2023 Dodge Hornet vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from Volvo's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while stepping into the luxury class. After its acquisition by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, Volvo developed new platforms, including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) for the XC90, which debuted as a 2016 model. The 2022 XC90 showcased a sleek, forward-leaning profile with pronounced wheel arches and a distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlight design, reflecting its Swedish heritage. Inside, the XC90 offered a "Scandinavian Modern" aesthetic with natural wood and metal trim, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery, emphasizing luxury and sustainability.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet, on the other hand, embraced its muscle-car roots with a bold front end featuring a "raccoon mask" face, bulging hood, and illuminated Rhombi logo. Its rear design drew comparisons to the Porsche Macan, hinting at a more premium feel, thanks to its Alfa Romeo Tonale underpinnings. The Hornet offered a range of exterior colors and wheel options, with the Blacktop and Track Pack packages enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the Hornet emphasized performance with red stitching, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and available leather or Alcantara seats, catering to those seeking a dynamic driving experience.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft 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 was available in FWD or 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, and the T8 offering 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet boasted "best-in-class performance" with its Hurricane 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, generating 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This outperformed many competitors, with a zero-to-60 time of 6.5 seconds. The Hornet's Sport mode enhanced throttle response and steering, though acceleration at higher speeds revealed some lag. The Hornet R/T's hybrid powertrain offered improved pickup, catering to those seeking a balance between performance and efficiency.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 accommodated six or seven passengers, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold mechanism. While the third row suited children, adults might find it cramped. Cargo capacity ranged from 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row to 85.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. The XC90's interior featured ample storage, comfortable seating, and a panoramic moonroof, providing a spacious and airy cabin. Its air-conditioning system performed admirably during hot weather, ensuring comfort in various climates.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet's GT Plus trim offered leather seats with four-way lumbar adjustment and memory settings, enhancing comfort over the base GT's cloth seats. The cockpit's driver-oriented layout featured a screen angled toward the driver, though the A-pillar design occasionally obstructed visibility. The Hornet's interior emphasized performance, with heated and ventilated seats available on higher trims, catering to those seeking a sporty yet comfortable ride.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen, offering tablet-like functionality. While intuitive, the system occasionally lagged, performing better with Apple CarPlay. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and optional head-up display enhanced driver awareness. The XC90's audio options included a standard Harman Kardon system and an optional Bowers & Wilkins upgrade. Connectivity was supported by USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care app.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet's driver-focused cockpit included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, praised for its intuitive interface. The GT Plus trim added a 14-speaker Harman Kardon system, wireless charging, and navigation. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa connectivity, ensuring a tech-savvy driving experience.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist, which offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities. It received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing its reputation as a safe family vehicle.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet included standard safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The optional Tech Pack added advanced features like a 360-degree camera and Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities. However, the Hornet had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.