2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC40 had a distinctive design that combined Volvo’s current design language with a flat-roofed profile, giving it a very SUV-like appearance. The exterior was clean and free of extraneous detailing, with hidden tailpipes on gasoline models to align with Volvo’s pro-electrification ethos. Updates for 2023 included new pixelated “Thor’s Hammer” headlights, a more angular front bumper, and new wheel designs. The XC40 Recharge was easily identifiable by its new sealed-off grille.

Inside, the XC40 maintained a minimalist design with thin air vents framing the central touchscreen and scalloped elements housing the door handles and speaker grilles. Standard features included dual-zone automatic climate control and an optional air purifier. Leather upholstery was available, with vegan leather for Recharge models. The XC40 Ultimate test vehicle featured a panoramic moonroof and an Orrefors crystal shift knob, though the all-black interior felt somewhat utilitarian. Fit and finish were good, but the materials reminded us that the XC40 was Volvo’s entry-level model.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased how far Volvo had come from its boxy predecessors. The XC90 had a purposeful yet understated front end, with an assertive grille and modern “Thor’s Hammer” headlights. Its dimensions and shape leaned toward rectilinear but were far from the toaster-like designs of the past. The test vehicle, an AWD Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels with low-profile Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires, adding drama to the otherwise stoic XC90. The Platinum Gray paint had brown undertones, giving it richness and depth.

Inside, the XC90’s design was elegant, with a two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The interior had a clean look with wood deco inlays across the dash and center console. The minimalist design meant few physical controls, contributing to a serene cabin environment.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 saw significant changes under the hood with the introduction of mild-hybrid powertrains. These included a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator, which assisted the gasoline engine and improved fuel economy. The base B4 powertrain featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 197 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, while the B5 model offered 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B4 being FWD-only and the B5 AWD-only.

The B4 and B5 models could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds and 6.1 seconds, respectively. The XC40 Recharge, with its two electric motors producing a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, could achieve the same in 4.7 seconds and had an EPA-rated range of 223 miles. The Recharge also had a higher towing capacity of 4,409 pounds compared to the B5 AWD model’s 3,500 pounds. The XC40 handled corners with composure and absorbed bumps well, offering a refined driving experience.

For the 2023 model year, the Volvo XC90 replaced its older turbocharged engines with new B5 and B6 engines equipped with mild-hybrid technology. The B5 powertrain, featuring a turbocharger and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produced 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The B6 powertrain, which included a supercharger and turbo, delivered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains aimed to improve fuel efficiency and smoothness, though the gains were minimal.

The XC90 offered a reserved yet enjoyable driving experience. It handled corners well despite its bulky dimensions and accelerated quickly with its eight-speed automatic transmission. Road and wind noise were minimal, thanks to excellent insulation. The brakes provided a solid pedal feel, inspiring confidence. The XC90 lacked multiple drive modes and off-road features, focusing instead on simplicity. During a test drive through a New Hampshire snowstorm, the XC90 performed admirably, though dedicated winter tires would have provided additional confidence.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while marketed as an SUV, was better suited for solo commuting than carpooling. It offered reasonable space among its competitors, with ample rear-seat headroom and front-seat headroom just behind the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Legroom was average, but generous shoulder room contributed to a feeling of spaciousness. The XC40 provided 20 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 46.9 cubic feet with them folded, less than the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. Interior storage was good, with large door panel carve-outs and a spacious center console storage bin.

The 2023 Volvo XC90’s front seats provided a peaceful and pleasant experience, though Scandinavian minimalism led to some storage frustrations. There was no dedicated space for a cell phone, and the center console bin was small. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust. The XC90 came standard with a second-row bench seat for seven-passenger seating, but captain’s chairs for six-passenger seating were available for an additional $500 and required upgrading to the B6 engine. The third row was difficult to access and offered limited space.

With the third row in place, the XC90 provided 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. This fell short of competitors like the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, Genesis GV80, 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 Volvo XC40 featured an Android-based infotainment system with Google apps, including Google Maps for navigation and Google Assistant for voice recognition. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 9-inch touchscreen were standard. The B5 Ultimate test vehicle included a 13-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system and USB-C ports for each row. The infotainment system had pleasing graphics, but users who preferred Apple over Android might find the Google built-in features less satisfying. The minimalist design meant a lack of analog controls, requiring the use of the touchscreen for most functions.

The 2023 Volvo XC90’s 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display ran Google OS, with Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant as standard features. The 12.3-inch driver information display also showed Google Maps. Natural-language recognition was excellent, and owners could issue commands via Google Home devices. However, many key functions were filed away within the touchscreen interface, leading to frustration. The lack of physical buttons and redundant controls made it challenging to adjust features like the heated steering wheel and driver’s seat position. While these issues might fade with daily use, they were noticeable during the test drive.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, traffic sign recognition, rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. Upgrading to the Plus trim added front parking sensors, while the Ultimate grade added side parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist. The XC40 received top “Good” ratings in most IIHS crash tests but dropped to “Acceptable” in the updated side-impact test. The NHTSA awarded the gasoline XC40 a five-star overall safety rating.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo’s legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. The XC90’s advanced driver safety tech included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist, which helped maintain distance and lane position. These features were standard on the 2023 XC90, making it a compelling choice for safety-conscious families.