2020 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Buick Encore GX

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's evolution in design, showcasing a modern aesthetic that was both elegant and commanding. The SUV's exterior featured a distinctive grille with blacked-out, honeycomb accents on the R-Design trim, complemented by black window surrounds and striking 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and curving LED taillights were signature elements that highlighted Volvo's attention to detail. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious experience with options like matte wood trim and wool fabric seats, while the leather and aluminum interior provided a sophisticated contrast to the Thunder Grey Metallic exterior. The seats were designed for comfort, offering power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage features, making long journeys a pleasure.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Encore GX was praised for its styling, which was a significant improvement over its predecessor. The SUV was available in three trim levels: Preferred, Select, and Essence, with the option for a Sport Touring package. Buyers could choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines available. The interior of the Encore GX was functional, with supportive front seats and a high driving position. However, the rear seats were less accommodating, lacking thigh support and air conditioning vents. Despite its premium branding, the Encore GX's interior quality and ride comfort were not as refined as expected, especially given its price point.

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 was deemed insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing a more suitable performance for the SUV. The Polestar tune further enhanced the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. Despite these numbers, the XC90 was not a performance vehicle, with mid-range acceleration being its strong suit. Fuel economy was a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city and 26 highway. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but its added weight and limited electric range did not significantly improve performance or fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX featured a standard 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The more powerful 1.3-liter engine, available with AWD, provided 155 hp and 174 lb-ft. While the Encore GX was not a powerhouse, it offered adequate performance for everyday driving, with the ability to cruise comfortably at highway speeds. The FWD models used a CVT, while the AWD versions had a nine-speed automatic transmission. The ride quality was mixed, with the Encore GX feeling brittle over rough roads and bouncy at higher speeds. Despite Buick's QuietTuning efforts, the cabin was not particularly quiet, and the overall driving experience lacked the refinement expected from a premium brand.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's interior was thoughtfully designed, with a focus on simplicity and quality. The Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous versions, though some functions were buried in menus. The XC90 offered seven seats as standard, with an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows provided ample legroom and comfort, while the third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was generous, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX provided a high seating position and supportive front seats, though the rear seats were less comfortable for longer journeys. Interior storage was practical, with a trunk capacity of 23.5 cubic feet, expandable to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle featured a hands-free power liftgate and a fold-flat front passenger seat for added convenience. However, the rear lacked air conditioning vents, and the overall interior space was not as accommodating as some competitors.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came equipped with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system that combined 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, offering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel was limited in customization compared to competitors.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and steering wheel-mounted stereo controls. The Advanced Technology Package added navigation, voice recognition, and a surround-view camera. Despite these features, the test vehicle lacked the available Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system was praised for its quick response and user-friendly interface.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight performance prevented it from achieving the highest IIHS designation. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and innovative safety systems like curtain airbags and whiplash protection.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX came standard with Buick Driver Confidence, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims. The Encore GX also featured Teen Driver technology and automatic collision notification. In NHTSA crash tests, it earned a five-star overall safety rating, though the IIHS had not tested this model.