2023 Ford Bronco vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 represented a significant departure from the brand's past, where vehicles were often described as boxy and utilitarian. The XC90 showcased a purposeful yet understated design, with a stout front end and an assertive grille that avoided being overly flashy. The recognizable "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, and the overall dimensions leaned toward a rectilinear shape without resembling the toasters of yesteryear. The test vehicle, an AWD Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels and a Platinum Gray paint with brown undertones, adding richness and depth. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was complemented by wood deco inlays, creating a clean and beautiful look.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Bronco embraced a blend of retro-cool styling and modern engineering across its nine distinct trim levels. The blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights were unmistakable. The Base trim had a primitive, bare-bones look, while the Raptor trim displayed a wide stance, elevated height, and massive tires. The Heritage trim pulled at nostalgic heartstrings with a throwback white grille, roof, and wheels, along with unique plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's styling was not just for aesthetics; functional elements like cleats above the headlights and raised "fins" helped secure cargo and provided better visibility of the vehicle's corners. Inside, the rugged theme continued with a broad dash, sealed switches, and waterproof marine-grade vinyl upholstery. The interior materials prioritized durability over luxury, with sturdy handholds and a grid-like mesh on the seat backs for attaching accessories.

For the 2023 model year, the 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 a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The B6 engine, featuring both a supercharger and a turbocharger, delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. These powertrains aimed to improve fuel efficiency and smooth operation, though the gains were minimal. The mild-hybrid system powered a 13-volt starter generator, handling tasks like climate control and ignition, making the auto stop-start technology almost imperceptible. The XC90 offered a reserved yet enjoyable driving experience, with quick acceleration, a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission, and excellent brakes. Despite its bulky dimensions, the XC90 handled corners well and maintained a quiet cabin.

The Ford Bronco offered three engine choices: a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 with 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 in the Raptor trim with 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. All engines came with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. The base four-cylinder engine was adequate for most on- and off-road adventures, while the 2.7-liter V6 was better suited for the heavier four-door model. The Raptor's engine provided excessive power, enhancing the driving experience. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than a typical family SUV but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler. It tracked straight on highways and had a quieter interior. The high-riding dimensions and big all-terrain tires required careful handling on curving roads, but the Bronco felt more confident than expected. Maneuvering the four-door model was less stressful, thanks to several cameras.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was peaceful and pleasant, but Scandinavian minimalism led to some space and storage frustrations. There was limited cubby space for smaller items, and no dedicated space for a cell phone. The USB port for phone charging was located in the small center console bin. 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 removing the middle seat for captain’s chairs cost $500 and required upgrading to the B6 engine. Accessing the third row was difficult, and space was limited. With the third seat in position, the XC90 offered 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 compared to competitors like the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, Genesis GV80, and Acura MDX. The XC90 drove like a smaller car than typical three-row SUVs.

The Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space. The two-door model required inelegant crawling to access the rear seats, while the four-door model allowed easier access. The front had plenty of storage options, including netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for phones. Accessory rails atop the dash and a USB jack added convenience. The two-door Bronco offered up to 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 52.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The four-door model provided 35.6 cubic feet, expanding to 77.6 cubic feet. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo and sleeping comfortably. The fenders and doors were easily removable, enhancing the Bronco's off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertically positioned touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, the first standard infotainment system of its kind. Google OS integrated Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant, enhancing natural-language recognition. Owners could issue commands via Google Home devices. However, many key functions were filed within the touchscreen interface, leading to frustration. The minimalist design lacked physical buttons and redundant controls, making 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 testing.

The Ford Bronco used technology to enhance its off-road abilities. The G.O.A.T. drive modes optimized engine and suspension settings for various terrains, making it easier for novices to navigate challenging conditions. Experienced off-roaders could manually select features like transfer case gearing and sway-bar disconnects. Numerous camera views provided visibility in tight confines, and the Trail Turn Assist feature allowed sharp turns by braking the inside rear wheel. The Bronco also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Ford’s SYNC 4, and an optional wireless charging pad. Most Broncos came with an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12-inch display available for easier use.

Volvo's reputation for safety was well-earned, with the XC90 carrying a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2022. The XC90 featured advanced driver safety tech, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which maintained distance from the car ahead and supported highway driving. These safety features were standard on the 2023 Volvo XC90.

The Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings. The NHTSA awarded the four-door model four out of five stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS gave it a "Good" rating in most crashworthiness tests, except for head restraints and seats, which received an "Acceptable" rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, trailer-sway assist, and Trail Turn Assist. The Mid package added enhanced driver assistance features, while the High and Luxe packages offered additional safety tech. Compared to conventional SUVs, the Bronco's safety features were less comprehensive, but they functioned well without false alarms.