2020 Dodge Durango 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 bright 22-inch rims, adding a touch of elegance to its already handsome figure. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive, instantly identifying the vehicle as a Volvo. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint, contrasted with a beige-leather and aluminum interior, added a sophisticated touch. The interior was luxurious, with options like matte wood trim, wool fabric seats, and leather with aluminum or carbon-fiber trim. The seats were exceptionally comfortable, offering power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage, making long journeys a pleasure.

In contrast, the 2020 Dodge Durango carried over its styling from a 2014 update, with its third generation dating back to 2011. The Durango's design was straightforward and simple, sharing a platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee but with a longer wheelbase and overall length. The cabin felt somewhat dated and in need of a refresh, which was expected for the 2021 model year. The Durango's trims ranged from the basic SXT to the performance-oriented SRT, each adding various features and styling elements. The SRT trim, in particular, stood out with its aggressive lower front fascia, auto-leveling headlights, and 20-inch black wheels, giving it a menacing look.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and 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 upgrade 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 unimpressive, 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 its added weight negated the speed benefits, and its fuel economy was only slightly better at 27 mpg combined.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, standard on the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, also available on the Citadel. The top-tier SRT trim came with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, delivering 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. The V6 provided decent power, while the 5.7-liter V8 offered confident acceleration. The SRT's 392 cubic inch V8 excelled in low-end power and high-speed performance, with a performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes enhancing the driving experience. The SRT also featured Dodge's SRT performance pages, allowing detailed drive mode customization and performance tracking.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous models, though it placed all climate controls within the touchscreen, which could be inconvenient. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an integrated booster cushion for young children in the second row. The six-seat configuration was available on the T6 and T8 powertrains but not on the R-Design model. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and best suited for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the last two rows folded.

The 2020 Dodge Durango provided 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 47.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. This was comparable to other three-row SUVs like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The Durango's cabin offered plenty of space, with comfortable front seats and a choice of a three-passenger bench or second-row captain's chairs. The third row was cramped for adults but suitable for children. The driver and front passenger had access to multiple storage bins and cupholders, while the second row in the SRT model featured its own center console with cupholders.

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, offering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easier, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could be reskinned but lacked the customization options found in competitors' digital screens.

The 2020 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Dodge's Uconnect infotainment system. Uconnect was praised for its straightforward menu layout and simple navigation, with a tablet-inspired layout and dock icons for easy access to functions. The Durango also came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims included navigation, SiriusXM Travel Link, and an Alpine premium audio system, with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system available as an option.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight test score 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 safety systems.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and trailer sway control. Rear parking sensors were available on the SXT and standard on higher trims. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection. The Durango received a four-star rating from the NHTSA and a Moderate score in driver’s side small-front overlap testing from the IIHS.