2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, which saw its debut following a mid-cycle refresh in 2017, retained its visual and dimensional similarities to the gasoline-powered CR-V. Measurements for length, width, and height remained the same at 182.1, 73.0, and 66.5 inches, respectively. The hybrid Touring model included 19-inch alloy wheels identical to its gasoline counterpart. Interior design also remained consistent, with features like the dash, multi-function center console, 7-inch infotainment screen, and steering-wheel-mounted functions remaining unchanged.

However, there were subtle exterior differences. The hybrid variant was distinguishable by blue-outlined Honda emblems and “Hybrid” badging on the A-pillars and tailgate, along with a hidden exhaust in the rear lower bumper. Higher trims included LED fog lights, absent in gasoline models. Inside, a push-button gear selector replaced the traditional gear shifter, aligning with Honda’s other hybrids. The new paddle shifters allowed for brake regeneration adjustments rather than shifting gears. Though the instrument panel remained the same, it now displayed information about the new driving modes - Normal, EV, Econ, and Sport.

Contrastingly, the 2021 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the automaker's ability to reshape its image through smart design. Since its debut in 2016, Volvo managed to inject character into the XC90 while holding onto traditional traits like a boxy profile and a blunt front end with a rectangular grille. By incorporating softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights, the XC90 stood out without sacrificing its Volvo identity.

The XC90 Inscription test car, the flashiest of the trims, featured extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels. The sporty R-Design trim gained a new gloss-black grille surround for 2021, while the base Momentum trim sported new 19-inch wheels. Built on Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), the XC90 shared this platform with several other Volvo models, ensuring a family resemblance across the lineup.

Inside, the XC90 epitomized “Swedish minimalism.” It offered premium materials in a well-thought-out arrangement. Matte-finish wood trim provided an authentic look, and unique options like wool upholstery added a touch of bespoke luxury. The Orrefors crystal shifter in the Inscription model was a high-end touch that, while lavish, seemed slightly out of place amidst the otherwise understated design.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid came equipped with a robust two-motor hybrid system powertrain standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). It integrated a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric generator/starter motor and a propulsion motor, eliminating the need for a traditional automatic or continuously variable transmission. The system produced a combined 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque, outperforming the gasoline variant's 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque.

Fuel economy saw a significant improvement as well, with the hybrid achieving an EPA-rated 40 mpg city, 35 highway, and 38 combined, compared to the gasoline model's 27/32/29 mpg. Despite ranking third among hybrid competitors like the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4, actual driving in Tucson, Arizona delivered impressive results of nearly 41 mpg over a 65-mile city route.

However, the system’s limited EV mode functionality, operational for barely a mile, often switched out, rendering it almost impractical for anything beyond parking maneuvers. While the sporty drive mode enhanced the hybrid’s throttle and torque responses, it lacked the additional driving options found in competitor models.

In comparison, the 2021 Volvo XC90 featured three powertrain options, all centered around a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model, with a turbocharged engine, delivered 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model, utilizing both turbocharging and supercharging, boosted output to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assists, producing an impressive 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque.

While this power was sufficient for the SUV’s size, the small engine struggled to match the flexibility of rivals' six-cylinder or V8 engines. The T8, similar to other plug-in hybrids, forced drivers to choose between efficiency and power through its three drive modes—Pure, Hybrid, and Power. Pure mode, intended for all-electric driving, was challenging to maintain as the gasoline engine engaged frequently.

The XC90 excelled in terms of ride quality and old-school luxury, aided by an optional air suspension system that smoothed out road imperfections while minimizing body roll during cornering. It boasted a quiet cabin, limiting noise intrusion to air conditioning and seat ventilation on hot days. Capacities for towing were competitive, with most XC90 models pulling 5,000 pounds, reaching up to 4,000 pounds for the base T5 FWD model.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a practical yet compromised cargo capacity due to the battery pack placement beneath the cargo floor. It provided 33.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expandable to 68.7 cubic feet when folded flat, compared to the non-hybrid’s 39.2 and 75.8 cubic feet respectively. Despite this sacrifice, it still delivered more cargo volume than the Ford Escape Hybrid, while the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid edged it out slightly.

Regarding passenger space, the CR-V Hybrid surpassed competitors in front headroom and rear legroom, ensuring comfort despite cargo compromises. It also featured a configurable center console bin with a sliding cover, but the overly eager armrest adjustability posed a minor inconvenience.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC90, available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, balanced luxury with practicality. Though headroom and legroom were average, third-row space remained tight for adults, and the seats' firmness detracted from long-ride comfort. The airy feel afforded by the power moonroof and the upright roof profile somewhat mitigated these drawbacks.

Storage was limited, with a shallow center console bin and scant console options. Cargo space in the T8 Recharge model measured 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, expandable to 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats down, and 64.1 cubic feet with second and third rows folded—placing it near the bottom of the segment. Nonetheless, it compensated with a hands-free power tailgate for ease of access.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid addressed tech and infotainment needs adequately. Standard features included Bluetooth connectivity, Pandora compatibility, and one 1.0-amp USB port. Higher trims offered enhancements beginning with the EX, which added a 7-inch touchscreen display, Honda Link, smartphone integration, SiriusXM, HD radio, and multiple USB ports. The top-tier Touring trim included navigation, wireless charging, and a 330-watt premium audio system.

Despite these features, the CR-V’s system was hindered by cumbersome navigation through information and driver-assistance menus, which could be distracting. For example, disabling the automatic beep required multiple steps buried deep in the settings.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the intuitive and efficient Sensus infotainment system. Standard offerings included a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Additional tech features such as a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display (HUD) were available.

The portrait-oriented touchscreen offered simple, tablet-like navigation through menus, aligning with Volvo’s minimalist interior design. However, the text size and typeface occasionally made reading menus while driving challenging. The wireless charging pad added in 2021 was undersized for many phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports could inconvenience drivers with newer devices.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid garnered high safety marks, earning a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a 5-Star Safety Rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features under the Honda Sensing suite included automatic braking, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, automatic high beams, and a multi-angle rearview camera. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the EX trim onward.

Similarly, the 2021 XC90 achieved the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS, although this only applied to non-hybrid models, as the T8 hybrid version had not been rated. The non-hybrid XC90 models earned top scores in all IIHS crash tests and high marks for front-crash prevention.

The NHTSA awarded all XC90 models a five-star rating overall, with specific marks in various categories. Standard safety features were abundant, 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—a combination of adaptive cruise control and lane centering that stood out for its smoothness and quick responsiveness, though it was not perfect on curvier roads.