2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Volvo XC90

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 sophisticated appearance. Acura's Jewel Eye LED headlights added a touch of luxury to the front, with five LED elements per side arranged horizontally. The MDX's exterior featured a trapezoidal grille with a prominent Acura logo, chiseled details, and a fast roofline, all contributing to its sleek look. Inside, the MDX offered a modern and simple design, highlighted by twin infotainment screens and high-quality materials that provided a solid and well-built feel.

The 2021 Volvo XC90, on the other hand, successfully reshaped Volvo's image with its design. While retaining Volvo's traditional boxy profile and rectangular grille, the XC90 introduced softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim level added extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, making it the flashiest of the XC90 trims. Inside, the XC90 embraced Swedish minimalism with thoughtfully arranged, high-quality materials, including matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery. The Orrefors crystal shifter added a touch of luxury to the otherwise restrained interior.

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 model with a 3.0-liter V6 engine and three electric motors, delivering a combined 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The gasoline-only model with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system provided good straight-line performance and nimble handling, thanks to torque-vectoring technology. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension ensured a comfortable ride, making it a reliable companion for long drives.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured three powertrains based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model had a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 model added supercharging for a total of 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. The XC90 offered a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, depending on the model. While the XC90 excelled in luxury and ride quality, its small engine struggled to provide consistent power, especially in the plug-in hybrid model. The XC90's air-suspension system and quiet cabin added to its old-school luxury appeal.

The 2020 Acura MDX provided practical features for families, including 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, expanding to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 90.9 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The MDX also featured a flexible center console, multiple storage compartments, and tri-zone climate control, making it a versatile and stylish alternative to a minivan.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with headroom and legroom in all three rows being average for the segment. The third-row seats were tight for adults, and the seats in both the second and third rows lacked support. The XC90's upright roof profile and optional power moonroof gave the interior a spacious feel. The Inscription trim level offered 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but storage space was limited. Cargo space for the T8 Recharge model was 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The XC90 also featured a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with a range of standard tech features, including 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 features like rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED puddle lights, navigation, GPS-linked climate control, and a premium audio system. The Advance Package included additional tech features such as a surround-view camera system, heated and ventilated front seats, and two third-row USB charge ports. The Entertainment Package offered a rear entertainment system with a 16.2-inch screen and HDMI compatibility.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen that allowed for easy navigation. The XC90 also offered a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and a head-up display. However, the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with standard AcuraWatch, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package included Head-Up Warning. The MDX also featured a rearview camera, front airbags, side curtain airbags, stability control, Trailer Stability Assist, tire pressure monitoring, LATCH child-seat mounts, and a theft-deterrent system. The MDX received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in all crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. The NHTSA gave all XC90 models a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, providing smooth and quick reactions to other vehicles.