Compare the2023 Volvo XC90VS 2023 BMW iX

For enhanced safety, the front and second-row seat shoulder belts of the Volvo XC90 have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The BMW iX doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

For enhanced safety, the front and middle seat shoulder belts of the Volvo XC90 are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW iX doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

The Volvo XC90 offers an optional built in child booster seat. It’s more crash worthy than an added child seat because of its direct attachment to the seat. BMW doesn’t offer the convenience and security of a built-in child booster seat in the iX. Their owners must carry a heavy booster seat in and out of the vehicle; XC90 owners can just fold their built-in child seat up or down.

Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the XC90 deploy with different levels of force or don’t deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The XC90’s side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The iX’s side airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

Both the XC90 and the iX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

For its performance in IIHS driver-side and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, updated side impact, headlight, daytime pedestrian crash prevention, and nighttime pedestrian crash prevention testing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the XC90 its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2023, a rating granted to only 29 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The iX has not been tested, yet.

The XC90 T8’s maximum EPA estimated range on a full tank and a full charge is 562 miles, after which it can be refueled at any gas station in minutes. The iX’s range is only 274 to 324 miles, after which the minimum time to recharge is 35 minutes for only an 80% charge at a specially configured quick charge station not available in most areas. A full recharge using a conventional 110-volt outlet can take up to 33 hours.

For better stopping power the XC90 T8 Plus’ front brake rotors are larger than those on the iX:

The XC90 stops shorter than the iX:

The XC90’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the iX’s standard 60 series tires. The XC90’s optional tires have a lower 35 series profile than the iX’s optional 40 series tires.

The XC90 has a standard space-saver spare (not available on Recharge) so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the iX; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The XC90 B6 Core handles at .85 G’s, while the iX xDrive50 pulls only .83 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the XC90’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the iX M60’s (39.7 feet vs. 40.4 feet). The XC90’s turning circle is 3.1 feet tighter than the iX xDrive50’s (39.7 feet vs. 42.8 feet).

For greater off-road capability the XC90 w/Air Suspension has a 1.1 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the iX (9.9 vs. 8.8 inches), allowing the XC90 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Volvo XC90 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 650 to 1050 pounds less than the BMW iX.

The XC90 has standard seating for 7 passengers; the iX can only carry 5.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the XC90’s middle row seats recline. The iX’s rear seats don’t recline.

The front step up height for the XC90 is 1.6 inches lower than the iX (15.8” vs. 17.4”). The XC90’s rear step up height is 1.3 inches lower than the iX’s (16” vs. 17.3”).

The XC90’s cargo area provides more volume than the iX.

The XC90’s cargo area is larger than the iX’s in every dimension:

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the XC90. The iX doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Standard Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) on the XC90 uses the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The iX doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The XC90 has a much higher standard payload capacity than the iX (1210 vs. 1003 lbs.).

The XC90 has a higher maximum payload capacity than the iX (1210 vs. 1054 lbs.).

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the iX, the XC90 Ultimate has a passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the XC90 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The iX doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the XC90 has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the iX only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The XC90 offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The iX doesn’t offer headlight washers.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the XC90 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The iX doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The XC90 has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The iX doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The Car Book by Jack Gillis recommends the Volvo XC90, based on economy, maintenance, safety and complaint levels.

Motor Trend selected the XC90 as their 2016 Sport Utility of the Year. The iX has never been chosen.

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the XC90 as the 2016 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. The iX has never been chosen.

The Volvo XC90 outsold the BMW iX by over six to one during 2022.