2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2023 Honda HR-V

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, including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) for the XC90, which debuted as a 2016 model. The 2022 XC90 showcased a sleek and athletic profile, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches. Its interior was a testament to Scandinavian Modern and Swedish Luxury, featuring natural wood and metal trim, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a substantial styling update, shedding some of its predecessor's quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern look. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker appearance, with features like hidden windshield wipers and new color options like Nordic Forest Pearl. The HR-V's interior offered a comfortable and well-thought-out space, with new seats and a refined design inspired by the 2022 Civic. The EX-L trim provided perforated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power moonroof, enhancing the cabin's comfort and premium feel.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrain options. The T5 model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The XC90's driving experience was impressive, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model. Fuel efficiency varied, with the T5 FWD achieving up to 25 mpg combined, while the T8 offered 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range.

The 2023 Honda HR-V came with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement over the previous model, and the updated CVT with Step-Shift function aimed to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. The HR-V offered Normal, Snow, ECON, and Sport drive modes, with AWD available. The new suspension and widened tracks improved handling, making the HR-V fun to drive, though it lacked the power of some competitors. The HR-V's cabin was quieter than before, but still noisy at higher speeds.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults might find it cramped. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 85.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the airy feel. The air-conditioning system performed well, even in extreme heat.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-sized and thoughtfully designed interior. The center console featured a second tier for storage, and the rear seats provided a higher seating position for easier access. Cargo space measured 24.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded. The HR-V's passenger volume varied slightly between trims, with the EX-L offering a bit more space. Despite the fastback design, visibility remained good, and the interior felt comfortable for its class.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. While intuitive, it was occasionally slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display. The XC90 came with a Harman Kardon sound system, with a Bowers & Wilkins upgrade available. USB ports and a WiFi hotspot were standard, along with the Volvo Care app for remote vehicle control.

The 2023 Honda HR-V's infotainment system now featured a tablet-style touchscreen, with physical controls for power and volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, with wireless versions on the EX-L. The EX-L also offered a 9-inch display, wireless charging, and an eight-speaker audio system. All HR-Vs included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and Bluetooth connectivity, with additional features like Smart Entry and remote start on higher trims.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance on highways. The XC90 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing its reputation as a safe family vehicle.

The 2023 Honda HR-V came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, offering adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, and lane-keeping assist. New features included traffic-sign recognition and traffic jam assist. The HR-V's safety systems were generally unobtrusive and effective. While the 2023 model had not yet been crash-tested, improvements over the 2022 model suggested better safety performance.