2020 Jeep Wrangler 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, and a more aggressive chin spoiler, all complemented by bright 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive Volvo elements. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint with a blue hue contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior, emphasizing Volvo's commitment to subtlety and craftsmanship.

In contrast, the 2020 Jeep Wrangler was unmistakable on the road with its circular headlights, seven-slat grille, and boxy styling. The Wrangler's industrial look was enhanced by exposed hinges and bolts, and the removable top and doors added to its rugged persona. Inside, the Wrangler maintained a retro look with circular climate vents and gauges, focusing on utility over luxury. The Rubicon trim, with its off-road suspension and mud-terrain tires, highlighted the Wrangler's capability, while the Sahara trim offered a more upscale appearance with body-color fender flares and 18-inch alloy wheels.

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 the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's fuel economy was unimpressive, averaging 20 mpg. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque but had limited electric range and added weight, which negated its speed advantage.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited came with a base 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine was also available, making 270 hp and 295 lb-ft. The new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine delivered 260 hp and an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque, providing excellent low-speed performance. The diesel engine's fuel economy was 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined, making it a more efficient option compared to the gas engines. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were unmatched, with features like locking differentials and a disconnecting front sway bar.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous models, though it relied heavily on the touchscreen for climate controls. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The XC90 offered generous legroom in the first and second rows, though the third row was tight. Cargo space was up to 85.7 cubic feet with the last two rows folded. The XC90's sightlines from the driver's seat were excellent.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, available in two-door and four-door versions, featured removable doors and a fold-down windshield. The soft top could retract partially or fully, while the hardtop provided more protection from the elements. The Wrangler Unlimited offered about 72 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear bench lowered flat, less than other SUVs like the Honda CR-V. Despite its rough ride and limited cargo space, the Wrangler's unique features and off-road capabilities made it stand out.

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. 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 Jeep Wrangler's Sport and Sport S trims featured a basic 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The Rubicon and Sahara trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system was available, adding navigation, HD Radio, real-time traffic and weather updates, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and an Alpine premium audio system.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety scores 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 Jeep Wrangler came standard with airbags, electronic roll mitigation, and a backup camera. Optional safety packages included rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, adaptive cruise control, and full-speed forward-collision warning. These features were particularly helpful given the Wrangler's awkward sightlines.