2021 Honda CR-V vs 2020 Volvo XC90

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

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design was more utilitarian, focusing on functionality over flair. Its styling was similar to other compact crossovers, with few distinguishing features apart from the grille and some chromed plastic accents. The CR-V was available in eight colors, though many were variations of gray, black, and white, with more vibrant options limited to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and a choice of cloth or leather upholstery, depending on the trim. While the CR-V's design was not its standout feature, it provided a practical and comfortable environment for passengers, with a focus on maximizing interior space and cargo capacity.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered a range of 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, with its supercharged and turbocharged engine, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing a more suitable performance for the XC90. The Polestar tune further enhanced the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft, though it still lacked the linear acceleration expected from a luxury SUV. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, but its added weight diminished the performance gains. Fuel economy was a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the T5 AWD achieved 20/27/23. The T8 hybrid offered a limited electric range and a combined fuel economy of 27 mpg once the battery was depleted.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Its acceleration was modest, reaching 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds, comparable to other vehicles in its class. The CR-V's drivetrain was less engaging than competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, which offered conventional automatic transmissions with sport modes. The CR-V came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Its suspension setup included a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, providing decent handling and ride quality typical of the segment.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's interior was designed with family comfort in mind, offering seven seats as standard, with an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The cabin provided generous legroom in the first and second rows, though 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 Sensus infotainment system, while improved in speed, placed all climate controls within the touchscreen, which could be cumbersome. However, the overall cabin layout was praised for its quality materials and thoughtful design.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's cargo area was accessible via a manual tailgate on lower trims, with power and hands-free options available on higher trims. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim. The CR-V's interior was practical, with a focus on maximizing space for passengers and their belongings.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining 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 was user-friendly, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a basic 5-inch screen, while other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin. The Touring trim added a wireless phone charger and satellite navigation.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight performance prevented it from achieving the highest IIHS rating. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength materials and advanced airbag systems.

The 2021 Honda CR-V also earned high safety ratings, with a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. The CR-V's Honda Sensing system included a suite of standard safety features, such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring, which was included on higher trims.