2023 Honda CR-V vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Honda CR-V, a sixth-generation model, displayed a shift toward a cleaner, more refined design with its blunt nose, long hood, and stretched wheelbase. While it adopted a more conservative styling compared to its fifth-generation predecessor, this approach was anticipated to age gracefully. The CR-V EX and EX-L both sported 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass, making them visually similar on the exterior. However, the distinctions became apparent upon stepping inside. The EX-L boasted leather-wrapped seats, steering wheel, and shift knob, enhancing the interior's perceived quality over the EX's standard cloth upholstery. The interior design, inspired by the latest Civic, featured a metal mesh trim that cleverly incorporated the air vents and divided the dashboard into upper and lower sections, while maintaining a quality and simplicity that was consistent across both trim levels. The EX-L stood out with a larger touchscreen infotainment system, additional features, and conveniences like a power rear liftgate and parking sensors.

On the other hand, the 2023 Volvo XC90 was a masterclass in how far the brand had evolved from its boxy, utilitarian designs of the past. With a purposeful yet elegant front end, an assertive yet tasteful grille, and modern "Thor’s Hammer" headlights, the XC90 was both bold and refined. The Platinum Gray paint on our test vehicle imparted a depth and richness, especially noticeable under sunlight, and the 21-inch wheels added a touch of drama to its stoic profile. Inside, the XC90 epitomized Scandinavian elegance with two-tone leather on the steering wheel, luxurious Nappa leather seats available in "charcoal" or “blond,” and exquisite details like metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers and an Orrefors crystal shift knob.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. This engine, carried over from the previous generation, provided ample power for a compact SUV. The CVT, however, was a notable drawback, especially during hard acceleration, where it tended to whine and detract from the otherwise rewarding driving experience. Despite this, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling, thanks to finely tuned suspension, steering, and brakes. It handled uneven pavement, speed bumps, and sharp corners with ease, and the modest all-season tires performed well within their limits. Importantly, the CR-V delivered impressive fuel economy, averaging 29.1 mpg on a rigorous testing route—a testament to its efficient design.

Conversely, the 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B5 and B6 engines, integrating mild-hybrid technology for smoother operation and slightly improved fuel efficiency. The B5 variant powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivered 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 variant added a supercharger to bump the numbers to 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system included a lithium-ion battery powering a 13-volt starter generator, assisting with functions like climate control and ignition, thus reducing the engine load. This system contributed to the XC90's refined and quiet driving experience, with its eight-speed automatic transmission delivering seamless shifts. The XC90 didn't offer the same full-hybrid fuel economy benefits but compensated with stellar road manners and a smooth ride, making it a joy to drive even in challenging conditions like a New Hampshire snowstorm.

The new 2023 Honda CR-V claimed to be the roomiest iteration yet, but this wasn’t immediately apparent from the driver’s seat. The relatively low seating position gave it a car-like feel rather than that of a high-riding SUV. Visibility was excellent, and the redesigned seats were comfortable, though ventilated front seats and heated rear seats were notably absent. The second-row seats felt spacious, offering a higher seating position, good thigh support, and ample legroom, making the CR-V feel more like a midsize model. However, taller passengers might find headroom limited. The CR-V excelled in storage solutions with a large center bin, door trays, and a wireless charging pad in the forward tray. Nevertheless, hard plastic linings in these storage areas could result in noisy rides. In terms of cargo, the CR-V offered 39.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and, with the load floor in its lowest position, expanded to 76.5 cubic feet when the seats were folded.

The 2023 Volvo XC90, while delivering a serene and stylish front-cabin experience, was less accommodating in terms of storage. The lack of a dedicated space for a cell phone and a limited center console bin highlighted the minimalist design’s practical frustrations. Rear seating was comfortable but adjusting the second row could be tricky. The XC90 came standard with a bench seat for seven-passenger capacity, and switching to six-passenger captain’s chairs not only cost an extra $500 but also required upgrading to the B6 engine. This design made accessing the third row difficult, and space in the third row itself was limited, although serviceable once accessed. Cargo capacity was another limitation, with just 12.5 cubic feet available with all seats up, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 65.5 cubic feet—falling short compared to its competitors like the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, Genesis GV80, and Acura MDX.

Every 2023 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel, praised for its clarity and simplicity. The EX trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring basic essentials like stereo volume and tuning knobs, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The EX-L trim added a larger 9-inch touchscreen and an expanded suite of features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless charging, and an improved eight-speaker sound system. However, to access premium features like a Bose sound system, HondaLink subscription services, and built-in navigation, consumers would need to upgrade to the top-tier CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid. Critics noted that while the new infotainment setup was a significant upgrade from the previous generation, it still lacked some of the advanced functionalities offered by competitors. Furthermore, some user-friendly features like the tuning knob were replaced with less intuitive buttons in the EX-L trim.

The 2023 Volvo XC90’s tech offering was equally impressive but perhaps more advanced and integrated. The 9-inch vertical touchscreen ran on Google OS, incorporating Google Maps, Google Assistant, and other apps directly into the system. This setup ensured excellent natural-language recognition and seamless interaction within the car's interface. The 12.3-inch driver information display provided additional convenience by showing Google Maps. Volvo’s integration with Google also extended to home devices, allowing owners to issue commands to their XC90 via Google Home. Despite these advances, Volvo’s heavy reliance on touchscreen controls for essential functions like the heated steering wheel and seat adjustments could be frustrating. The minimalist design, while elegant, sometimes hindered usability, although these quirks could potentially fade with daily use over time.