Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs Volvo XC90

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer. It featured a tall hood, broad shoulders, and trapezoidal wheel arches, giving it a robust and upright profile. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof, a unique hood, front fascia, and grille, which leaned forward slightly with laser-etched knurling. The interior mirrored the Wagoneer with a well-integrated infotainment touchscreen, a large rotary shift knob, and a two-spoke steering wheel, but offered more luxury with 24-way power front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and American Walnut wood trim.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from Volvo's past boxy designs, showcasing a purposeful yet understated look. Its front end was solid without being ostentatious, and the grille was assertive without being flashy. The "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, while the overall shape retained a rectilinear form without resembling the toasters of old. The XC90's interior was elegant, featuring a two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was complemented by wood deco inlays, creating a clean and sophisticated cabin environment.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowed the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in six seconds. It featured a standard Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential, along with a Quadra-Lift air suspension system. The Grand Wagoneer offered 10 inches of ground clearance and could ford up to 24 inches of water. Despite its power, the vehicle was best driven at a leisurely pace due to its bouncy ride and imprecise steering at higher speeds.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. The B5 engine produced 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 engine offered 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency slightly and provided smoother operation. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle handled well, with minimal roll through corners, and maintained a quiet cabin. The XC90's brakes were solid, and its fuel-saving auto stop-start technology was nearly imperceptible.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven passengers with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. The Grand Wagoneer provided 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 94.2 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. It had a maximum towing capacity of 9,850 pounds and came with a standard sunroof and four-zone automatic climate control.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was peaceful and pleasant, though it lacked cubby space for smaller items. The second row was comfortable and spacious, but accessing the third row was challenging with the standard seven-passenger seating. The XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in use, expanding to 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. Despite its smaller size compared to typical three-row SUVs, the XC90 drove like a smaller vehicle, providing a more agile driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. It supported simultaneous pairing for two Bluetooth-enabled phones and offered a 4G-LTE WiFi hotspot. Second-row passengers had a 10.25-inch touchscreen for climate control, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with an Android-based operating system, provided over-the-air software updates.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's tech offering included a 9-inch vertically positioned touchscreen running Google OS, with Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant as standard features. The 12.3-inch driver information display also showcased Google Maps. The XC90's natural-language recognition, powered by Google, enhanced the user experience. However, many functions were embedded within the touchscreen interface, which could be frustrating. Despite the minimalist design, some features required screen interaction, which could take time to get used to.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It came with standard safety features like a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included a driver-attention monitor, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. Active Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, with a hands-free version planned for future release.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was highly regarded for its safety, carrying a five-star rating from the NHTSA and being named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS in 2022. It featured advanced driver safety tech, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist technology helped maintain distance from the car ahead and supported highway driving. These safety features were standard on the XC90.