2023 Honda HR-V vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling transformation, shedding some of its previous quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The windshield wipers were discreetly tucked under the hood's lip, and the black molding strips on the roof were removed. The HR-V was available in new colors, including a dusky gray-green called Nordic Forest Pearl. The EX-L trim, which was tested, featured perforated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power moonroof, creating a comfortable and upscale cabin environment. The interior design followed the refinement trend set by the 2022 Civic, with premium touches like a metal honeycomb grille and touch-sensitive lights.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a purposeful yet understated design. Its front end appeared solid and assertive, with a bold grille and distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" headlights. The XC90's dimensions leaned toward rectilinear, but it no longer resembled the boxy Volvos of the past. The test vehicle featured 21-inch wheels and a Platinum Gray paint with brown undertones, adding richness to its appearance. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather, metal speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design incorporated wood deco inlays, creating a clean and sophisticated look. However, the lack of physical controls for some functions could be frustrating for users.

The 2023 Honda HR-V was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. This marked an improvement over the previous model. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) featured a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. The HR-V offered Normal, Snow, and ECON drive modes, with Sport mode available for a more dynamic driving experience. Despite updates for a quieter cabin, the HR-V remained noisy at higher speeds. It was available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with improved suspension and widened tracks for better handling. However, it lacked the powertrain options offered by some competitors.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. The B5 engine, with a turbocharger and mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The B6 engine, featuring a supercharger and turbo, delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness but did not provide full-hybrid benefits. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. It handled corners well despite its size, and road noise was minimal. The XC90 offered a straightforward driving experience, with limited customizable driving dynamics.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a center console featuring a shelf for storage. It provided 39.4 inches of front headroom (38.4 with the moonroof) and 38.0 inches in the rear. Cargo space measured 24.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded. The HR-V's passenger volume varied by trim, with the EX-L offering 97.3 cubic feet. The rear seats featured a 60/40 split and a nearly flat floor when folded. Front legroom improved to 41.9 inches, while rear legroom decreased slightly to 37.7 inches.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was elegant but had limited storage space for smaller items. The second row was comfortable, but accessing the third row was challenging with the standard bench seat. The XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in place, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with it folded. Maximum cargo capacity was 65.5 cubic feet, falling short of some competitors. The XC90's smaller size contributed to its agile driving experience.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style infotainment display with physical controls for power and volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, with wireless versions available on the EX-L. The EX-L also offered a 9-inch infotainment display, a wireless charging pad, and an eight-speaker audio system. The HR-V included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a 7-inch color touchscreen display, with Smart Shortcuts for user preferences.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display ran on Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. The 12.3-inch driver information display also featured Google Maps. The XC90's natural-language recognition was powered by Google, allowing voice commands via Google Home devices. However, some functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, lacking physical controls. While the minimalist design was appealing, it required adjustment for some users.

The 2023 Honda HR-V included the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard on all trims. This suite featured adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. New features for 2023 included traffic-sign recognition and traffic jam assist. The HR-V had not yet been crash-tested for 2023, but the 2022 model received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. It included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology for maintaining distance and speed. These safety features were standard on the XC90.