2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L continued the legacy of its predecessors with a design that balanced toughness and luxury. The Hydro Blue model with the High Altitude package featured blacked-out elements and dark gray 21-inch wheels, giving it a bold appearance. Inside, the upper trims impressed with high-quality materials like black leather with gold stitching and matte-finish light walnut. Despite some hard plastics and rougher-grained leather, the overall feel was justified for its price. The polished black dash, metal gear selector, and diamond-patterned stitching added to its classy interior, making it stand out in its segment.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution from Volvo's boxy past. The XC90's design was purposeful yet understated, with a stout front end and assertive grille. The "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, while the overall shape remained rectilinear but far from the toaster-like designs of the past. The Platinum Gray paint with brown undertones added richness, and the 21-inch wheels provided a dramatic flair. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather, metal speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design, accented by wood deco inlays, created a clean and beautiful cabin.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, was its weakest link. The engine's noise was well-muffled, but its performance was lackluster, especially in sport mode. The optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was a better choice, particularly for towing, with a max rating of 7,200 pounds. The V8 also delivered a fantastic sound. Fuel economy for the V6 was 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8's ratings were significantly lower at 14/22/17. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, especially with the air suspension, making it one of the best in its class.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. The B5, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The B6, with a supercharger and turbo, delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness, though the gains were minimal. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The brakes inspired confidence, and the cabin remained quiet thanks to excellent insulation. The XC90's simplicity in driving dynamics, with fewer customizable modes, appealed to those who preferred a straightforward driving experience.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended length provided ample legroom for second-row passengers, making it feel spacious even for taller individuals. Standard second-row captain's chairs and optional 60/40 bench seats offered flexibility. The third row, while power-folding, was best suited for children. The driver's seat provided good visibility, but the infotainment system's graphics and text had legibility issues. Cargo space was generous, with 17 cubic feet behind the third row, 47 cubic feet behind the second row, and 85 cubic feet with both rows folded, making it one of the largest in its class.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's front seats offered a peaceful and pleasant experience, but the minimalist design led to some storage frustrations. The lack of a dedicated space for cell phones and limited cubby space were notable drawbacks. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, and accessing the third row was difficult with the standard bench seat. Cargo space was decent, with 12.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. This fell short compared to some competitors, but the XC90's smaller size contributed to its agile driving dynamics.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims, running Uconnect 5. The system was generally quick and easy to use, though some legibility issues persisted. The McIntosh sound system, with 19 speakers, was good but lacked surround imaging. The night vision and Active Driving Assist were standout features, with the latter providing semi-automated control on highways. The passenger screen, available on higher trims, allowed for independent video and music playback, navigation control, and access to the "FamCam" for monitoring rear passengers.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, running Google OS, integrated Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant. The natural-language recognition was excellent, and owners could issue commands via Google Home devices. However, many key functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, leading to some frustration. The minimalist design, while visually appealing, required screen interaction for basic functions like adjusting the heated steering wheel or seat position. Despite these quirks, the system's overall functionality was impressive.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and scored five stars in most NHTSA tests. Standard safety features included driver and passenger front knee airbags, forward and rear emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included front cross-traffic braking, a backup camera washer, and 360-degree cameras. Night vision and Active Driving Assist were available on higher trims.

The 2023 Volvo XC90, known for its safety legacy, received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which helped maintain distance and lane position. These features worked well even in challenging conditions, making the XC90 a compelling choice for safety-conscious buyers.