2021 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's evolution in design, moving away from the boxy sedans and wagons of the past to a more refined and elegant aesthetic. The XC90 showcased a sophisticated exterior with features like the blacked-out honeycomb grille on the R-Design trim, "Thor's hammer" LED headlights, and a sleek Thunder Grey Metallic paint that added a modern touch. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious experience with options for matte wood trim, wool fabric seats, and leather upholstery. The seats were praised for their comfort and support, with power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage functions, making long journeys a pleasure. The attention to detail, such as the Swedish flag tag and the twist-action ignition knob, highlighted Volvo's commitment to craftsmanship and quality.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban's design was more polarizing, with a front-end that borrowed heavily from the Camaro's design language. The large, busy grille and small headlights were not universally appreciated, but the interior offered a more familiar and functional layout. The Suburban's cabin was spacious, with controls in familiar locations, and the High Country trim added upscale features like woodgrain and leather. However, the use of hard plastics detracted from the luxury feel. The Suburban's design was more about practicality and space, with a focus on providing a commanding view of the road and ample room for passengers and cargo.

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 was deemed insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing a more suitable performance for the XC90's weight. The Polestar tune further enhanced the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft, but the XC90 was not known for its sporty performance. Fuel economy was 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 the added weight and limited electric range made it less appealing.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came with a standard 5.3-liter V8 engine producing 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, with an optional 6.2-liter V8 offering 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The test model featured a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine, generating 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, providing excellent pickup and towing capabilities. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission and available 4WD enhanced its versatility. The independent rear suspension improved ride comfort, but the Suburban still exhibited some truck-like handling characteristics. Overall, the Suburban excelled in providing a balance of power and practicality for a large SUV.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's interior was designed with a focus on simplicity and quality. The Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive, integrating climate controls within the touchscreen. The cabin offered seven seats as standard, with an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows provided generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban boasted impressive cargo space, with 144.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. Even with the second-row seats in use, it offered 93.8 cubic feet, making it ideal for road trips. The Suburban's interior provided a commanding view of the road and ample head- and legroom for passengers. The control layout was similar to GM's pickup trucks, with a button shifter design that was less intuitive. The power-sliding center console was a unique feature, though not particularly practical.

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 made navigation easy, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen with GM's intuitive infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available navigation system and rear entertainment system with large touchscreens enhanced the Suburban's tech offerings. The head-up display provided clear graphics, and the wireless device charging pad added convenience.

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, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and innovative safety systems.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a surround-view monitor. Unique options like the rear-view camera mirror and Safety Alert Seat added to the Suburban's safety offerings.