2021 Chrysler Pacifica 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 bright 22-inch rims, adding a touch of elegance to its already handsome figure. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were standard, enhancing its distinctive look. 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 quality.

Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious experience with options like matte wood trim and wool fabric seats in the Inscription models, and leather with aluminum or carbon-fiber trim in the R-Design. The seats were sculpted for comfort, featuring power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage. The rear seats, available as a bench or captain's chairs, were nearly as comfortable as the front. 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 craftsmanship. The vertical touchscreen integrated seamlessly into the dash, maintaining a theme of simplicity and quality.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille that gave it a more muscular aesthetic. The rear sported an all-LED taillamp running the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. Six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents, added to its appeal.

Inside, the Pacifica stood out from its competitors with a blend of practicality and luxury. The Pinnacle trim, designed for premium and luxury customers, featured a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim with wood accents, and real metal surrounds. Quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats completed the upscale look. The doors had a well-weighted feel, and the sound deadening technology kept road and engine noise at bay, making it a comfortable and quiet ride.

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 felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune boosted these numbers to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's acceleration was not linear, and the engine noise was unrefined. 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, with an 11.6-kWh battery providing up to 18 gas-free miles. However, the added weight negated the speed benefits, and the fuel economy was only slightly better at 27 mpg combined. The Polestar upgrade improved transmission, throttle, and steering response, but the XC90 still lacked sporty dynamics. The Four-C adaptive air suspension provided comfort, but the steering was lifeless, and the body roll was significant.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came with a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid powertrain combined a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The base Touring and Touring L models came standard with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered AWD or the hybrid powertrain.

The AWD system, available for the first time in 16 years, activated on-demand based on various conditions, improving fuel efficiency by deactivating when not needed. The hybrid powertrain provided an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of over 500 miles, with an impressive 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg city, 28 highway, and 22 combined, with AWD models slightly lower at 17 mpg city, 25 highway, and 20 combined.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which initialized quickly and responded well to various menus. The system housed all climate controls within the touchscreen, with physical buttons for defrosters, volume, and seek controls. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an integrated booster cushion for young children in the second row. The six-seat configuration was available on the T6 and T8 powertrains but not on the R-Design model. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and suitable for small children. Cargo space was up to 85.7 cubic feet with the last two rows folded.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The front seats provided ample space and a sense of togetherness, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, power windows, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, Stow 'n Go bucket seats, and a Stow 'n Go third-row bench seat. The second-row under-console storage slid outward, providing additional space for passengers.

The second and third rows offered plenty of legroom, with the Stow 'n Go seats allowing for easy loading. The rear cargo area was spacious, with the Pinnacle trim offering best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The four-zone climate control was also standard. The Bowers & Wilkins stereo, with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, provided an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easy, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could be reskinned but lacked major reconfiguration options.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured Uconnect 5, a modern and customizable infotainment system. The system was graphically appealing, responsive, and easy to use, though it lacked a head-up display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games available. The sound system options included a six-speaker standard system, a 13-speaker Alpine system, and 19- and 20-speaker Harman Kardon options. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with advanced features.

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 and advanced safety systems.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key safety technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, advanced brake assist, third-row lockout, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.