2024 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler retained its iconic burly, body-on-frame design, known for being rugged and adventure-ready. The updated model featured a redesigned grille, first seen on the 2023 20th Anniversary edition of the Wrangler Rubicon. This new grille was shorter and wider, promoting better airflow into the engine bay. A notable enhancement was the integration of the antenna into the windshield, a significant improvement from the traditional antenna that often snagged on foliage during off-road adventures. For wheels, buyers had an array of ten new designs to choose from, and options for the roof abounded, including traditional soft-top, full-hard top, retractable sunroof hard tops, and power-retractable sunroofs. The Wrangler also offered versatile door configurations, with options for full, half, or tube doors from Mopar and even the ability to remove doors and fold down the windshield.

The 2024 Volvo XC90, available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 series, showcased Volvo’s mastery of color and materials. Its exterior paint palette was subdued and earthy, exuding luxury while emphasizing practicality, safety, and sustainability. Buyers could select from an attractive range of wheel designs up to 21 inches, often featuring a Bright theme with chrome and polished metal accents. The interior, while dated, was adorned with rich materials; the ultimate trim level included options like wool-blend upholstery and ventilated Nappa leather. An Orrefors crystal shift knob added sophistication, and natural wood trim enhanced the cabin’s décor. The XC90 also provided a greater ability for buyers to mix and match paint, wheels, and upholstery according to their preferences.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offered multiple powertrain choices, starting with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. There was also a plug-in hybrid version of the same engine, delivering an impressive 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. In addition, Jeep provided a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque and no shortage of excitement, a 6.4-liter V8 pushing out 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

Various transfer cases catered to different off-road capabilities. For basic off-road needs, Command-Trac 4WD was available in Sport or Sahara trims, while speed enthusiasts might opt for the Wrangler 392 with a full-time 4WD Selec-Trac system. The Rubicon trim offered the Rock-Trac transfer case with either part-time or full-time 4WD. Most models used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with a six-speed manual available for the 3.6-liter engine.

The 4xe PHEV Wrangler combined power with efficiency, boasting 21 miles of all-electric range. Our test vehicle, a 4xe Rubicon, featured front and rear locking differentials and a new Offroad+ button, enhancing driving modes for sand dune adventures or slow-speed rock crawling. The improved Wrangler had quieter cabins due to the addition of sound-deadening materials despite the solid front axle's inherent bumpy ride.

Comparatively, the 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 integrated a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor, producing 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. It offered 32 miles of electric-only range and an estimated average of 27 mpg in hybrid mode. Efficiency depended on the chosen driving mode, with options including Pure, Power, Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road. Testing under hot conditions revealed a slight shortfall in expected electric range and fuel efficiency.

The XC90 Recharge T8 displayed lively performance, with the electric motor providing strong initial acceleration and the supercharged turbo engine maintaining momentum. However, its suspension allowed more roll and pitch than desirable for spirited driving, and the steering required frequent adjustments. The firm ride and prominent cabin shimmy were less than ideal for a luxury SUV.

For 2024, the Jeep Wrangler upgraded its towing capacity, previously capped at 3,500 pounds, to 5,000 pounds for four-door Rubicon-trim Wranglers equipped with the gas-powered 2.0-liter or 3.6-liter engine, automatic transmission, and 33-inch tires. Despite this improvement, other models remained limited to 3,500 pounds. Inside, the Wrangler offered heated seats and a heated steering wheel, with the new addition of 12-way power-adjustable front seats designed to function even when submerged in water.

The Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in its Core trim, boasted power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added a natural light element, controllable with a swipe gesture. Moving up trims added features like a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats with massage, and rear door sunshades. The XC90 seats seven or six with optional captain’s chairs and provided adequate interior storage and cargo space. With the third row in use, cargo space was limited, but folded, Volvo claimed up to 65.5 cubic feet, and with the second row down, up to 85.7 cubic feet.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler came standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen running Uconnect5. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and navigation was optional. The system was significantly faster with cleaner graphics. Off-Road Pages provided comprehensive data, and the Trails Offroad feature offered detailed trail information. Other features included a wireless hotspot, dual Bluetooth phone pairing, and storage for up to five user profiles.

In contrast, the 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in technology. This system included Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant, free for the first four years. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM were also standard. The audio system options included a 14-speaker Harman Kardon and a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system with customizable audio settings. Although the 9-inch screen was relatively small, its placement and intuitive design were practical, and physical knobs and buttons enhanced usability.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler added first- and second-row side-curtain airbags this year. Standard safety features included forward collision warning on all but the base model, while blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and park assist were optional. Currently, the Wrangler has not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS for 2024, but the 2023 model received mixed ratings, which may improve with the new airbag additions.

The Volvo XC90 continued to emphasize safety, with five-star NHTSA ratings in every category except rollover resistance, where it earned four stars. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. However, the XC90’s advanced driving aids were not on par with the latest industry standards. The semi-autonomous Pilot Assist displayed some inconsistencies, undermining confidence in its reliability.