2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2023 Ford Bronco

Volvo had come a long way from its boxy cars and wagons of the past decades. The 2022 XC90, as the company's flagship SUV, showcased a sleek and modern design, riding on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. Its stance and profile were impressive, with a body that seemed ready to launch forward. The long, sleek roofline managed to contain the large greenhouse without appearing bulky. Pronounced wheel arches and a snub nose added to its athletic look, while the "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights provided a nod to its Swedish heritage. Inside, the XC90 exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" with natural wood and metal trim, a clear crystal gear selector handle, and an option for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2023 Ford Bronco, offered in nine distinct trim levels, combined retro-cool styling with modern engineering. Its blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights were unmistakable. The Base trim had a primitive, bare-bones look, while the Raptor trim stood out with a wide stance, elevated height, and massive tires. The new Heritage trim added a nostalgic touch with a white grille, roof, and wheels, along with plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's rugged theme continued inside with a broad dash, sealed switches and buttons, and waterproof marine-grade vinyl upholstery. Sturdy handholds and a grid-like mesh on the seat backs added to its functional design.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains. The T5 model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model had a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 model combined a supercharged/turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The T5 models were front-wheel drive with available all-wheel drive, while the T6 and T8 models were all-wheel drive only. All XC90 models used a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. The T8 model achieved a combined 27 mpg on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range, while the extended range variant offered a 26 mpg combined gasoline rating, a 66 MPGe rating, and an EV range of up to 36 miles.

The 2023 Ford Bronco also offered three engines. The entry-level 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine produced 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, available with a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 engine increased power to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, available only with the automatic transmission. The top-of-the-line Bronco Raptor featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, producing 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All Broncos came with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. The base four-cylinder engine was adequate for both on- and off-road adventures, while the 2.7-liter V6 was better suited for the heavier four-door model. The Raptor's EcoBoost engine provided an exhilarating driving experience with its excessive power.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. The third row was suitable for kids but lacked legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior featured ample storage space, comfortable seating, and a standard laminated panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well even during a heat wave, making the XC90 a comfortable choice for all seasons.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, especially in the four-door model. Accessing the rear seats in the two-door model required some effort, while the four-door model offered easier access. The front featured netted door pockets, a rubberized tray for phones, and options for accessory rails atop the dash. The two-door Bronco offered up to 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 52.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The four-door model provided 35.6 cubic feet and 77.6 cubic feet, respectively. The rear seats did not fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo and sleeping comfortably. The fenders and doors were easily removable for hardcore off-roaders, with the Raptor's oversized fenders being the exception.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch diagonal, portrait-oriented touchscreen interface. The system supported familiar smartphone gestures but was occasionally glitchy and slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel offering easy configuration and crisp graphics. The $1,650 Advanced package included a head-up display, a 360-degree surround view camera system, and an advanced air cleaner. The standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound system could be upgraded to a $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins system. The XC90 also included two front USB-A ports, two rear USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app.

The 2023 Ford Bronco used technology to enhance its off-road capabilities with G.O.A.T. drive modes, which optimized engine and suspension settings for various terrains. Numerous camera views provided visibility in tight confines, and the Trail Turn Assist feature allowed for sharp turns by braking the inside rear wheel. The Bronco also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Ford’s SYNC 4, and an optional wireless charging pad. Most Broncos came with an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12-inch display available for easier use.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's commitment to safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, slippery road alert, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for minimal driver intervention on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received partial crash test results from NHTSA, with the four-door model earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS awarded the four-door Bronco a "Good" rating in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, trailer-sway assist, and Trail Turn Assist. The Mid package added blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams. The High package included front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system, while the Luxe package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist.