2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2022 Volvo XC90 showcased a marked transformation from the brand's earlier box-shaped cars and wagons from the '70s through the '90s. Volvo never lost its family-friendly and safety-oriented image but has since elevated its status to the brink of the luxury class. The original XC90, first introduced in 2003, received incremental updates until 2015. However, the current XC90, launched as a 2016 model, stands proudly as the company's flagship SUV, built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform.

The 2022 XC90 boasted an impressive stance and an elegant profile. With a body seemingly poised to launch forward, the SUV exuded a dynamic aesthetic. The sleek roofline managed to incorporate a spacious greenhouse without projecting bulk and height. Distinctive wheel arches emphasized its athleticism, while the snub nose offered a nostalgic touch, reminiscent of the classic 245 wagon's upright grille. Superior fit and finish, paired with the "Thor's Hammer" LED detail in the headlights, imbued the XC90 with a high-quality feel and a cheeky nod to its Swedish roots.

Inside, the XC90 embodied "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" with natural wood and metal trim creating an authentic ambiance. Details such as the sliding wood tambor cover on the center console and the clear crystal gear selector handle cemented its luxury status. Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030 was demonstrated with the availability of Nappa leather for ventilated front seats and tailored wool blend upholstery. However, potential buyers were advised to compare both options, as the wool blend wasn't universally appealing.

In comparison, the 2023 Honda Pilot adopted a more rugged and substantial appearance with its redesign. The new model was 3.4 inches longer, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller than its predecessor. The upright grille and boxier styling added to its imposing look, perfectly complementing the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which featured a taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and sturdy underbody skid plates.

Inside, the Pilot's conventional styling remained attractive and practical. Despite the less visually impactful design compared to other new Honda vehicles, the Pilot offered a handy dash shelf and logically placed controls for climate and drive modes. The entry-level LX and Sport trims came with a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims boasted a nine-inch display. The interior's main selling point was functionality and versatility, with ample storage solutions and accommodating space for passengers.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a range of three powertrains. T5 models featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. T6 models upgraded to a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 models included a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining the supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor to produce 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The T5 models were front-wheel drive (FWD) with an all-wheel drive (AWD) option, while T6 and T8 models were AWD only.

Fuel efficiency varied across models. The T5 FWD was rated at 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/25 mpg combined, with the T5 AWD rated at 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway/23 mpg combined. The T6 AWD achieved 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway/22 mpg combined. The T8 hybrid offered 27 mpg combined on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range, while the extended-range variant provided 26 mpg combined on gas, 66 MPGe, and up to 36 miles on electric power alone. Charging the battery from empty to full took about five hours at 240 volts.

The XC90's driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and controlled handling, making it enjoyable to drive despite its size. The T8 Inscription extended range model delivered spirited acceleration, thanks to the smooth and early torque provided by the electric motor.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, the Pilot offered quick initial acceleration response. FWD was standard for most trims, with AWD available and standard on the Elite and Trailsport trims.

While the Pilot's power was adequate, it wasn't particularly impressive. The engine emitted a pleasant hum under full acceleration, and the brake pedal provided a smooth stopping experience, ideal for a family SUV. The Pilot handled corners well for a three-row SUV, instilling confidence when driven conservatively. Body roll was noticeable but not alarming, and the suspension was tuned for comfort. The Pilot's steering was feather-light, making maneuvering easy, although it felt somewhat vague on the highway.

The off-road-capable TrailSport trim offered an increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, adding a subtle vibration when driving on pavement. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Pilot maintained on-road comfort and composure, making it a versatile choice for family and adventure tasks alike.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, depending on whether buyers opted for captain's chairs with a center console or a three-across second-row. Accessing the third row was made easy with a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults would find the lack of legroom and thigh support uncomfortable.

In terms of cargo capacity, the XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded flat. With both the second and third rows folded, the capacity increased to 85.7 cubic feet. The XC90 could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration and powertrain.

The interior space was well-utilized with ample door pockets, seatback pockets, console storage, a large glove compartment, and more. The cabin was airy and spacious, enhanced by the standard laminated panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed admirably during a heatwave, providing a comfortable sanctuary from the weather.

The 2023 Honda Pilot featured a more conventional interior, with an entry-level touchscreen mounted atop the dash and higher trims upgrading to a nine-inch display. Primary controls for climate and drive modes were logically placed, and the front passenger benefited from a handy dash shelf.

The Pilot excelled in storage solutions, with a large rubberized shelf below the climate controls, accommodating two max-sized phones and a wireless charging pad. The wide center console bin was capable of holding a full-sized tablet. The front doors offered additional storage pockets and a large cupholder suitable for a one-liter drink bottle.

The standout feature was the stowable second-row center seat, which, when removed, created a center pass-through for third-row passengers. This was particularly useful for parents with child seats installed. The center seat could be conveniently stored under the cargo floor when not in use.

In terms of interior space, the Pilot's second row provided ample room for adults above six feet tall, while the third row, though less inviting, was adequate for average-sized adults on short trips. Cargo capacity behind the third row was 22.4 cubic feet, expandable to 60.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. At its maximum, the Pilot offered 114.3 cubic feet of cargo space, significantly more than the XC90.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which brought tablet-like functionality to the touchscreen interface with intuitive smartphone or tablet gestures. However, the system in our test car was somewhat glitchy and slow to respond. Connecting an iPhone and using Apple CarPlay improved the experience, and the system also supported Android Auto.

The nine-inch diagonal, portrait-oriented touchscreen was positioned close to the driver's line of sight, minimizing distraction. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel offered easy customization and crisp graphics. The optional $1,650 Advanced package included a head-up display, a 360-degree surround-view camera system, and an advanced air cleaner.

Audio enthusiasts could upgrade to the $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system, renowned for its surround sound staging and a unique sonic model of the Gothenburg Cathedral.

The XC90 included two front USB-A ports, two rear USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot with a complimentary trial subscription, and the four-year complimentary Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle control.

For the 2023 Honda Pilot, stepping up to at least the EX-L trim level offered technological benefits such as a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. Higher trims included a multi-view camera system, and the top Elite trim added a head-up display and a fully digital instrument panel.

The Pilot's touchscreen functioned well with quick responses, a logical layout, and large on-screen buttons. While the graphics weren't particularly modern, the system prioritized functionality. Features like Honda's CabinTalk interior PA system, available on Touring and Elite trims, enhanced convenience, along with navigation, Bose premium audio, and remote monitoring via a smartphone app. The TrailSport and Elite trims also featured the multi-view TrailWatch camera system for off-road awareness.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued the brand's long-standing commitment to safety. It came equipped with a plethora of safety features, including 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 these features to provide a semiautonomous driving experience on highways.

The XC90 received top safety ratings, including the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

For the 2023 Honda Pilot, crash test results from the NHTSA were not yet available, but Honda anticipated top scores. The Pilot also received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation.

Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, traffic-jam assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign reader, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added features like low-speed automatic braking and front and rear parking sensors. The TrailSport and Elite trims came with surround-view and multi-view camera systems.

During testing, the Pilot's advanced safety features performed without false alarms, and the adaptive cruise control maintained smooth and appropriate gaps.