybrid combining gasoline and electric power for a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft. The T5 models were front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive, while the T6 and T8 were all-wheel drive only. The XC90's driving experience was praised for its minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model, which offered smooth power delivery and fun driving dynamics.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a single engine option, a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. While reliable, the engine felt underwhelming in most driving situations, except for a decent initial jump. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome on paved roads, with noticeable body roll, but it excelled off-road, where its suspension absorbed rough terrain effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models featured Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, more than most car-based crossovers.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six-passenger and 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 would find it lacking in legroom and thigh support. The XC90 provided 15.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with it folded, and up to 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior was spacious and airy, with ample storage and a standard panoramic moonroof, making it a comfortable family vehicle.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model's 88.8 cubic feet. With the second-row seats in use, the two-row 4Runner provided 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The optional third row, available on select trims, increased seating capacity to seven but reduced cargo space to 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-operated rear window for easy access. While not the most spacious or efficient in cabin packaging, the 4Runner offered adequate storage for gear.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, offering tablet-like functionality with familiar gestures. However, the system was occasionally glitchy and slow, performing better with Apple CarPlay. The XC90 also included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional Advanced package with a head-up display, 360-degree camera, and advanced air cleaner. The standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound could be upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins system. The XC90 provided USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a Volvo Care app for remote vehicle controls.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. While not the most advanced, the system was straightforward and relied on tactile controls, beneficial for off-road driving. Optional upgrades included navigation, HD radio, and a JBL premium audio system. The 4Runner's infotainment system covered the basics, appealing to those who appreciated its analog driving style.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, featuring blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for assisted highway driving. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner included the Toyota Safety Sense suite with forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system. The 4Runner earned four stars for frontal and side-impact testing and three stars for rollover testing from the NHTSA.