2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's evolution in design, showcasing a modern aesthetic that rivaled 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 all trims. The R-Design trim added a touch of sportiness with black window surrounds, mirrors, and a more aggressive chin spoiler, complemented by bright 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 trim. 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.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced a fresh design with its extended-length body and third-row seating, setting it apart from the traditional Grand Cherokee. The SUV's styling was instantly recognizable as a Jeep, with its signature seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. The Grand Cherokee L was available in multiple trims, with the Summit trim offering a luxurious experience with quilted and perforated leather, real wood trim, and a 19-speaker McIntosh premium audio system. Despite its high price point, some interior materials and fittings fell short of expectations. However, the redesigned interior was a significant improvement over the previous model, offering a blend of technology and comfort.

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 further enhanced the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft, but the XC90 was not known for its sporty performance. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but the added weight negated the speed benefits. Fuel economy was a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The XC90 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a lifeless steering feel and significant body roll.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 offered brisk acceleration but was loud when revved. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with certain trims, delivered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. The Grand Cherokee L's fuel economy was a concern, with the V6 averaging 17.8 mpg in testing. The SUV featured a Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension and multiple off-road modes, providing a smooth ride and capable handling. The Grand Cherokee L excelled in off-road capability, with a Trail Rated version available for maximum performance.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which was faster and more responsive than previous versions. The system integrated climate controls within the touchscreen, with physical buttons for essential functions. The XC90 offered seven seats as standard, with an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows provided generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was suitable for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L prioritized comfort with features like heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. The second row offered captain's chairs or an optional bench seat, with plenty of legroom and comfort. The third row was surprisingly spacious, accommodating all but the tallest adults. Cargo space was competitive, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 84.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the Grand Cherokee L lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants.

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 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available with an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, and a natural voice-recognition system. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system provided excellent sound quality. Additional features included a digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. The head-up display was visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its 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 innovative safety systems.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. Intersection Collision Assist was standard on Summit models, detecting threats at intersections and applying brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review, but improvements were expected over the previous model.