2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E surprised many with its blend of iconic Mustang styling and modern electric SUV design. Despite its unconventional dimensions, the Mach-E's galloping horse emblems, scowling headlights, and bold rear fender haunches gave it a distinctive look that resonated with consumers. Since its debut in 2021, Ford produced over 150,000 units, offering various trims like Select, Premium, California Route 1, and GT, with prices ranging from $45,995 to $63,995, plus a destination charge. The GT model, in particular, stood out with its aggressive styling, unique 20-inch wheels, and a dark front panel resembling a traditional grille. Inside, the Mach-E GT exuded luxury with artificial leather and synthetic suede seats, copper stitching, and a high-tech ambiance, blending past and future elements seamlessly.

In contrast, the 2024 Volvo XC90 offered a more subdued and earthy exterior palette, aligning with its luxury SUV status focused on practicality, safety, and sustainability. Available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 models, the XC90 featured standard all-wheel drive and a range of powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option. The Recharge T8 model, tested in Ultimate trim, boasted a luxurious interior with wool-blend or ventilated Nappa leather upholstery, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and natural wood trim. Despite its dated design, the XC90's interior was rich in materials, and Volvo provided ample customization options for paint, wheels, and upholstery. The SUV's exterior design favored a Bright theme with chrome and polished metal, contrasting with the blacked-out trend.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered a range of power and efficiency options, with configurations spanning from 266 to 480 horsepower and 224 to 312 miles of driving range. The Mach-E GT, equipped with an extended-range battery and all-wheel drive, delivered 480 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. The GT Performance Edition package increased torque to 634 lb-ft, reduced the range to 260 miles, and improved acceleration to 3.5 seconds. The Mach-E GT featured Whisper, Engage, and Unbridled driving modes, with an exclusive Unbridled Extend mode for track use. Despite its impressive speed, the Mach-E GT's steering lacked sharpness, and its ride quality was firm, though it excelled in controlling body motions. The test drive revealed an efficiency of 37 kWh per 100 miles, surpassing the EPA estimate.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It offered 32 miles of electric-only range and averaged 27 mpg in hybrid mode. The XC90 Recharge T8 accelerated to 60 mph in five seconds and featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road. Despite its power, the XC90 Recharge T8 prioritized luxury over performance, with a firm ride and less engaging handling. The SUV's electric performance waned as the battery depleted, and the gas engine provided a lively driving experience. However, the XC90's steering lacked sharpness, and the ride quality suffered on irregular pavement.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E, with its crossover SUV design, offered practicality alongside its iconic styling. It accommodated up to five passengers and provided 34.1 cubic feet of cargo space, including a sizable front trunk. The Mach-E GT featured eight-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, wrapped in black ActiveX artificial leather and Miko synthetic suede. The rear seats were snug but supportive, and the panoramic glass roof enhanced the cabin's airy feel. The Mach-E's cargo capacity expanded to 59.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and the front trunk added 4.7 cubic feet of storage.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, offered a well-equipped interior with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, and wood trim. The panoramic glass roof and four-zone climate control system added to the luxury experience. Higher trims included features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The XC90 seated seven or six with optional captain's chairs, and the third-row seats were more accommodating than expected. Cargo capacity reached 65.5 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded and 85.7 cubic feet with the second-row seats down.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured a 15.5-inch touchscreen with Ford's Sync 4A infotainment platform, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect services, and a navigation system. The system was user-friendly, though it lacked a radio tuning knob and a driving mode button. The Mach-E also included a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display. Phone As A Key technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access, providing convenience despite initial skepticism.

The 2024 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system used Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with optional Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins audio systems. The infotainment system was intuitive, and the XC90's cabin featured minimalistic design with essential controls. The XC90 Recharge T8 included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E came with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise 1.2 added features like lane-change and predictive speed assist functions. The Mach-E's safety performance was commendable, with top marks from the IIHS and a Top Safety Pick designation for 2022. However, NHTSA ratings for 2023 were incomplete, with only side-impact and rollover resistance results available.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 emphasized safety, earning five-star NHTSA ratings in most assessments and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS in 2023. However, its advanced driving assistance systems lagged behind competitors, lacking hands-free driving capabilities. Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist, worked adequately but had limitations, such as inaccurate lane-departure warnings and steering errors.