2021 Chevrolet Trax 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 standard, adding to the vehicle's distinctive look. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint, paired with a beige-leather and aluminum interior, created a stunning visual contrast. The XC90's interior was a testament to Volvo's craftsmanship, with options like matte wood trim, wool fabric seats, and leather with aluminum or carbon-fiber trim. The seats were designed for long-distance comfort, offering power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage features. The rear seats, available as a bench or captain's chairs, were nearly as comfortable as the front seats. The cabin was filled with rich leather, padded materials, and fine details like the Swedish flag tag on the front passenger seat and a twist-action ignition knob.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Trax retained the design updates from its 2017 model year, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto introduced in 2017 and an updated infotainment system in 2020. The 2021 model dropped the Premier trim, leaving the LS and LT trims. The LS trim included 16-inch painted aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry, cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, dual front USB ports, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The LT trim added heated, power-adjustable side mirrors, rear window tint, roof rails, LED head- and taillights, remote start, cruise control, chrome belt-line moldings, and silver-painted skid plates. The LT trim also offered upgraded cloth and leatherette seats, a cargo security cover, and a 120-volt AC power outlet. Styling packages like the Redline Edition, Sport Edition, and Midnight Edition were available, along with a Driver Confidence Package and an LT Convenience Package.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine 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 an added supercharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, making it more suitable for fast-flowing traffic. The Polestar tune, available for an additional $1,295, boosted the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's acceleration was not linear, and the engine noise was considered uncouth for its price range. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, and the T5 AWD at 20/27/23. 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. However, the added weight of the hybrid system negated the speed benefits, and the fuel economy was only slightly better at 27 mpg combined. The Polestar upgrade also claimed to improve transmission, throttle, and steering response, but the XC90's steering was lifeless, and the vehicle's body roll and dive were significant.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax featured a single engine option: a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission routed power to either front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD). While the engine was adequate for city driving, it struggled to provide sufficient power for highway speeds and passing maneuvers, making a lot of noise in the process. The Trax had a firm ride that could be harsh over potholes and bumps, but its tight turning radius provided good maneuverability in tight spaces. However, rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 offered more comfortable rides and were more enjoyable to drive. Chevrolet planned to introduce a retuned engine for the 2022 Trax, increasing horsepower to 155 while maintaining the same torque.

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 buried in menus. The XC90's cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an integrated booster cushion for young children in the middle of the second-row bench. Six seats were an option for the T6 and T8 powertrains on the Momentum and Inscription trims. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and all-day comfort, while the third row was tight and 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 good.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax provided a respectable amount of headroom and legroom in both rows. The front seats were supportive, but the rear seats had poor bolstering and were uncomfortable over long distances. The Trax had multiple storage trays in each door, and the low cupholder placement accommodated large water bottles without interfering with the driver's elbow. The Trax offered 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat could fold flat to accommodate larger items. These cargo figures were mid-pack for the subcompact SUV segment, and there was no option for a power liftgate or a hands-free power liftgate.

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 graphics. However, onboard apps were slow to load, and the instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax featured a 7-inch touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, which was a highlight of the vehicle. The system had easy-to-follow menus, vivid graphics, and was complemented by hard buttons and dials surrounding the screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and an available WiFi hotspot.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), although 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, curtain airbags, and a unique whiplash protection system for the front seats.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star rating from the NHTSA but did not earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. Standard safety features included an array of airbags and a backup camera. The LT Convenience Package added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and rear parking sensors. However, the Trax lacked many standard driver safety features found in rivals, such as forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning.