2023 Nissan Ariya vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Nissan Ariya showcased a modern and striking design, standing out among top-tier electric vehicles. Nissan avoided creases and angles, opting for an oval shape that gave the crossover a smooth, sleek appearance. The front featured thin LED headlights and a black space mimicking the "V-Motion" grille, while the rear had a thin taillight spanning the width with "NISSAN" lettering above the license plate bracket. Inside, the Ariya boasted beautiful craftsmanship with minimal hard plastic, dual 12-inch monitors, and illuminated haptic buttons, creating a modern and airy cabin.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 demonstrated a purposeful yet understated design. Its front end appeared stout and solid, with an assertive grille and recognizable "Thor’s Hammer" headlights adding a modern touch. The XC90's dimensions leaned toward rectilinear but avoided the boxy look of older Volvos. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather, metal speaker covers, a crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design featured wood deco inlays and a clean, button-free look, though it sacrificed some practicality for style.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya offered a range of trims, starting with the Engage FWD, which had a 63-kWh battery and a 160-kW motor producing 214 horsepower. The Engage AWD added an extra motor for all-wheel drive, while the Engage+ AWD and higher trims featured an 87-kWh extended-range battery. The Venture+ FWD had a 178-kW motor making 238 horsepower, and the top-tier Platinum+ AWD boasted 389 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The Ariya's 87-kWh battery charged from 20% to 80% in 40 minutes on a 130-kW DC fast charger. The FWD Ariya delivered a smooth and efficient ride, while the AWD version offered significant power and impressive grip, thanks to its advanced torque-split tuning.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 replaced its older engines with new B5 and B6 powertrains, featuring mild-hybrid technology. The B5 used a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with a 48-volt system, producing 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The B6 added a supercharger, generating 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness but didn't offer full-hybrid benefits. The XC90 provided a reserved yet enjoyable driving experience, with quick acceleration, minimal body roll, and excellent insulation from road and wind noise. The brakes inspired confidence, and the eight-speed automatic transmission performed seamlessly.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya benefited from its ground-up EV architecture, offering a spacious and airy interior. Both front and rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom, though rear headroom was slightly compromised by the large sunroof. The lack of a transmission tunnel contributed to the open feel. Cargo space measured 59 cubic feet, comparable to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ford Mustang Mach-E but less than traditional SUVs like the Nissan Rogue. The Ariya featured a powered bin under the center stack, adjustable center console, and haptic buttons for various functions, enhancing its practicality and modern appeal.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was elegant but had some space and storage limitations. The front seats were comfortable, but the lack of dedicated cubby space for smaller items was noticeable. The second row was spacious but challenging to adjust, and accessing the third row was difficult 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 the seats folded and maxing out at 65.5 cubic feet. This was less than competitors like the Audi Q7 and Acura MDX. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a smaller car, making it more maneuverable than typical three-row SUVs.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya featured dual 12-inch displays for driver information and infotainment, with a beautifully executed physical connection between them. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto were standard, along with a head-up display on all but the Engage trim. The Ariya integrated Alexa compatibility, allowing users to control smart home devices and start the car via voice commands. The infotainment system was modern and user-friendly, offering a tech-forward experience compared to other Nissan models.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's 9-inch vertical touchscreen ran on Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant. The 12.3-inch driver information display also featured Google Maps. Natural-language recognition was a standout feature, enhancing the user experience. However, many key functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, leading to some frustration. The minimalist design sacrificed physical buttons, making it less intuitive for adjusting features like the heated steering wheel and seat positions. Despite these quirks, the system's capabilities were impressive and likely to become more intuitive with regular use.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya expanded its tech-focused approach to safety with ProPilot Assist 2.0 on the Empower+ and Platinum+ trims. This system offered hands-free driving capabilities, lane-change assist, and adaptive cruise control. All Ariya models included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a driver-attention monitor, and traffic-sign recognition. While crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available, the Ariya's advanced safety features were promising.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist, which maintained distance from the car ahead and provided gentle steering corrections. These technologies combined to create a safe and confident driving experience, reinforcing Volvo's reputation for prioritizing safety.