2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while moving towards the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new vehicle platforms, including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) for the XC90. The SUV's design featured a sleek roofline, pronounced wheel arches, and a distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlight detail, all contributing to its upscale appearance. Inside, the XC90 boasted a "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" interior, with natural wood and metal trim, a crystal gear selector, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe expanded its lineup with six trim levels, including the Trailhawk, which was tested. The Trailhawk was identifiable by its sky blue detailing and matte-black hood decal, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. However, the interior fell short of luxury expectations, with excessive plastic and gloss black surfaces that attracted dust and fingerprints. The leather and artificial suede upholstery provided some comfort, but the overall design prioritized style over utility. Despite its rugged off-road features, the Grand Cherokee's interior lacked practical storage and cargo space, making it less suitable for everyday use.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 250 horsepower, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp, and the T8 plug-in hybrid combining a gasoline engine and electric motor for a total of 455 hp. The T8 model, in particular, provided spirited acceleration and smooth power delivery, thanks to its electric motor. The XC90's handling was impressive for its size, with minimal body roll and a refined driving experience. Fuel efficiency varied across models, with the T8 achieving 27 mpg combined on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, a 17.3-kilowatt-hour battery, and an 8-speed automatic transmission, producing 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The Trailhawk trim included a standard 4WD system with Selec-Terrain technology and a height-adjustable air suspension, enhancing its off-road capabilities. However, the Grand Cherokee's performance in everyday driving was less impressive, with uneven power delivery and an unrefined gas engine sound. The EPA estimated 25 miles of all-electric range and 23 mpg combined, but real-world testing showed lower efficiency.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 accommodated six or seven passengers, with easy access to the third row, which was suitable for children. Cargo capacity was generous, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded. The XC90 also offered ample interior storage and a comfortable, airy cabin, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well even in extreme heat, making the XC90 a reliable choice for various climates.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, despite its off-road prowess, lacked practical storage and cargo space. The Trailhawk's interior featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, but the seating comfort was compromised by firm cushions and limited rear legroom. Cargo space was limited to 70.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which was small for a midsize SUV. The interior design prioritized style over functionality, with insufficient storage solutions for everyday use.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered a tablet-like interface with a nine-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. While the system was intuitive, it occasionally lagged, performing better with Apple CarPlay. The Advanced package added a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The XC90's audio options included a standard Harman Kardon system and an optional Bowers & Wilkins upgrade. USB ports and a WiFi hotspot were standard, along with a Volvo Care app for remote vehicle control.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe boasted up to six screens, including a 10.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the graphics were low-contrast and hard to read. The Trailhawk included an Alpine sound system and optional tech features like a wireless charger and digital rearview mirror. The front passenger had access to a 10.3-inch infotainment screen, though it was often unused in favor of personal devices.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist, which provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The XC90 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing Volvo's commitment to safety.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring, with additional features in the Advanced ProTech Group II package. The Trailhawk's safety systems were most effective on freeways, though some features were intrusive. The Grand Cherokee 4xe received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, but the IIHS ratings did not specifically apply to the plug-in hybrid version.