2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler had a rugged, no-nonsense design with its boxy shape and minimal curves. Available in both two-door and four-door configurations, the Wrangler allowed for a customizable open-air experience with removable doors and a fold-down windshield. The wide fenders, iconic seven-slot grille, and round headlights added to its classic Jeep aesthetic. Inside, the Wrangler featured practical, easy-to-clean materials and a straightforward design, though it lacked luxury features like ambient lighting and massaging seats.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a more refined and modern design. The front end was solid and assertive without being flashy, and the “Thor’s Hammer” headlights added a contemporary touch. The XC90’s dimensions were still somewhat rectilinear, but it no longer resembled the boxy Volvos of the past. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather, metal speaker covers, and wood deco inlays. The minimalist design was both beautiful and functional, though it did result in limited storage space for small items.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a variety of engine options tailored for off-road performance. The standard V6 engine produced 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivered 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. For torque enthusiasts, the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 provided 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The high-performance Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 with 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered 21 miles of all-electric range. However, the 392 model had issues with braking and steering, which were not as pronounced in other trims.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 replaced its older engines with new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains. The B5 engine, with a turbocharger and 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The B6 engine, featuring both a supercharger and turbocharger, delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. These mild-hybrid systems improved fuel efficiency and smoothness but did not offer full-hybrid benefits. The XC90 provided a comfortable and quiet driving experience, with excellent brakes and minimal road noise. It lacked extensive off-road capabilities but excelled in everyday driving conditions.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler had comfortable front seats, though heated seats were only available with the 392 model or a cold-weather package. The rear seats were tight, especially in the four-door models, and storage for small items was limited. The Wrangler offered 72.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Various top options, including a hard top, soft top, and the Sky One-Touch power soft top, allowed for different open-air experiences. The Wrangler also provided ample charging points with USB-A, USB-C, and 12-volt outlets.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a minimalist interior with limited storage space for small items. The second row was comfortable but adjusting the seats was challenging. The XC90 came standard with a second-row bench seat for seven-passenger seating, but captain’s chairs were available for an additional cost. The third row was difficult to access and offered limited space. Cargo capacity was 12.5 cubic feet with all seats in place, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The XC90 drove like a smaller car, making it more maneuverable than typical three-row SUVs.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen. The system initially appeared complex but was intuitive once familiar. It included off-road pages with detailed information and supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Wrangler had practical tech features like a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches but lacked advanced features like a digital key or extensive over-the-air updates.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertically oriented touchscreen running Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant. The system offered excellent natural-language recognition and could be controlled via Google Home devices. However, many functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, leading to some frustration. The minimalist design resulted in fewer physical buttons, which could be inconvenient for adjusting certain features.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler had limited standard safety features, including a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control were standard only on the top 392 model or available as options. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with some trims receiving Poor ratings for headlights and a 3 out of 5 rollover rating.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was highly regarded for its safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It came standard with advanced driver safety tech, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist, which helped maintain distance and lane position. These features made the XC90 a compelling choice for safety-conscious buyers.