2020 Honda CR-V vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's evolution in design, showcasing a modern aesthetic that was both elegant and commanding. Its exterior featured distinctive elements like the blacked-out honeycomb grille and "Thor's hammer" LED headlights, which were standard across the lineup. The R-Design trim added a sporty flair with black window surrounds, mirrors, and 22-inch rims, enhancing its already striking appearance. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious experience with options like wool fabric seats and matte wood trim, while the leather and aluminum interior provided a sophisticated contrast to the Thunder Grey Metallic exterior. The seats were praised for their comfort and support, with power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage functions, making long journeys a pleasure.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda CR-V maintained a familiar and approachable design, with soft, curvy lines that gave it a car-like appearance. Its styling was more akin to a station wagon than a traditional SUV, appealing to families seeking practicality. Inside, the CR-V's cabin was a mix of textures and materials, with higher trims offering wood-look trim and leather upholstery. However, the presence of low-quality plastics reminded drivers of its commodity car roots. The CR-V's interior was spacious, with clever storage solutions and a versatile cargo area, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

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 was deemed insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6, with its supercharged and turbocharged engine, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing adequate power for highway driving. The Polestar tune further enhanced the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft, but the XC90 was not known for its sporty performance. Fuel economy was 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, but its added weight and limited electric range made it less appealing.

The 2020 Honda CR-V simplified its lineup by offering a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine across all trims, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a CVT, the CR-V's powertrain was well-suited for its size, providing a responsive and efficient driving experience. The CR-V's car-like handling and nimble chassis made it enjoyable to drive, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride. Its lightweight construction contributed to excellent fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 30 mpg combined and AWD models 29 mpg. The CR-V Hybrid, introduced in 2020, promised even better efficiency, though it was reviewed separately.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured a refined interior with a focus on simplicity and quality. Its Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous iterations, though some functions were buried within menus. The XC90 offered seven seats as standard, with an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows provided ample legroom and comfort, while the third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was generous, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and practicality, offering a roomy cabin comparable to larger vehicles like the Volkswagen Tiguan. Its clever packaging included a deep center console and a two-position load floor in the cargo area, providing flexibility for various storage needs. The CR-V's rear seats folded flat, creating 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space, while large door pockets added to its storage capabilities. The CR-V's seating position and visibility were praised, making it a comfortable and user-friendly vehicle for daily use.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came equipped with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system that combined 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, delivering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was intuitive, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a 5-inch screen standard on the LX trim and a 7-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available on the larger screen, but navigation was only offered on the Touring trim. The CR-V included multiple USB ports and a wireless phone charger on the Touring trim, enhancing its connectivity options.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight performance limited it to a Top Safety Pick designation. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and innovative systems like whiplash protection.

The 2020 Honda CR-V featured the Honda Sensing suite as standard, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. EX trims and above added blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic monitoring. The CR-V earned five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS, with the Touring trim's LED headlights improving nighttime visibility. A recall for rear subframe failure affected a small number of vehicles.