2021 Acura RDX 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 added a blacked-out, honeycomb grille, black window surrounds, mirrors, a more aggressive chin spoiler, and striking 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were signature elements that made the XC90 instantly recognizable. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior, emphasizing Volvo's commitment to subtlety and craftsmanship.

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the A-Spec Package, was a stylish SUV that conveyed sportiness without overpromising on performance. It avoided the rugged off-road look, focusing instead on a sleek, daily-driving aesthetic. The A-Spec trim added front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, dark brushed aluminum trim, and red ambient lighting, creating a sporty yet refined interior. The exterior featured exclusive Shark Gray 20-inch alloy wheels and larger performance all-season tires, enhancing its road presence.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on 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 such a heavy vehicle. The T6 model, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, making it more suitable for the XC90's size. The Polestar tune further boosted the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's performance was not linear, and its fuel economy was unimpressive, averaging 20 mpg. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque but didn't significantly improve speed or fuel economy.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and an optional SH-AWD system, which improved handling by distributing up to 70% of engine output to the rear wheels. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes, adjusting powertrain response and steering effort. The A-Spec trim added 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, enhancing its driving dynamics. However, the lack of adaptive dampers in the A-Spec trim resulted in some body motion on uneven roads.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous versions, though it placed all climate controls within the touchscreen. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and suitable only for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the last two rows folded.

The 2021 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats were highly comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. However, the rear seats lacked leg support and had too much recline angle, making them less comfortable. Cargo volume was competitive, with 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The trunk featured useful storage compartments, and the maximum cargo volume was quoted at 79.8 cubic feet, though this measurement was based on an unconventional methodology.

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 display the map between analog-style dials but lacked major reconfiguration options.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the center console instead of a touchscreen. While TTI mirrored the screen and was an improvement over Lexus's approach, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, which delivered excellent sound quality. Acura also offered Key by Amazon In-Car Delivery and integrated voice-recognition technology.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight test rating lowered it 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 safety systems.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.