2019 Acura RDX vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2019 Acura RDX showcased a bold new exterior design, drawing inspiration from its larger sibling, the Acura MDX. The front end featured angular headlights and a broad grille, a significant improvement from the previous "shield" grille. The RDX's upright layout promised more cabin space, and the A-Spec trim added dark accents reminiscent of the Porsche Macan. Inside, the RDX boasted soft-touch surfaces, unique stitching, and brushed aluminum accents, although the latter could be blinding in sunlight. The redesigned center console housed Acura’s unique shifter and the True Touchpad infotainment system. Standard features included 19-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, a power liftgate, and a panoramic moonroof, with additional luxury and tech options available in higher trims.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 represented a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as elegant as a sedan. The R-Design trim featured a blacked-out grille, aggressive spoilers, and 22-inch rims, complemented by "Thor's hammer" LED headlights. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint added a unique touch, contrasting beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior. The XC90's cabin was a testament to Volvo's craftsmanship, with options for wool fabric seats and matte wood trim. The seats offered exceptional comfort and support, with power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage. The XC90's interior was filled with thoughtful details, like the Swedish flag tag and a twist-action ignition knob, emphasizing simplicity and quality.

The 2019 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel drive or Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The SH-AWD system could divert up to 70% of torque to the rear wheels, enhancing performance in various driving conditions. The RDX offered a sporty ride with agile cornering, thanks to its Integrated Dynamics System, which allowed drivers to switch between Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport+ modes. Fuel economy for the RDX was respectable, with the AWD version achieving 21 mpg city, 27 highway, and 23 combined.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower, while the T6 added a supercharger for 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Polestar tune further boosted the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. Despite these figures, the XC90's performance was not as linear or refined as some competitors. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but its added weight diminished the expected speed advantage. Fuel economy for the T6 AWD was rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, with the T8 achieving 27 mpg combined once the battery was depleted.

The 2019 Acura RDX provided 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The interior was spacious, offering ample head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The RDX featured numerous storage options, including a floating center stack with a tray and power ports, a center console with a cupholder tray, and door pockets for water bottles.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous versions, though it relied heavily on the touchscreen for climate and seat controls. The cabin layout was exceptional, with standard seven-seat configuration and an optional integrated booster cushion for children. The XC90 offered generous legroom in the first and second rows, while the third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was impressive, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2019 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad infotainment system, which replaced the previous two-screen setup. While the high-definition screen was visually appealing, the touchpad interface had a steep learning curve, making simple tasks like changing radio stations cumbersome. Apple CarPlay integration was available, but navigating within CarPlay required moving a highlighted icon around the screen.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system that combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim included a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, offering an immersive audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors.

The 2019 Acura RDX came equipped with a reversing camera, tire pressure monitoring, traction control, and a full array of airbags. The AcuraWatch suite included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Technology Package added parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, while the Advance trim featured a head-up warning system.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight test results lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and innovative systems like whiplash protection and curtain airbags.