2020 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 BMW X5

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, 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 features 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 2021 BMW X5 maintained the brand's signature look with its kidney grille and body shape, ensuring it was unmistakably a BMW. Full adaptive LED headlights and various trim options, including the sporty M Sport styling, added to its upscale appearance. The interior, while consistent with BMW's design language, featured an abundance of black plastic alongside leather and soft-touch materials. The M Sport models included unique styling elements like an M sports steering wheel and model-exclusive interior trim strips, enhancing the sporty feel.

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, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, making it more suitable for keeping up with traffic. The Polestar tune further boosted these numbers to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's performance was not without flaws, including lag in acceleration and a lack of linear power delivery. Fuel economy was also 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 had limited electric range and did not significantly improve fuel economy. The 2021 BMW X5 provided a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft, while the X5 M offered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid combined a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a 24-kWh battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque and up to 30 miles of all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and handling dynamics were less engaging than expected, especially at higher speeds. Fuel efficiency varied, with the X5 M being the least efficient at 15 mpg combined, while the xDrive45e achieved 50 MPGe when using both electricity and gas.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which had improved responsiveness and a well-organized interface. The system integrated climate controls and other functions into the touchscreen, with physical buttons for essential controls. The cabin layout was stellar, offering seven seats as standard, with an integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows provided generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was suitable for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the last two rows folded. The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The front seats were comfortable for short trips but could feel hard after extended periods. The rear seats were spacious enough for two adults, and an optional third row was available. The climate controls were easy to manage, and the split liftgate with full power functionality made loading cargo convenient. The X5 xDrive45e offered slightly less cargo space due to the battery, but the difference was minimal for most buyers.

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, delivering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors. The 2021 BMW X5 included a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard features list also comprised a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional upgrades included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control, massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings 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 2021 BMW X5 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, fatigue and focus alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems, particularly in bright sunlight and light rain. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.