2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while moving towards a more luxurious class. After Volvo's acquisition by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new vehicle platforms, including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) for the XC90, which debuted as a 2016 model. The 2022 XC90 showcased a sleek and athletic profile, with pronounced wheel arches and a distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlight design. The interior exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a substantial styling update, presenting a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The HR-V's interior followed the refinement trend set by the 2022 Civic, with a metal honeycomb grille and touch-sensitive lights adding a premium feel. The EX-L trim offered perforated leather seats and a sculptural centre console, enhancing the sense of thoughtful design. Despite the fastback look, visibility remained strong, with larger rear seat windows and door-mounted mirrors improving the range of vision.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid combining gasoline and electric power for a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Recharge model boasted an 8.8 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode and a 4.0 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres with a 29-kilometre EV range. The XC90's driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the Recharge Inscription extended range model.

The 2023 Honda HR-V came with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. The updated continuously variable transmission (CVT) featured a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. Drivers could choose from Normal, Snow, ECON, and Sport modes, with Snow mode adjusting the transmission and throttle response for better traction. The HR-V's new front and fully independent rear suspensions, along with widened tracks, made it fun to drive on mountain roads, though it lacked the power of some competitors. The HR-V's cabin was quieter than before, but still noisier at higher speeds.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. The third row was suitable for children, but adults would find it lacking in legroom and thigh support. Cargo capacity ranged from 357 litres behind the third row to 1,855 litres with all seats folded. The XC90 could tow up to 2,250 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The interior featured ample storage space, comfortable seating, and a standard panoramic moonroof, with excellent climate control performance during a heat wave.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a centre console featuring a shelf for drive mode controls and USB ports. The HR-V's fastback design reduced rear-seat headroom slightly, but cargo space remained competitive at 691 litres with the rear seats up and 1,559 litres with them folded. The second-generation HR-V lacked the Magic Seat but featured a 60/40 split rear seat with a nearly flat floor when folded. Passenger volume varied slightly between trims, with improved front legroom but reduced rear legroom compared to the previous model.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, offering smartphone-like gestures and Bluetooth functionality. However, the system was occasionally glitchy and slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display. The Advanced package included a 360-degree camera system and an advanced air cleaner. Keyless entry and a Harman-Kardon audio system were standard on higher trims, with USB ports for device charging.

The 2023 Honda HR-V's infotainment system featured a tablet-style touchscreen with physical knobs for power and volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across the lineup, with wireless versions available on the EX-L trim. The EX-L also offered a 9-inch display, a wireless charging pad, and an eight-speaker audio system. All HR-Vs included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, keyless entry, and remote start, with varying audio system configurations across trims.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping aid. Volvo's Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for highway driving assistance. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Honda HR-V included the Honda Sensing suite as standard, offering adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. New features for 2023 included traffic-sign recognition and traffic jam assist. The HR-V received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, though the NHTSA had not yet rated it.