2023 Ford Bronco vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Ford Bronco was a standout with its retro-cool styling and modern engineering, offered in nine distinct trim levels. Its blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights were unmistakable, even from afar. The Base trim had a primitive, bare-bones look with steel wheels, while the Raptor trim boasted a wide stance, elevated height, and massive tires. The Heritage trim added nostalgic elements like a white grille, roof, and wheels, along with plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's design was not just for aesthetics; functional features like cleats above the headlights and raised "fins" helped with cargo securing and obstacle navigation. Inside, the rugged theme continued with a broad dash, sealed switches, and waterproof materials, making it easy to clean after off-road adventures. The interior materials prioritized durability over luxury, with some creaking over bumps, but it was quieter than a Jeep Wrangler.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 model series, each with standard all-wheel drive. The Recharge T8, a plug-in hybrid, offered the most performance with 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, and an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. The XC90's exterior featured a subdued, earthy paint palette and various wheel designs up to 21 inches. Inside, the design was dated but rich in materials, especially in Ultimate trim, with options like wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather. The Orrefors crystal shift knob and natural wood trim added class, and Volvo allowed buyers to mix and match paint, wheels, and upholstery. The XC90's interior was comfortable, with a panoramic glass roof and a four-zone climate control system, though it struggled to cool the cabin on hot days.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices. The base 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine produced 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, available with a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-liter V6 engine increased power to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired only with the automatic transmission. The top-tier Bronco Raptor featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, delivering 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All models came with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. The Bronco excelled in off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road manners, offering a quieter ride than the Jeep Wrangler. However, its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curvy roads. The Bronco's maneuverability was aided by several cameras, making it less stressful to drive the larger four-door model.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It offered 32 miles of electric-only driving and averaged 27 mpg in hybrid mode. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. Recharging was straightforward, with options for standard or 240-volt outlets. The XC90's performance was lively, with quick acceleration, but it lacked thrilling handling. The ride quality was firm, and the cabin wasn't as quiet as expected for a luxury SUV. The steering required mid-corner corrections, and the brakes showed fade during prolonged use.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, with the four-door model offering easier access to rear seats. The two-door model had 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 52.3 cubic feet with seats folded, while the four-door offered 35.6 cubic feet, expanding to 77.6 cubic feet. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo. The Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 featured a well-equipped interior with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, and wood trim. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims offered additional features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats with massage. The XC90 seated seven, with a comfortable second-row bench and a tight third-row seat. Interior storage was adequate, and with the third-row seat folded, it offered up to 65.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 85.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2023 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities with G.O.A.T. drive modes, allowing drivers to optimize engine and suspension settings for various terrains. Camera views provided visibility in tight spots, and the Trail Turn Assist feature enabled sharp turns. The Bronco's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional 12-inch display for ease of use.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with optional premium sound systems. The infotainment system was intuitive, and the XC90 included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a head-up display. A surround-view camera supported the standard parking sensors.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received partial crash test results, with the four-door model earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from NHTSA. IIHS awarded it a "Good" rating in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and hill-start assist. Optional packages added features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from NHTSA in most assessments and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS in 2023. However, its advanced driving assistance systems were not as innovative as rivals. The XC90 included Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, though it struggled with certain road conditions.