2020 Honda CR-V vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth-generation compact crossover lineup, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling, with curvy and car-like lines, bore a family resemblance to Honda's sedans, giving it a station wagon-like appearance rather than a traditional SUV look. This design approach made the CR-V a modern family transportation staple. However, the interior was a mix of textures and materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery clashing with lower-quality plastics, reminding drivers that even the pricier CR-V models were upgrades of a commodity car rather than true luxury vehicles.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC90 successfully reshaped Volvo's image with its design, maintaining traditional styling features like a boxy profile and rectangular grille while adding character with softer lines and chrome accents. The LED headlights with "Thor's Hammer" daytime running lights were a distinctive touch. The XC90's interior embraced Swedish minimalism, offering thoughtfully arranged, high-quality materials. The matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery added a natural touch, while the Orrefors crystal shifter provided a high-end feel. The XC90's design was a testament to Volvo's ability to blend tradition with modernity.

The 2020 Honda CR-V featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This powertrain provided a well-matched driving experience, with the CVT offering a credible imitation of a conventional automatic transmission. The CR-V's car-like demeanor extended to its road manners, with nimble handling and minimal body roll. Its lightweight design contributed to excellent fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 30 miles per gallon combined and AWD models managing 29 mpg. The CR-V also introduced a hybrid version for 2020, offering even higher fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower, while the T6 engine added supercharging for 316 horsepower. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering 400 horsepower. The XC90's powertrains provided ample power, but the small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' larger engines. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a quiet cabin. It also had a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was known for its masterful packaging, offering a roomy cabin comparable to the Volkswagen Tiguan without feeling oversized. The CR-V provided excellent head- and legroom, with a seating position that maximized visibility. Its cargo compartment matched the Tiguan in volume, with clever storage solutions like a deep center console and a two-position load floor. The CR-V's design made it easy to live with, accommodating various storage needs.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The XC90's interior felt spacious, thanks to an optional power moonroof and upright roof profile. The Inscription trim offered luxurious features like 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage. However, storage space was limited, with a shallow center console and minimal storage options. Cargo space was also limited, with 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a 5-inch screen in the base LX trim and a 7-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available only with the larger screen, providing better navigation than Honda's system. The CR-V offered plenty of USB ports, with two in the front and two high-powered ports in the backseat. The Touring trim added a wireless phone charger.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which prioritized simplicity and functionality. It 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, with minimal analog controls. However, the text and typeface made reading menus difficult while driving. The XC90 also had a wireless charging pad, but it was too small for most phones. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and head-up display were available options.

The 2020 Honda CR-V included the "Honda Sensing" system as standard, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with caveats for trims below Touring due to headlight performance. The CR-V had one safety recall for a rear subframe failure affecting a limited number of vehicles.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Volvo's Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist provided smooth adaptive cruise control and lane centering but was limited in handling highway curves.