2024 Cadillac LYRIQ vs 2025 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a striking vehicle with a design that commanded attention. Its exterior styling was reminiscent of a long sedan, despite being an SUV, with a long hood and low ground clearance. The vertical light bars and LED headlights added a modern touch, while the grille and lighting effects enhanced its unique style. The interior was crafted with attention to detail, featuring leather-wrapped seats, polished controls, and a sweeping 33-inch OLED display. However, the floating center console was a design misstep, offering little functionality.

In contrast, the 2025 Volvo XC90 maintained its timeless elegance with a refreshed design that retained its classic elements. The updated "Thor’s Hammer" headlights and modernized grille added sophistication to its appearance. The interior was understated yet well-appointed, with a new center console layout that improved practicality. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a larger touchscreen and fewer taps required to access key functions. The XC90's interior materials were rich and offered a choice of premium options, including a new herringbone weave textile made from recycled polyester.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ offered a calm and poised driving experience, excelling on the interstate with its impressive 500 horsepower from dual motors. However, its handling was hindered by its weight, leading to understeer and uninspiring steering feel. The regenerative braking was a welcome feature, but the lack of handling-enhancing technologies was noticeable. The LYRIQ's range was slightly below expectations, and its charging capabilities were not as efficient as claimed.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 provided a choice of three powertrains, all with standard AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B5 mild hybrid offered 247 horsepower, while the B6 added turbo- and e-supercharging for 295 horsepower. The T8 plug-in hybrid delivered an impressive 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, with up to 33 miles of pure-electric range. The XC90's suspension updates, including Frequency Selective Damping, improved ride comfort and stability, making it a more user-friendly option.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges with functionality, as misaligned rear fenders and a problematic charging port detracted from its appeal. The interior space was generous, but the cargo hold was smaller than expected for a midsize SUV. The floating console and touchscreen controls were not as intuitive as they could have been, and some physical components seemed poorly integrated.

The 2025 Volvo XC90's new center console layout improved practicality, with a repositioned wireless charging pad and better small-item storage. The interior space was competitive for a midsize three-row SUV, with ample headroom and legroom in the first two rows. The third row was tighter but still offered a decent amount of space compared to its competitors. The XC90's interior was thoughtfully designed, with standard USB-C charge ports and a panoramic roof enhancing the overall experience.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ featured a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering a high-quality display and intuitive menus. The Super Cruise system was a standout feature, providing excellent hands-free driving capabilities. The 19-speaker AKG stereo delivered impressive sound quality, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2025 Volvo XC90's infotainment system was larger and offered sharper resolution, with a new user interface that emphasized ease of use. The Android-based system included Google Built-In and Apple CarPlay connectivity, ensuring compatibility with various devices. The optional 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system provided exceptional sound quality, with multiple listening modes to suit different preferences.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered standard safety features such as forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 had not been crash-tested either, but its predecessors earned top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA. The XC90 included standard advanced driver-assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping aid. While it lacked a hands-free highway-driving system, its safety features operated smoothly and effectively.