2021 BMW X3 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, 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 with a blue hue contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior, emphasizing Volvo's commitment to subtlety and craftsmanship. The interior boasted luxurious materials, including leather, aluminum, and optional wool fabric seats, with heavenly sculpted seats offering power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage. The cabin was filled with rich leather, padded materials, and finer details like the Swedish flag tag and twist-action ignition knob, showcasing Volvo's dedication to simplicity and quality.

The 2021 BMW X3, introduced in its third generation in 2018, received updates in 2020, including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. The redesign refined the X3 formula, giving it the exterior and interior presence of larger, more expensive BMW models. The X3's exterior resembled a downsized BMW X5, while the interior featured the same cold, mechanical styling found across the BMW lineup. Although not as aesthetically pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3's dash was more functional. Trims included the sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid, with the high-performance X3 M covered separately. Standard features included 18-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, a 10.2-inch infotainment system, navigation, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Optional features included genuine leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate, heated-and-ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless device charging.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 and 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 model, with all-wheel drive and a supercharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing adequate power for fast-flowing traffic. The Polestar tune upgrade boosted the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's performance was not linear, with mid-range acceleration being good but off-the-line thrust lagging. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with an 11.6-kWh battery providing up to 18 gas-free miles. Despite the high numbers, the added weight negated the speed, and the fuel economy was not significantly better. The XC90's steering was lifeless, and the vehicle lacked sporty dynamics, but it excelled in comfort and quietness.

The 2021 BMW X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i came equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i had rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive30i featured all-wheel drive. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid powertrain delivered 288 hp and brisk acceleration, with a 17-mile electric-only range and a recharge time of about 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger. The M40i trim featured a 382-hp twin-turbo inline-six engine, providing robust acceleration and responsive cornering abilities. For those seeking even more performance, the X3 M performance model offered 473 hp, catering to drivers with a need for speed and space for the family.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system initialized faster and responded more quickly than earlier models, which was crucial since all climate controls were within the touchscreen. The system was well-organized, but some safety features were embedded in menus, making them harder to find. The XC90 offered seven seats as standard, with an integrated booster cushion for young children in the second-row bench. Six-seat configurations were available on certain trims, providing generous legroom and comfort in the first and second rows. The third row was tight, suitable only for small children. Cargo space was up to 85.7 cubic feet with the last two rows folded, and sightlines from the driver's seat were excellent.

The 2021 BMW X3 provided up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.7 cubic feet with the seats in use, making it one of the best in the small luxury SUV segment. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available. The X3 offered impressive space for all passengers, with plenty of headroom and legroom in the front row and adult-friendly rear seats. The driver and front passenger benefited from real buttons and dials, complementing the main touchscreen and reducing the learning curve for new users.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The system was accurate and smart, especially in lower-speed traffic. Four-zone climate control was also standard. The R-Design trim featured a phenomenal Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers, 1,400 watts of power, and surround-sound processing. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easier, with high-resolution and clear displays. However, onboard apps were slow to load, and the instrument panel lacked major reconfiguration options.

The 2021 BMW X3 featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, which was user-friendly compared to other luxury systems. The combination of touch operation and the iDrive dial catered to different user preferences. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, with Android Auto as an option. Other options included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system, and gesture control for basic functions.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the 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, curtain airbags, and a unique whiplash protection system.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with advanced driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, headlights that bend with the road, and a head-up display.