2024 Ford Bronco vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's past design ethos, which was often likened to utilitarian appliances. This model presented a more refined and purposeful aesthetic, with a stout front end and an assertive grille that avoided being ostentatious. The signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, distinguishing it from the boxy Volvos of the past. The XC90's design leaned towards a rectilinear shape, but it was far from the toaster-like appearance of its predecessors. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian elegance, featuring two-tone leather, metal speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was complemented by wood deco inlays, creating a serene and sophisticated cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2024 Ford Bronco embraced a retro design that harked back to the 1960s, particularly in its two-door variant. The Sasquatch Package enhanced its rugged appearance with a suspension lift and 35-inch mud-terrain tires, giving it a wide and purposeful stance. The Bronco's design was more successful with the Sasquatch Package, as the standard factory setup appeared somewhat awkward. Inside, the Bronco offered a comfortable experience, with marine-grade upholstery that was practical but not breathable. The four-door model provided ample space, and the absence of a rollbar in front of rear-seat passengers was a notable improvement over its Jeep Wrangler rival. The Bronco's interior was functional, with MOLLE panels for storage customization and removable roof panels for an open-air experience.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines, replacing the older T5 and T6 powertrains. These engines incorporated mild-hybrid technology, offering a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. The B5 engine produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 engine delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved the XC90's smoothness and fuel economy, though the gains were modest. The XC90 provided a reserved yet enjoyable driving experience, with minimal roll through corners and a quiet cabin. Its eight-speed automatic transmission was responsive, and the brakes inspired confidence. The XC90 lacked extensive off-road capabilities, focusing instead on a straightforward driving experience.

The 2024 Ford Bronco offered a range of powertrains, starting with a standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 delivered 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, while the Raptor variant boasted a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco's part-time 4WD system and various off-roading technologies, such as Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist, enhanced its off-road prowess. However, the Bronco's fuel efficiency was a concern, with the Sasquatch Package reducing highway mileage. Despite this, the Bronco excelled in off-road conditions, offering a fun and rugged driving experience.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was characterized by Scandinavian minimalism, which sometimes led to storage frustrations. The front seats were comfortable, but the lack of dedicated space for small items, such as cell phones, was a drawback. The second row was spacious, but accessing the third row was challenging, especially with the standard bench seat configuration. The XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 65.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While it drove like a smaller car, its cargo capacity fell short compared to some competitors.

The 2024 Ford Bronco, particularly in the four-door configuration, provided ample interior space. The absence of a rollbar in front of rear-seat passengers improved comfort, and the marine-grade upholstery was practical for off-road adventures. The Bronco's interior was versatile, with removable roof panels and doors for an open-air experience. Cargo space in the two-door model was 22.4 cubic feet, expanding to 53.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The four-door model offered more cargo capacity, with 38.3 cubic feet and 83 cubic feet with the seats up and down, respectively.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system running on Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. The system's natural-language recognition was a highlight, but the reliance on touchscreen controls for essential functions was a drawback. While the minimalist design was appealing, the lack of physical buttons could be frustrating for some users.

The 2024 Ford Bronco came equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen Sync 4 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the system experienced connectivity issues, and the voice recognition was inconsistent. The Bronco Trail App provided access to trail maps, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Despite some tech challenges, the Bronco's infotainment system offered a range of features for tech-savvy users.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety technologies included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist, which maintained distance and speed on the highway. These features contributed to the XC90's reputation as a safe and reliable vehicle.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend came with standard safety features such as forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The Mid Package added Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies, including lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring. While the Bronco's safety systems were effective, its headlight performance received a Marginal score from the IIHS. The NHTSA's crash test results were incomplete, but the Bronco earned a four-star frontal-impact rating.