2020 Toyota 4Runner vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 had a design rooted in sophistication and elegance, standing as a testimony to the apogee of Volvo's modern design philosophy. Unlike the boxy sedans and wagons from the ‛80s and ‛90s, this SUV showed how a big, tall vehicle could still radiate an aura of beauty typically reserved for sleek sedans. The design details highlighted the Swedish touch, with the R-Design trim sporting blacked-out honeycomb grille treatment, Thor's hammer LED headlights, black window surrounds, mirrors, an aggressive chin spoiler, and eye-catching 22-inch rims. Such features lent the XC90 a distinct, powerful presence.

Inside, the XC90 continued to impress with a thoughtful blend of luxurious materials such as beige leather and aluminum. Volvo also allowed for varied interior options, including matte wood trim and wool fabric seats in the Inscription models, or leather with aluminum or carbon-fiber trim in the R-Design. The seats offered unmatched comfort, echoing the supportive and enveloping design lineage since the 1998 S70. The cabin’s sophistication was further highlighted by rich leather on the dash and doors, padded materials for enhanced safety and comfort, and finer details like the Swedish flag tag. The overall simplicity and quality of the interior were themes that Volvo executed with finesse, setting a benchmark that competitors like Mercedes, Audi, Lexus, or Acura struggled to match.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner’s exterior was all about robust, utilitarian appeal. It featured tall slab sides, a high beltline, short overhangs, and a pronounced front fascia, which cumulatively contributed to its timeless design. The design ethos was similar to that of an XJ Jeep Cherokee, focusing more on functionality rather than visual flash. The 4Runner's flared wheel wells were practical, built to accommodate bulky off-road tires, while its short overhangs made it capable of handling steep slopes. The hood scoop, especially prominent in the TRD trims, was primarily aesthetic rather than functional.

Trim levels ranged from SR5 to the TRD Pro and Limited, with special editions like Nightshade and Venture adding unique stylistic touches and off-road functionalities. Our Limited trim test model aimed more at offering comfort than rugged capability, boasting leather upholstery. Despite these premium touches, the 4Runner's utilitarian roots were evident, with ample plastic surfaces and a seating design meant for trail tackling, rather than long highway cruises. The high seating position, body-on-frame construction, and chunky control knobs inside enhanced this no-nonsense, robust appeal.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 presented various engine options, all based on a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It featured three powertrain configurations: T5, T6, and T8 plug-in hybrid. The T5 churned out 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which struggled under the XC90’s heavy frame. The T6, enhanced with a supercharger, produced a more robust 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, making it more apt for fast-paced traffic. Additionally, the Polestar tune could increase the T6’s output to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, despite these enhancements, acceleration wasn’t exceptionally quick. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, but the extra weight and limited electric range diminished its overall efficiency and speed gains. Fuel economy figures stood unimpressive, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, reflecting a thirsty nature.

In comparison, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered a single powertrain: a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This sturdy engine was not known for smoothness or efficiency but was built for reliability and longevity, suitable for towing up to 5,000 pounds. Fuel economy lagged considerably, with an EPA rating of 16 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. The 4Runner shined off-road, thanks to its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like Toyota’s CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select. The vehicle’s handling on pavement involved significant body roll and imprecise steering, emphasizing its off-road prowess over on-road finesse.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 had an elegantly laid-out cabin with its Sensus infotainment system providing improved responsiveness compared to earlier models. The system’s central touchscreen housed essential controls, including those for climate and seat adjustments, reducing physical button clutter. While mostly user-friendly, a few settings required navigating deeper menus. Seating was a highlight, with seven seats as standard, and an integrated booster in the second row, a unique Volvo touch.

Volvo’s six-seat configuration, available in certain trims, featured generous legroom and all-day support in the first and second rows. However, the third row was suitable only for small children. Cargo space was considerable, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available when the second and third rows were folded. In terms of visibility, sightlines from the driver's seat were superior.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner focused heavily on practicality and off-road readiness. Its tall seating position, although cumbersome for entry and exit, provided a commanding view of the road. The cabin was fitted with large knobs and buttons for easy control of the HVAC system and stereo, making them user-friendly even when the vehicle was jostling off-road. Despite its dimensions, the 4Runner boasted a surprisingly tidy turning radius of 18 feet, 7 inches, enhancing maneuverability.

While the 4Runner offered an optional third-row seat in non-TRD and non-Venture trims, these seats were best suited for short trips due to their lack of comfort and legroom. The design prioritized practical off-road use over passenger comfort. Cargo capacity was substantial and comparable to the XC90's, making it serviceable for both off-road adventures and day-to-day utility.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 excelled in its technology offerings. Volvo Pilot Assist came standard, integrating adaptive cruise control with lane-keep assist for semi-automated driving, forming a reliable system particularly useful in lower-speed traffic. The four-zone climate control was another standard feature, ensuring optimal comfort. However, the Bowers & Wilkins stereo system was a standout addition, remarkable for its sound quality and customizability. Equipped with 19 speakers and a 1,400-watt power system, enriched by the option to simulate the acoustics of the Gothenburg Concert Hall, it was a premium addition that delighted audiophiles. The portrait-oriented touchscreen also improved navigation by displaying more of the road ahead, though onboard apps were notably slow to load.

Meanwhile, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner, historically limited in its tech offerings, made strides by introducing a new 8-inch touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This move significantly improved usability as drivers could leverage familiar, smartphone-based navigation and media apps instead of Toyota’s occasionally convoluted native system. Other technological features included Amazon Alexa integration, Bluetooth connectivity, as well as subscription services like Sirius XM Radio and WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered features like a JBL stereo and onboard navigation, though the native system’s usability lagged behind competitors.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 boasted top-notch safety features, earning high marks from NHTSA and IIHS, although it fell short of the "+" designation due to headlight performance. It came standard with an array of advanced features, including forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's long-standing reputation for building safe vehicles was bolstered by its use of high-strength steel and comprehensive airbag coverage, showcasing its unwavering commitment to passenger protection over the years.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner also saw improvements in safety, integrating Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) for the first time. This suite of ADAS included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. The vehicle came equipped with eight standard airbags, contributing to occupant safety. Despite these enhancements, the 4Runner's safety ratings were mixed. NHTSA awarded it four out of five stars overall but only three stars in rollover tests. Similarly, IIHS gave it top marks in most crash tests, save for the small overlap front: driver-side test, where it scored a Marginal.