2020 GMC Acadia vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2020 GMC Acadia was positioned as a premium brand, intended to be nicer than Chevys but not as luxurious as Cadillacs. Built on the same platform as the Cadillac XT5, the Acadia shared powertrains and assembly origins with its more upscale sibling. The Acadia Denali, with its all-wheel drive, Satin Steel Metallic paint, and Technology Package, aimed to convey upscale aspirations through its squared-off headlights, boxier grille, and intricate detailing. Inside, the cabin featured new electronic transmission shift switches, a redesigned center console, and real open-pore wood trim for Denali models. However, despite the leather upholstery and wood trim, the interior still contained a mix of soft surfaces and hard plastic panels, lacking the premium feel expected in a luxury SUV.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 successfully reshaped Volvo’s image with its current-generation design, adding character while maintaining recognizable Volvo features. The XC90’s design included a boxy profile, a blunt front end with a rectangular grille, and distinctive LED headlights with “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights. The Inscription trim level, with extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more basic looks, respectively. The XC90 shared Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other "90" and "60" series models. Inside, the XC90 embraced Swedish minimalism with thoughtfully arranged, nice-looking materials, matte-finish wood trim, and unique options like wool upholstery. The Orrefors crystal shifter added a high-end touch to the otherwise restrained interior.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered three engine options: a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder for lower trims, a 230-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder for the SLT, and a 310-hp 3.6-liter V6 for the AT4 and Denali variants. All engines were paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) available, except for the AT4, which had a standard dual-clutch AWD system. The V6 and nine-speed automatic provided smooth, refined power and up to 4,000 pounds of towing capacity. The test vehicle averaged 20.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 21 mpg. The Acadia’s ride and handling were finely tuned, offering a balanced driving experience, though it lacked memorable driving character.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured three powertrains based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 had a turbocharged engine producing 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the T6 added supercharging for 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. The T5 came with FWD, with AWD optional, while AWD was standard on the T6 and T8. Despite the power, the small engine struggled with flexibility, and the XC90 often required the gasoline engine to assist at low speeds. The XC90 offered three drive modes—Pure, Hybrid, and Power—but Pure mode was limited to low speeds. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, with an optional air-suspension system and a quiet cabin. Most models had a 5,000-pound towing capacity, except for the base FWD T5, rated at 4,000 pounds.

The 2020 GMC Acadia could seat five, six, or seven passengers, with the Denali trim offering six-passenger seating via second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were wide, supportive, and perfect for road trips, with heating and ventilation. The second-row captain’s chairs were also comfortable, with air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a household-style power outlet. The third-row seat was roomier than expected, though the distance to the back of the SUV was limited. Interior storage improved with new electronic transmission controls and a reconfigured center console. Cargo volume was 12.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 79 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Headroom and legroom were average, with the third row being tight for adults. The seats in the second and third rows lacked support. An optional power moonroof and standard four-zone climate control enhanced the spacious feel. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, though the steering wheel was not power-adjustable. Storage space was limited, with a shallow center console bin. Cargo space 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, near the bottom of the segment.

The 2020 GMC Acadia included essential infotainment features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and GMC Connected Services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen had a higher resolution, simplified user experience, and improved voice recognition. The test vehicle’s navigation and Bose premium sound system performed well, though voice recognition sometimes required multiple attempts. The infotainment system was user-friendly, and additional technology upgrades included new USB-C ports, a more powerful wireless charging pad, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror providing an unobstructed wide-angle view.

The 2021 Volvo XC90’s Sensus infotainment system featured a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Standard USB ports included two front USB-A and two rear USB-C ports. Optional features included a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and a head-up display. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was easy to use, with minimal analog controls. However, the text and typeface made reading menus difficult while driving, and the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones. The lack of front USB-C ports was also a drawback.

The 2020 GMC Acadia came with standard safety features like a rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology. Standard GMC Connected Services included automatic collision notification and SOS emergency calling, though the free trial period was short. The base Acadia SL and up had a standard blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning system. Forward collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking were available on SLT or AT4 trims, part of a Driver Alert Package that also included lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, pedestrian braking, parking sensors, automatic high-beam headlights, and a head-up display. The enhanced automatic emergency braking system was exclusive to the Denali. The NHTSA gave the Acadia 5-star ratings in most assessments and a 4-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS provided incomplete data, with high marks in available tests.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top “Good” scores in all crash tests and a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle testing. The NHTSA gave all XC90 models a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered more standard safety features than most competitors, 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, though it struggled with highway curves.