2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2020 Acura RDX retained its striking design from the previous year, featuring a bold grille and sleek headlights that made it one of the most attractive vehicles in its class. The oversized logo on the grille, while initially amusing, blended well with the overall design. The RDX's exterior was further enhanced by its dynamic character lines, creating a sporty and aerodynamic appearance. Inside, the RDX impressed with its sharp styling and eye-catching red leather upholstery, which contrasted beautifully with the black interior. The cabin was well-equipped with standard features like synthetic leather upholstery, a power moonroof, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, offering a luxurious experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC60 showcased a sophisticated and elegant design, characterized by its tailored crossover shape and short overhangs. The upright grille proudly displayed Volvo's iron mark logo, while the Thor's hammer LED headlights added a distinct Swedish touch. The XC60's paint quality and chrome details were meticulously executed, and the large alloy wheels added to its fashionable appeal. Inside, the XC60's cabin exuded Scandinavian charm with clean lines and authentic materials. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a standout feature, offering a modern and intuitive interface. The attention to detail in the HVAC vents and harmonious textures throughout the cabin contributed to a serene and luxurious atmosphere.

The 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering an impressive 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided strong acceleration and a satisfying engine note, making it a joy to drive. The power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the option of front-wheel drive or Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD). The RDX offered various drive modes, including Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences. Despite its sporty performance, the RDX maintained a comfortable ride, making it a versatile choice for both city and highway driving. The A-Spec model with SH-AWD achieved an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city, 27 highway, and 24 combined, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the T5 model, which featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 model, a plug-in hybrid, combined a gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered variant further increased power to 415 horsepower. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided excellent handling, while the cabin remained quiet and comfortable. The T8 PHEV offered an electric-only range of up to 19 miles and achieved an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined, with 57 MPGe in electric mode.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats, providing ample head- and legroom. The second row also provided good headroom and decent legroom, making it suitable for passengers. The RDX featured practical storage solutions, including large water bottle holders in the front doors and a pass-through cargo tray beneath the shifter console. The cargo area offered 29.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down, providing ample room for luggage and gear.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 excelled in providing a comfortable and functional interior, with highly adjustable front seats that were praised for their comfort. The heating system performed admirably in cold conditions, and the heated seats and defrosters quickly tackled ice and snow. The XC60's cabin featured smart storage solutions, including secure storage in the center console, dashboard, and door panels. The second row offered additional storage options, and the controls were intuitive and glove-friendly. The XC60 provided 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system, while visually appealing, was hindered by its True Touchpad Interface, which proved challenging to use. The touchpad's lack of scrolling functionality made it difficult to navigate, detracting from the overall experience. Despite this, the RDX came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. The Technology Package added navigation and an ELS premium audio system, while the A-Spec model featured the impressive ELS Studio 3D sound system with 16 speakers.

The 2021 Volvo XC60's Sensus infotainment system featured a tablet-style touchpad interface, which was intuitive for users familiar with swipe and pinch gestures. The portrait-oriented screen divided functions into quadrants, allowing for easy navigation. Smartphone integration was seamless, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot included. The XC60's Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system delivered exceptional sound quality, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2020 Acura RDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, a rear-view camera, and a range of driver-assistance technologies such as lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic monitoring, while the Advance Package included a 360-degree surround-view camera. The RDX received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety, featuring a wide array of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance, and lane-keeping aid. The XC60 also offered Volvo's semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system, which integrated adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The XC60 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA for certain models. Volvo's dedication to safety was further exemplified by the XC60's top speed restriction of 112 mph.