2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2020 Buick Encore GX

The 2020 Buick Encore GX was slightly larger than its predecessor, the Encore, in nearly every dimension. It was 2.7 inches longer, 1.3 inches wider, and 1.8 inches taller, with a 1.6-inch longer wheelbase and a wider front and rear track. Buick invested considerable effort into revising the exterior styling of the GX, featuring a larger grille, updated headlights and taillights, and a completely reworked rear end. This gave the Encore GX a more mature and complete appearance compared to the stubby, notchy look of the Encore.

Inside, the Encore GX's cabin mirrored the exterior's mature styling. While it initially appeared similar to the smaller Encore, closer inspection revealed a high level of care, style, and fit and finish. Though not as upscale as the Mazda CX-30, it felt more refined than the Hyundai Kona. The trim levels—Preferred, Select, and Essence—offered various features, with the Essence trim adding unique chrome accents, leather seating, and a 120-volt power outlet. The ST package on the Essence trim added sporty elements like a unique grille and 18-inch wheels.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 successfully reshaped Volvo's image with its design, maintaining traditional styling features like a boxy profile and a blunt front end with a rectangular grille. However, the details made the difference, with softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, our test model, was the flashiest with extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels. The R-Design trim aimed for a sportier look, while the base Momentum trim was more understated.

The XC90's interior embodied "Swedish minimalism," offering nice-looking materials thoughtfully arranged. The matte-finish wood trim had a natural appearance, and the wool upholstery option was unique. Our test car featured an Orrefors crystal shifter, adding a high-end touch to the otherwise restrained interior. The XC90's cabin was impressively quiet, with excellent ride quality aided by an optional air-suspension system. The XC90 also had a respectable 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity, making it versatile for various needs.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX came standard with a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) in a front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup. Our test model featured the optional 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque through a CVT to the front wheels. This engine was standard with the all-wheel-drive (AWD) option, which used a nine-speed automatic transmission but reduced torque to 162 lb-ft.

The 1.3-liter engine provided solid power for its size, though it was never brisk. The three-cylinder engine's inherent roughness was noticeable, especially as the nine-speed automatic searched for the most efficient gear. Despite occasional vibrations, the overall driving experience was smooth, with responsive steering and a well-weighted suspension that absorbed bumps nicely. The Encore GX handled confidently at higher speeds, maintaining composure around corners, which was a pleasant surprise for a vehicle in this class.

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 base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 engine added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid (Recharge) combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque.

While the T8's 400 hp was impressive, the small engine struggled to provide flexibility compared to six-cylinder or V8 engines in competitor SUVs. The XC90 Recharge often required the gasoline engine to assist even at low speeds, making it challenging to balance efficiency and power. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, with an optional air-suspension system providing a smooth experience. The cabin remained quiet, and the XC90's handling kept body roll in check through corners. The XC90 also had a 5,000-pound towing capacity, suitable for various needs.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX offered increased space in the rear seats and cargo area compared to the standard Encore. The rear doors were larger, and rear seat legroom and headroom were improved. With the rear seats up, the Encore GX provided 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. This was more than the standard Encore and comparable to other SUVs like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30.

The Encore GX's interior featured practical storage solutions, including deep in-door cubbies and large cup holders. The center console compartment was deep, and the space created by moving the shift column was useful for everyday driving. The rear load floor could be adjusted to open up more space, and the rear seats could be folded down without moving the front seats. The Encore GX comfortably accommodated three full-size golf bags and their owners during our test.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Headroom and legroom in all three rows were average for the segment, with the third row being tight for adults. The seats in the second and third rows felt hard and lacked support. An optional power moonroof extended across the first two rows, enhancing the spacious feel. Standard four-zone climate control could be upgraded with a filtration system for improved air quality.

Up front, the Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Storage space was limited, with a shallow center console storage bin and few options on the console itself. 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, which was near the bottom of the segment. The XC90 did offer a hands-free power tailgate for convenience.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX came standard with GM’s latest touchscreen infotainment system, featuring a crisp and responsive interface. The system allowed for customization of the main menu and included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Options included a wireless charging pad, navigation, and a rear camera mirror. Our test car featured a head-up display (HUD) projected via a small plastic display from the dash, which was a cost-effective solution but felt clunky.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which emphasized simplicity and functionality. The XC90 came standard with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was easy to use, allowing for tablet-like swiping across menus. However, the text and typeface made reading some menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad added for 2021 was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX came standard with forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian detection, and a following distance indicator. It also included the Teen Driver System, allowing for speed and volume limitations on a secondary set of keys. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring with lane change alert and rear cross-traffic alert. Our test model featured a surround-view camera system with high-quality cameras and a clear display, enhancing parking and maneuvering.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for non-hybrid models, with top scores in all crash tests and high ratings for front-crash prevention tech. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave all 2021 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.