2020 Hyundai Venue 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. The R-Design trim added a sporty flair with its blacked-out grille, aggressive chin spoiler, and striking 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and curving LED taillights were distinctive features that highlighted Volvo's attention to detail. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious experience with options like wool fabric seats and matte wood trim, while the Thunder Grey Metallic exterior paired beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior. The cabin was a blend of simplicity and quality, with thoughtful touches like a Swedish flag tag and a twist-action ignition knob, making it a standout in its class.

In contrast, the 2020 Hyundai Venue was designed as an affordable, practical option in the subcompact SUV segment. Its upright design and features like a white contrasting roof on the Denim trim and a large chrome grille gave it a unique presence. Inside, the Venue's cabin was modern and clean, offering ample head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The control layout was intuitive, with traditional buttons and dials complementing the modern technology. The Venue's interior was functional, with a focus on usability and comfort, making it a sensible choice for those seeking practicality over luxury.

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, while the T6, with its supercharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Polestar tune further enhanced the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. Despite these figures, the XC90 was not a performance powerhouse, with mid-range acceleration being its strong suit. 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 of torque, but its added weight and limited electric range made it less appealing. The XC90 prioritized comfort and quiet over sportiness, with its adaptive air suspension providing a smooth ride.

The 2020 Hyundai Venue was powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (IVT) on most trims, sending power to the front wheels. The Venue's acceleration was modest, with the engine making noticeable noise during hard acceleration. Despite its SUV aspirations, the Venue lacked all-wheel drive, limiting its off-road capability. However, its ride height and tire choice provided some versatility in adverse conditions. The Venue's handling was composed, with minimal body roll, but its lack of power affected its ability to maneuver quickly in tight situations. Fuel economy was a strong point, with the CVT achieving 30 mpg city, 34 highway, and 32 combined.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured a well-organized cabin with a focus on family-friendly functionality. The Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous iterations, though it relied heavily on the touchscreen for climate controls. The XC90 offered seven seats as standard, with an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows provided generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. The XC90's interior was a blend of luxury and practicality, with high-quality materials and thoughtful design elements.

The 2020 Hyundai Venue, while not particularly spacious, offered a practical interior layout. With 31.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, it was less roomy than the Hyundai Kona. However, the Venue provided excellent head- and legroom in the front seats, and decent legroom in the rear, even with the driver's seat pushed back. The control layout was intuitive, with traditional buttons and dials complementing the modern technology. The Venue's interior was functional, with a focus on usability and comfort, making it a sensible choice for those seeking practicality over luxury.

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, offering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easy, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel was limited in customization compared to competitors, and the tire pressure monitoring system lacked individual tire readings.

The 2020 Hyundai Venue featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The layout was logical, with large icons and fonts for easy readability. The screen placement allowed for easy use while driving, with redundant hard buttons on the dash for major functions. The Venue's infotainment system was user-friendly, minimizing distracted driving and enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety scores from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight test rating prevented it from achieving a Top Safety Pick+ designation. 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 innovative safety systems, making the XC90 a leader in its class.

The 2020 Hyundai Venue came standard with a reversing camera, traction control, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and a full array of airbags. It also featured impressive driver-assistance technology, including forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and a driver-attention warning. The SEL trim with the Convenience Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, enhancing the Venue's safety credentials.