2021 Honda HR-V 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 signature elements that made the XC90 instantly recognizable. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint, combined with a beige-leather and aluminum interior, added a sophisticated touch. The interior boasted luxurious materials, including leather and wool fabric seats, and finely crafted details like the Swedish flag tag and twist-action ignition knob.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda HR-V had a softer, friendlier appearance compared to Honda's larger SUVs. It featured distinctive design elements like upper and lower window lines converging near the taillights, which also housed the rear door handles. Most trims came with 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Sport model had matte-black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim. The interior was plain but functional, with good material quality and fit and finish. Higher trims offered push-button start, automatic climate control, a moonroof, and heated front seats, with leather upholstery available on the EX-L model.

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 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for such a heavy vehicle. The T6 model, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, making it more suitable for fast-flowing traffic. The Polestar tune upgrade boosted these numbers to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's performance was not without flaws; it lagged in Comfort mode and revved too high in the Polestar Engineered model. 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 had limited electric range and added weight, which negated its speed advantage.

The 2021 Honda HR-V was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While AWD was available, FWD was standard. The HR-V's powertrain felt underpowered for highway driving, and the CVT was ineffective. Competitors offered more powerful engine options. However, the HR-V's chassis made up for its engine shortcomings, providing a rewarding driving experience on twisty roads and decent ride quality. Its AWD system was suitable for slippery roads but not for rough terrain, and it lacked towing capability.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which initialized quickly and responded well to inputs. The system housed all climate controls within the touchscreen, with minimal physical buttons. The cabin layout was stellar, offering seven seats as standard, with an integrated booster cushion for young children. Six-seat configurations were available on certain trims. The first and second rows provided generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and suitable for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the last two rows folded.

The 2021 Honda HR-V excelled in cargo space, thanks to the "Magic Seat" 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat. With the seat folded down, it offered 58.8 cubic feet of cargo space (57.6 for AWD models) and 24.3 cubic feet with the seat up (23.2 cubic feet with AWD). These figures surpassed many competitors. The HR-V also provided excellent rear-seat legroom, leading the segment in this category. Front-seat legroom and headroom were average. The interior featured sensibly-designed controls, including large knobs for climate control and an audio volume knob. The narrow center console was dominated by a large shift lever, making it simple and easy to use.

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 immersive audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easier, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could be reskinned but lacked major reconfiguration options. Volvo needed to improve the digital screen and show individual tire pressures in the TPMS sensors.

The base 2021 Honda HR-V LX included standard Bluetooth, a 5-inch display screen, and a four-speaker audio system. The Sport trim and higher levels offered a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while EX and EX-L models added SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was plain but functional, with two USB ports located in a convenient cubbyhole. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was small compared to competitors, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not standard across all trims.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though 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 and curtain airbags that remained inflated during rollovers. The XC90 also featured a unique whiplash protection system for the front seats.

The 2021 Honda HR-V earned top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests and a "Superior" rating for its optional front-crash prevention tech. However, it received "Marginal" and "Poor" headlight ratings and an "Acceptable" rating for LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA awarded the HR-V a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover crash testing. Honda Sensing safety features were available only on the EX and EX-L trims, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more.