2020 Cadillac XT4 vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, mirrors, a more aggressive chin spoiler, and striking 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were standard, adding to the vehicle's distinctive look. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior, emphasizing Volvo's commitment to subtlety and craftsmanship. The interior boasted rich leather, padded materials, and fine details like the Swedish flag tag and twist-action ignition knob, creating a luxurious and comfortable environment.

In contrast, the 2020 Cadillac XT4, particularly in Premium Luxury trim, offered a visually appealing design with crisp, tailored styling and 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior featured soft leather, padded armrests, and a well-arranged climate control system. However, some materials, like the plain black trim around the power window controls, felt out of place in a luxury vehicle. The rear passenger compartment was spacious, and the air conditioning system performed exceptionally well, even during a Southern California heatwave. Despite these positives, the XT4's interior had some quality shortcuts, and the rear seat cushion lacked support.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune further boosted these numbers to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's acceleration was not linear, and the engine noise was unrefined. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque but had limited electric range and high cost.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, but downshifting was hesitant in Tour mode and slightly improved in Sport mode. The XT4's fuel economy was decent, with our test vehicle returning 24.8 mpg. The AWD system helped limit front-wheel slip and torque steer. However, the XT4's engine and road noise were noticeable, and the suspension struggled with both large and small bumps. Despite these issues, the XT4 offered impressive grip and fun handling on smooth roads.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous models, though some functions were buried in menus. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows provided generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and suitable only for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available. The XC90's sightlines from the driver's seat were excellent.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4's interior featured comfortable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The rear seats were heated and had air conditioning vents, but the cushion lacked support. The XT4's air conditioning system performed exceptionally well, even in extreme heat. The climate controls were elegantly arranged, and the cabin offered plenty of storage space. However, the XT4's cargo space was limited, with 22.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 48.9 cubic feet with the seat folded down. A hands-free power liftgate was available.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, providing an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could display the map but lacked major reconfiguration options.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4's latest CUE system was much improved, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and Bluetooth pairing. The 8-inch touchscreen was intuitive, but a larger screen would be more fitting for a luxury vehicle. The voice-recognition system worked well, but integrating climate controls would enhance functionality. The optional 13-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround audio system provided a satisfying listening experience. However, the test vehicle lacked some advanced features like a head-up display and a rear camera mirror.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the latter's headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and advanced airbag systems.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 added several standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, front pedestrian braking, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and the Safety Alert Seat system. Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-change warning systems. The Driver Awareness Package included additional features like automatic high-beam headlights and lane-keeping assistance. The XT4 received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not completed all testing.