2021 Honda Passport 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, paired with a beige-leather and aluminum interior, added a sophisticated touch. The interior was a testament to Volvo's craftsmanship, with options like matte wood trim, wool fabric seats, and leather-wrapped details. The seats were exceptionally comfortable, offering power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage features, making long journeys a breeze.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Passport was essentially a shortened version of the Pilot, with two rows of seats instead of three. The exterior and interior styling were almost identical to the Pilot, including the awkward "button shifter" design. Despite this, the Passport boasted a spacious interior with high-quality materials. The trim levels ranged from the entry-level Sport, which included features like 20-inch alloy wheels and LED fog lights, to the range-topping Elite, which added heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless device charging. The Passport's design was practical and functional, catering to both commuters and weekend adventurers.

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 felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger added to the turbocharger, 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 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 had limited electric range and did not significantly improve fuel economy.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Passport offered strong acceleration and smooth power delivery. The ride quality was a blend of comfort and refined handling, with 8.1 inches of ground clearance and AWD models featuring Intelligent Traction Management with Snow, Sand, and Mud drive modes. The Passport's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds for FWD models and up to 5,000 pounds for AWD models, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which had improved initialization and response times. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for climate controls and other functions could be cumbersome. The cabin layout was otherwise stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was suitable for small children. Cargo space was up to 85.7 cubic feet with the last two rows folded, providing ample storage.

The 2021 Honda Passport offered a generous 100.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 50.5 cubic feet with the second row in use. An additional 2.5 cubic feet of under-floor storage added to its practicality. The EX-L trim and higher included a power liftgate, with the Touring and Elite trims featuring a hands-free power liftgate. The upright seating position provided excellent visibility, and the center console had a deep bin and open cargo tray. The rear seats offered ample headroom and legroom, with the ability to recline and slide for added comfort.

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, delivering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could display the map between analog-style dials but lacked major reconfiguration options.

For 2021, the Honda Passport made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard, along with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While these features were a welcome addition, the infotainment system had dated graphics, a confusing menu layout, and a volume dial that felt like an afterthought. Despite these shortcomings, the inclusion of smartphone connectivity was a significant advantage.

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 advanced airbag systems.

The 2021 Honda Passport also came well-equipped with advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. The Passport received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores from the IIHS, though it had "Acceptable" ratings for headlights and child-seat anchor ease of use.