2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2020 Acura MDX was a sleek and stylish crossover SUV, though its design was not particularly groundbreaking. It blended in well without drawing much attention, yet it maintained a respectable appearance. The MDX featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added a touch of sophistication to its front end. The headlights, with their five LED elements per side, flanked a trapezoidal grille that showcased a prominent Acura logo. The MDX's exterior was characterized by its low-slung, chiseled design, flawless paint, and chrome detailing.

Inside, the MDX offered a modern and simple aesthetic, avoiding the excessive padding and stitching found in many luxury interiors. The center stack was a highlight, featuring twin infotainment screens and a well-organized array of buttons and a command wheel. The high-quality materials and superior fit and finish gave the MDX a solid and well-built feel. Knobs and switches operated with precision, enhancing the overall sense of quality.

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was built on Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. This platform was shared with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles. The XC60's design was elegant and tailored, with short front and rear overhangs and crisp details that emphasized its agile form. The upright grille proudly displayed Volvo's iron mark logo, and the front headlights featured LED daytime running lights in the shape of Thor's hammer, a distinctive Swedish design element.

The XC60's paint quality, chrome, and trim were beautifully executed, and the large alloy wheels added to its fashionable appearance. Inside, the XC60's cabin exuded Scandinavian style with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was user-friendly, and the attention to detail in the HVAC vents and other interior elements elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status. The textures and colors throughout the cabin were harmonious and rewarding, making it a pleasant place to spend time.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options. The first was a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine with direct injection and variable valve timing, producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and offered a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The second option was the MDX Sport Hybrid, which combined a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine with three electric motors, delivering a combined system power of 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid model featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The gasoline-only MDX with Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system demonstrated good straight-line performance and nimble handling in corners. The SH-AWD system, with its torque-vectoring technology, enhanced cornering by directing power to the outside wheel, resulting in improved handling and stability. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, making it a suitable companion for long drives.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 models, with the addition of a supercharger, delivered 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 models, which were plug-in hybrids, combined the gasoline engine with an 87-horsepower electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered model further increased power to 415 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque.

The XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered, the most potent variant, offered impressive performance with its plug-in hybrid capabilities. It could drive up to 19 miles on electric power alone and seamlessly transitioned between electric and gasoline power. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring allowed it to handle corners with ease, and the cabin remained quiet and comfortable. The XC60's fuel economy ranged from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined for the T5 FWD to 27 mpg combined for the T8 PHEV and 57 MPGe combined in electric-only mode. Premium gasoline was recommended for all XC60 models.

The 2020 Acura MDX was designed with family functionality in mind. It featured sliding and reclining second-row seats, making it easier to access the third row and allowing for flexible legroom distribution. The MDX offered 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, which could be expanded to 43.4 cubic feet by folding the third row flat. Folding both the second and third rows created a 90.9-cubic-foot cargo hold with a flat load floor. Additional storage included a recessed cubby hole and a covered underfloor storage space.

Up front, the MDX provided ample storage with a large glove box, a drop-down sunglass pocket, and a flexible center console with cupholders and a sliding armrest. Second-row passengers had access to cupholders and seatback pouches, while third-row passengers had an outboard armrest with a storage bin and cup holder. The MDX also featured tri-zone climate control, ensuring comfort for all occupants.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and practicality. The front seats were highly adjustable and heated, making them ideal for cold weather. The heating system, rear glass heater, windshield defroster, washer, and wipers performed exceptionally well in winter conditions. The XC60's interior featured smart storage solutions in the center console, dashboard, and door panels. Second-row passengers had secure storage options in the seatbacks, lower center console, door panels, and center armrest.

The XC60 offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which could be expanded to 63.6 cubic feet by folding the rear seats flat. Each XC60 model was rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds, adding to its versatility.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with a range of technology features, organized into packages. The base model included Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SMS/MMS text message and email capability, a CD/MP3 player, five USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED puddle lights, parking sensors, navigation, GPS-linked climate control, remote engine start, and a premium audio system. The Advance Package included additional features such as an Active Damper System suspension, LED fog lights, heated and ventilated front seats, a surround-view camera system, and more. The Entertainment Package added a rear entertainment system with a large screen and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface. The system's portrait orientation and familiar gestures made it user-friendly for frequent iPad users. The Sensus system segmented the screen into function quadrants, allowing for easy navigation between audio, navigation, vehicle, and communication functions. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Volvo On Call app provided additional vehicle-specific functionality. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system in the XC60 delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with the AcuraWatch suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package included Head-Up Warning. Additional safety features included a rearview camera, front airbags, side airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag, stability control, Trailer Stability Assist, tire pressure monitoring, LATCH child-seat mounts, and a theft-deterrent system. The MDX received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 benefited from Volvo's commitment to safety. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, collision avoidance, low- and high-speed collision mitigation, vehicle/cyclist/large animal detection, driver alert control, run-off road protection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping aid, front, side, and curtain airbags, a whiplash protection system, slippery road/hazard light alert, rear park assist camera, power child locks, and care key. The XC60 also offered the Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system and a top speed restriction of 112 mph for safety.