2020 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner had a timeless design characterized by tall slab sides, a high beltline, short overhangs, and a near-vertical front fascia. Its utilitarian attitude was enhanced by flared wheel wells designed to accommodate bulky off-road tires and short overhangs that allowed it to tackle steep pitches and sharp declines. The hood scoop, a visual cue for the off-road-focused TRD trim, was one of the few non-functional elements. The front end featured small, angular headlights, and the grille varied by trim, with body-color bars on most trims and blacked-out accents on the TRD Pro. The Limited trim, aimed at comfort, featured chrome accents and leather upholstery, though the overall feel remained utilitarian with plenty of plastic and a seating position designed for off-roading.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC90 successfully reshaped Volvo's image with a design that added character while retaining traditional styling features like a boxy profile and a blunt front end with a rectangular grille. 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 had a sportier look, while the base Momentum trim was more understated. The XC90 shared Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other models, contributing to its car-based crossover design.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4-liter V6 engine paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine was designed for durability and off-road capability rather than smoothness or fuel efficiency, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. The 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like Toyota’s CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select. The Limited trim had a full-time 4WD system, while the TRD models featured a part-time system better suited for crawling up boulders. The 4Runner had a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds but suffered from significant body roll and vague steering on the road.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 engine was both turbocharged and supercharged, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, producing 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T5 came standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was optional on the T5 and standard on the T6 and T8. The XC90 excelled in ride quality and old-school luxury, with an optional air-suspension system and a quiet cabin. However, the T8 struggled with acceleration on electric power alone, and the gasoline engine often had to assist even at low speeds. The XC90 had a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, except for the base FWD T5, which was rated at 4,000 pounds.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility and a relatively tight turning radius of 18 feet, 7 inches. The interior featured large, chunky knobs for HVAC and stereo controls, and an 8-inch touchscreen with physical buttons. The tall seating position provided a commanding view of the road, though climbing in and out could be tiring without power-retractable running boards. The 4Runner offered an optional third row of seats, but these were best suited for short and occasional use due to their lack of legroom and comfort. The third-row seats folded toward the floor and slid backward, making them narrow and thin.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with headroom and legroom in all three rows being about average for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats in both the second and third rows felt hard and lacked support. An optional power moonroof and standard four-zone climate control enhanced the interior's spacious feel. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but a power-adjustable steering wheel was not available. Cargo space was limited, with 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. A hands-free power tailgate was available.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was updated with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, a single USB media port, and various subscription services like Sirius XM Radio, Safety Connect, and WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered features like a JBL stereo and navigation system. However, the 4Runner lagged behind competitors in total features and usability, with the most advanced features hidden in the powertrain rather than the dashboard.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with 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 ports and two rear USB-C ports. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and head-up display were available. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was easy to use, though the amount of 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 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. The 4Runner also had eight standard airbags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded it four out of five stars overall, with three stars in the rollover test. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it a Good rating in most crash tests but a Marginal rating in the small overlap front: driver-side test. The adaptive cruise control worked well, but the high center of gravity and imprecise steering made a more active lane-keeping assist system desirable.

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 tech 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, a 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, though it struggled with highway curves and was not meant to replace an attentive driver.