2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid 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 standard, enhancing its distinctive look. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint, paired with a beige-leather and aluminum interior, created a stunning visual contrast. The interior boasted luxurious materials, including leather and wool fabric seats, and offered power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage for the front seats. The rear seats were nearly as comfortable, and the cabin was filled with high-quality, padded materials, showcasing Volvo's craftsmanship.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, introduced as part of a mid-cycle refresh, maintained the same visual and dimensional characteristics as its gasoline counterpart. The hybrid model featured blue-outlined Honda emblems and "Hybrid" designations on the A-pillars and tailgate, along with a rear lower bumper with a hidden exhaust. The interior remained largely unchanged, with the same dash and multi-function center console. The gear shifter was replaced with a push-button gear selector, and paddle shifters were repurposed to adjust brake regeneration aggressiveness. The hybrid system's driving modes—Normal, EV, Econ, and Sport—were reflected in the instrument panel. Despite the subtle exterior differences, the CR-V Hybrid offered a familiar and comfortable cabin experience.

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 the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's acceleration was not linear, and the engine noise was unrefined. Fuel economy was 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 XC90's handling was comfortable but not sporty, with lifeless steering and significant body roll.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine, an electric generator/starter motor, and a propulsion motor, eliminating the need for a conventional transmission. The total system power was 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque, compared to the gasoline model's 190 hp and 179 lb-ft. The hybrid achieved impressive fuel economy, rated at 40 mpg city, 35 highway, and 38 combined. During testing, the CR-V Hybrid achieved nearly 41 mpg in city driving. The hybrid system's EV mode operated on electricity alone for up to a mile, but it frequently switched out of EV mode. The CR-V Hybrid offered a comfortable ride with good steering feel and on-demand torque, making it more enjoyable to drive than the gasoline model.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system initialized quickly and responded well to inputs, though all climate controls were within the touchscreen. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an integrated booster cushion for young children. The six-seat configuration was available on certain trims. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and suitable for small children. Cargo space was up to 85.7 cubic feet with the last two rows folded, and sightlines from the driver's seat were excellent.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid had to compromise on cargo capacity due to the battery pack beneath the cargo floor. It offered 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 68.7 cubic feet when folded flat. Despite the reduction, it still provided more volume than the Ford Escape Hybrid. The CR-V Hybrid maintained passenger comfort with more overall space than its competitors, including better front headroom and rear legroom. The configurable center console bin was practical, though the armrest's adjustability was too loose.

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 phenomenal Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could be reskinned but lacked major reconfiguration options.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid included Bluetooth connectivity, Pandora compatibility, and a single USB connector as standard. Higher trims added a 7-inch touchscreen display, Honda Link, smartphone integration, SiriusXM and HD radio, and additional USB ports. The top Touring trim offered navigation, wireless device charging, and a premium audio system. The infotainment system lacked haptic feedback, and turning off the automatic beep sound required multiple steps. The instrument panel provided useful information but required flipping through various menus.

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

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS and a 5-Star Safety Rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included Honda Sensing, which offered 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 starting with the EX trim.