2021 Ford Bronco 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, an aggressive chin spoiler, and striking 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive, while the Thunder Grey Metallic paint with a blue hue contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior. 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 exceptionally comfortable, offering power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage, while the rear seats provided nearly the same level of comfort. The cabin was filled with rich leather, padded materials, and finer details like the Swedish flag tag and twist-action ignition knob, emphasizing simplicity and quality.

The 2021 Ford Bronco drew inspiration from its original model, blending retro design with modern technology. The single-piece grille, round headlights, and bold B-R-O-N-C-O lettering on the front were reminiscent of the classic Bronco. The body featured flat sides with applied fender flares and large tires, with the Sasquatch package offering 35-inch tires. The Bronco's rear had a full-size spare tire on a swing-away rack, and the vehicle came in both two-door and four-door configurations. The interior combined retro styling with modern technology, featuring a color touchscreen (8-inch standard, 12-inch available) and a digitized cluster. The dash and interior used rugged materials, with metal-reinforced grab handles and stretchy mesh door pockets. The second-row seats were comfortable, especially in the four-door model, and the overall design emphasized functionality and durability.

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 lb-ft of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune upgrade 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 unimpressive, 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 negated the speed benefits, and the fuel economy was only slightly better at 27 mpg combined.

The 2021 Ford Bronco came with two engine options: a standard 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four with 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 310 hp and 400 lb-ft. The 2.3-liter engine was paired with a seven-speed manual transmission, while the 2.7-liter came with a 10-speed automatic, which was also optional for the 2.3-liter. All models featured standard four-wheel drive. On-road, the Bronco's performance was solid, with the 2.7-liter engine providing smooth power delivery. Off-road, the Bronco excelled, handling various terrains with ease. The Sasquatch package, with its 35-inch tires, enhanced off-road capability, making the Bronco a formidable off-roader.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous versions, though it still had some quirks. The system housed all climate controls, which could be inconvenient. The cabin layout was otherwise excellent, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The six-seat configuration was available on certain trims, offering generous legroom and comfort in the first and second rows. The third row was tight, suitable only for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the last two rows folded.

The 2021 Ford Bronco's designers focused on modularity and practicality. The removable doors came with dedicated storage bags and easy-to-use electrical connections. The Bronco featured standard under-chassis protection and removable fenders and bumpers for easy repair. The hood's trail sights doubled as tie-down points for roof-mounted cargo. Inside, the Bronco had a row of buttons for suspension settings and beefy toggle switches for auxiliary equipment. The interior was designed for durability, with reinforced grab handles and practical storage solutions.

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 and a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power were highlights. 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 Ford Bronco featured the SYNC 4 infotainment system with enhanced voice recognition. The base model had an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 12-inch screen with the High Package. The Lux Package added a 10-speaker B&O sound system, voice-activated navigation, and a wireless charging pad. The G.O.A.T. system offered multiple drive modes for various terrains, enhancing the Bronco's off-road capabilities.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety scores 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 steel and advanced airbag systems.

The 2021 Ford Bronco's safety features were packaged by trim level. The Base model had standard airbags, while higher trims added features like Ford Co-Pilot 360, pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a rear-view camera. The High Package included a 360-degree camera and forward-sensing system. The Bronco's side curtain airbags were designed to deploy appropriately in off-road situations, enhancing safety without compromising off-road capability.