2020 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's evolution in design, showcasing a modern aesthetic that rivaled the elegance of its classic predecessors. The SUV's exterior was adorned with distinctive features like the blacked-out honeycomb grille and "Thor's hammer" LED headlights, which were standard across the range. The R-Design trim added a sporty flair with black window surrounds, mirrors, and a more aggressive chin spoiler, complemented by striking 22-inch rims. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious experience with options for matte wood trim and wool fabric seats, while the R-Design featured leather with aluminum or carbon-fiber accents. The seats were praised for their comfort and support, offering power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage functions. The interior was a blend of quality materials and thoughtful details, such as the Swedish flag tag and the twist-action ignition knob, emphasizing simplicity and craftsmanship.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, meanwhile, embraced a modern retro design that echoed its larger sibling, the Bronco, and drew comparisons to the Land Rover lineup. Its short front and rear overhangs, tall fender wells, and tucked-in body sides were designed for trail driving, while bold white lettering on the grille and tailgate announced its identity. The Bronco Sport's interior was rugged yet tasteful, with a focus on practicality and storage. The center stack featured an 8-inch infotainment screen, and the cabin offered various storage compartments for gadgets and tools. The vehicle's design catered to active lifestyles, with cargo space engineered to accommodate mountain bikes and a catalog of accessories for outdoor gear. Despite some visibility challenges for taller drivers, the Bronco Sport's interior was well-suited for both on-road and off-road adventures.

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 model, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing adequate power for highway driving. The Polestar tune, available for an additional cost, increased these figures to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's performance was not without flaws, as the engine lagged in Comfort mode and lacked linear acceleration. 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 its added weight and limited electric range diminished its appeal.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured two engine options tied to trim levels. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims were equipped with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands and First Edition models boasted a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 245 hp and 275 lb-ft. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, along with a terrain management system offering up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance. On-road, the 2.0-liter engine was better suited to the vehicle's character, while the 1.5-liter engine could feel strained under pressure.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's interior was designed with family comfort in mind, offering seven seats as standard. The second-row bench included an integrated booster cushion, a unique feature that simplified child seating. The first and second rows provided ample legroom and support, while the third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was generous, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available when the rear seats were folded. The Sensus infotainment system, though improved in speed and responsiveness, placed all climate controls within the touchscreen, which could be cumbersome for some users. Despite minor grievances, the XC90's cabin layout was praised for its quality and thoughtful design.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active lifestyles with its cleverly designed cargo space, capable of accommodating two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. The vehicle offered over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear, and the roof was rated to hold up to 150 pounds. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass, a slide-out work table, and a 400-watt inverter. The front cabin provided ample storage compartments, though visibility could be challenging for taller drivers. The Bronco Sport's interior was practical and well-suited for both daily commutes and weekend adventures.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard 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 facilitated navigation, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors, and the tire pressure monitoring system lacked individual tire pressure displays.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordConnect with 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system was available on higher trims. The terrain management system offered multiple drive modes, and trail control technology provided additional off-road assistance. Intelligent access with push-button start was included on all trims except the Base model, and higher trims featured a digital instrument panel.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight test results 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 curtain airbags, as well as its unique whiplash protection system.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. All models featured AWD and a terrain management system with G.O.A.T. modes, enhancing traction and stability. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available.