2025 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in three model series: B5, B6, and Recharge T8. The B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance. The Recharge T8, a plug-in hybrid, offered the most power and efficiency, with an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. All models came standard with all-wheel drive. The XC90 was offered in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding the destination charge. The Recharge T8 test vehicle, in Ultimate trim, featured seven-passenger seating, a Lounge Package with massaging front seats, an active air suspension, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch, with an MSRP of $89,145. The XC90's exterior was characterized by a subdued, earthy color palette, and the interior, though dated, was adorned with rich materials and offered customization options for paint, wheels, and upholstery.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S hardtop, encountered as a rental in Honolulu, was a black-on-black model with dark gray wheels. Despite the heat-sink color combination, the Wrangler's appeal lay in its ability to embrace the Hawaiian environment with open windows and removed overhead panels. Jeep offered the Wrangler in various trims, including Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, Rubicon X, and Rubicon 392, with the latter boasting a 470-horsepower 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine. The Wrangler's price ranged from $34,685 to $63,995, including the destination charge. The Sport S model featured a few options, such as a black hardtop, Convenience Group, and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with an MSRP of $49,175. The Wrangler's interior was functional, with a focus on utility, and its design evoked themes of American freedom, rooted in its military vehicle heritage.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with the B6 model's supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Recharge T8 offered 32 miles of electric-only driving in Pure mode, with an average of 27 mpg in hybrid mode. In Power mode, the SUV could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds. Recharging the battery took about 12 hours with a standard outlet, or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 featured various driving modes, including Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. However, the XC90's electric performance waned as the battery approached its minimum charge, and the SUV's handling was not particularly thrilling, with a firm ride and some cabin noise.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The latter produced 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, offering marginally better fuel efficiency with an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. During testing in Hawaii, the Wrangler averaged 19.2 mpg. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and narrow width made it well-suited for the island's terrain. However, the ride was rough, and the steering was slow and disconnected. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were notable, but its on-road handling and safety ratings, including a three-star rollover resistance rating, were less impressive.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, was well-equipped with features like power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims offered additional amenities such as a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The XC90's seating for seven, or six with captain's chairs, provided comfort, though access to the third row was tight for adults. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, but folding it down increased capacity to 65.5 cubic feet, and with the second row down, it offered 85.7 cubic feet.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The Sport S trim's cloth upholstery was comfortable, and the Convenience Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Wrangler seated five, but four passengers were more comfortable, with adequate rear-seat legroom. Storage space was limited, with small items often ending up in cupholders. Accessing the cargo area required opening the tailgate and lifting the rear window, with a 31.7 cubic-foot cargo hold that expanded to 72.4 cubic feet with the back seat folded.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with premium sound system options available. The system was intuitive, though the 9-inch screen was small by modern standards. The XC90 also included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio preparation. The Sport S model had an eight-speaker stereo, with a nine-speaker Alpine system optional. Jeep Connect offered additional features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and GPS Trail Logs. The touchscreen was bright and easy to use, even with the roof panels removed. The Convenience Group added a 7-inch digital display and other features like passive entry and remote engine start.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was known for its safety, with a five-star NHTSA rating in most assessments and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS in 2023. However, its advanced driving assistance systems were not particularly innovative, with features like Pilot Assist, which paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. Pilot Assist had some issues, such as struggling with curves and lane markings, and made a significant error during testing.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler added side curtain airbags as standard equipment, but most advanced driver assistance systems were optional. The Wrangler had a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated it Good for side-impact protection but Marginal for small overlap frontal-impact tests.