2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Acura RDX maintained 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 characterized by a dynamic upper character line that swooped from the windshield to the rear hatch, creating a sporty spoiler-like 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, heated front seats, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. The RDX offered three packages: Technology, A-Spec, and Advance, each adding unique features and enhancements.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a successful design evolution for Volvo, maintaining its traditional boxy profile while incorporating softer lines and more chrome accents. The LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights added a distinctive touch. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most luxurious, while the R-Design offered a sportier look. The XC90's interior embraced Swedish minimalism, featuring high-quality materials and a clean design. The matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery added a unique touch. The cabin was spacious, with a panoramic moonroof enhancing the airy feel. The XC90's design was both elegant and functional, offering a refined driving experience.

The 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided impressive acceleration and a satisfying engine note. The power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, with options for front-wheel drive or Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD). The RDX featured an Integrated Dynamics System with Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. The RDX achieved an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city, 27 highway, and 24 combined, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg. The RDX excelled in both performance and comfort, offering a balanced driving experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 engine produced 250 horsepower, while the T6 added supercharging for 316 horsepower. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric motors for a total of 400 horsepower. The XC90's powertrains provided adequate performance, but the small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' larger engines. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, with an optional air-suspension system ensuring a smooth ride. The XC90's towing capacity was respectable, with most models rated at 5,000 pounds.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats, providing ample head- and legroom. The second row also offered good headroom and decent legroom. The RDX featured practical storage solutions, including large door pockets and a pass-through cargo tray. The cargo area provided 29.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The load floor was easily accessible, with a hidden cargo area beneath a liftable panel.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom across all three rows. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The XC90's interior felt spacious, thanks to a power moonroof and upright roof profile. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, but storage space was limited. The XC90 offered 11.2 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The hands-free power tailgate added convenience.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, with a touchpad interface that was difficult to use. The system included a 10.2-inch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 9-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation and an ELS premium audio system, while the A-Spec featured an ELS Studio 3D system with 16 speakers. The Advance Package included a head-up display.

The 2021 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was user-friendly, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The system was intuitive, with a tablet-like interface. The XC90 offered a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display. The lack of physical buttons was not an issue, as the touchscreen was easy to use. However, the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones.

The 2020 Acura RDX came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, LATCH systems, and a rear-view camera. It also offered driver-assistance features like lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Technology Package added parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, while the Advance Package included a 360-degree camera. The RDX received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Volvo's Pilot Assist system combined adaptive cruise control with lane centering, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. However, the system was not a substitute for attentive driving.