2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 marked a significant evolution from Volvo's boxy past, embracing a more upscale, luxury-oriented design while maintaining its family-friendly and safety-focused image. The XC90, launched as a 2016 model, stood as Volvo's flagship SUV, built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. Its exterior featured a sleek roofline, pronounced wheel arches, and a snub nose reminiscent of the classic 245 wagon, all contributing to a poised and athletic stance. The interior 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.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC40, while smaller, retained a distinctive and clean design language with a flat-roofed profile. The 2023 model received subtle exterior updates, including pixelated "Thor’s Hammer" headlights, a more angular front bumper, and new wheel designs. The XC40 shared the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform with the C40 Recharge and Polestar 2, making it the only CMA-based model in the U.S. with a combustion engine. Inside, the XC40 maintained a minimalist design with thin air vents, scalloped door panels, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Leather upholstery was available, with vegan leather for Recharge models, and the interior offered good fit and finish, though it reminded users of its entry-level status.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the T8 plug-in hybrid combining a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor for a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft. The T5 models were front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive, while the T6 and T8 were AWD only. All models used an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy varied, with the T5 FWD achieving 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway, and the T8 offering 27 mpg combined on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range. The XC90 handled well for its size, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, featuring a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator. The base B4 powertrain combined this system with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 197 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, while the B5 offered 247 hp and 258 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B4 being FWD and the B5 AWD. The B4 and B5 models could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 and 6.1 seconds, respectively. The XC40 Recharge, with its two electric motors, produced 402 hp and 486 lb-ft, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and an EPA-rated 223-mile range. The XC40 handled corners with composure and absorbed bumps well, offering a refined driving experience.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 accommodated six or seven passengers, depending on the second-row configuration. The third row was suitable for children but cramped for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.7 cubic feet with both rows down. The XC90 could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. Interior storage was ample, and the cabin was airy and comfortable, with a standard panoramic moonroof and an effective air-conditioning system.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while smaller, offered reasonable space for its class. It provided ample rear-seat headroom, average legroom, and generous shoulder room. Cargo space was 20 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 46.9 cubic feet with them folded. A power tailgate and keyless entry were standard on higher trims. Interior storage was well-designed, with large door panel carve-outs and a spacious center console storage bin.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but was occasionally glitchy. The Advanced package added a head-up display, a 360-degree camera system, and an advanced air cleaner. The standard Harman Kardon sound system could be upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins system. The XC90 also included multiple USB ports and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 adopted an Android-based infotainment system with Google apps, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a nine-inch touchscreen. The B5 Ultimate trim included a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and USB-C ports for both rows. The system offered pleasing graphics but lacked analog controls, making some functions less intuitive.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came with a comprehensive list of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist. It received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 also offered a robust set of standard safety features, with additional features available on higher trims. It received top ratings in most IIHS crash tests but dropped to "Acceptable" in the updated side-impact test. The NHTSA awarded the gasoline XC40 a five-star overall safety rating.