2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2020 Acura MDX presented itself as a well-designed crossover SUV, though its styling was not particularly groundbreaking or attention-grabbing. It blended seamlessly into its surroundings, neither embarrassing nor overly impressing its driver. The MDX featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added a touch of sophistication to its front end. These headlights, with their five LED elements per side, flanked a trapezoidal grille, creating an expressive face. The MDX's exterior was sleek and low-slung for a three-row SUV, with chiseled details and a fast roofline. Inside, the MDX offered a modern and simple design, highlighted by twin infotainment screens and a high-quality fit and finish that gave it a solid and well-built feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC40 embraced a more traditional SUV styling with its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch. It fit well within the Volvo lineup, featuring familiar design elements like the "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The XC40 Recharge variant distinguished itself with a blanked-off grille and model-specific alloy wheels. The interior of the XC40 was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery. The design was coherent, with elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents blending seamlessly. Volvo's approach to interior design in the XC40 was more about quality and coherence than meeting a specific price point.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a Sport Hybrid version with a 3.0-liter V6 and three electric motors, delivering a combined 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The MDX demonstrated good straight-line performance and nimble handling, especially with the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which used torque-vectoring technology to enhance cornering. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, making it a suitable choice for long drives.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower for the FWD T4 and 248 horsepower for the AWD T5. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for a combined 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. The Recharge could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, while the T5 and T4 took 6.1 and 8.1 seconds, respectively. The XC40 emphasized comfort and quietness over speed, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads. The Recharge also offered one-pedal driving and a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2020 Acura MDX provided practical features for families, with sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row. It offered 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 90.9 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The MDX included various storage solutions, such as a big glove box, a flexible center console, and door panel pockets. It also featured tri-zone climate control for personalized comfort.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, while not particularly spacious, offered clever storage solutions to compensate for its limited interior space. The center console included a removable trash bin, and the glovebox door had a built-in bag hook. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. The storage cubby ahead of the shifter was designed to hold a phone securely. However, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options. Despite its compact size, the XC40's interior was thoughtfully designed for practicality.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with a range of technology features, with trim levels simplified into packages. The base model included Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added features like rain-sensing wipers, navigation, and a premium audio system. The Advance Package included additional tech features such as a surround-view camera and heated seats. The Entertainment Package offered a rear entertainment system with a large screen and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge model also offered OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. The XC40 lacked a start button, relying on the key fob for operation. The Polestar 2's Digital Key feature was expected to be available for the XC40 in the future.

The 2020 Acura MDX came standard with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring, while the Advance Package included a Head-Up Warning. The MDX featured a sophisticated body design for crash protection and received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring. The Recharge model featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, allowing for future advancements in driver aids. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in the XC40's design and features.