2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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, and a more aggressive chin spoiler, all complemented by bright 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive Volvo elements. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint with a blue hue contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior, emphasizing the vehicle's luxurious feel. The XC90's interior was a testament to Volvo's craftsmanship, with options like matte wood trim, wool fabric seats, and leather-wrapped details, providing a blend of comfort and elegance.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite being over a decade old in design, maintained a timeless and balanced look, combining rugged utility with upscale sophistication. The Grand Cherokee's design contributed significantly to its continued success, offering a range of trims from the affordable Laredo to the luxurious Summit and the performance-oriented SRT and Trackhawk. The Summit trim, in particular, featured premium leather, genuine wood, real aluminum, and simulated suede, creating a luxurious cabin environment. However, the interior showed signs of aging with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits, indicating a need for a redesign.

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 the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune further boosted the T6 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided sufficient power for most needs and could tow up to 6,200 pounds. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 also featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved fuel efficiency, though it still averaged only 17 mpg combined. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it a versatile performer both on and off the road.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's interior was well-organized, with the Sensus infotainment system offering quick responses and easy navigation. The system integrated climate controls, seat adjustments, and other functions into the touchscreen, which could be distracting. The XC90 offered seven seats as standard, with an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows provided ample legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and suitable only for small children. Cargo space was generous, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with quilted and perforated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and leather-wrapped panels. Both front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though the controls were embedded in the infotainment system, causing some distraction. The rear seat was comfortable but had limited legroom for taller adults. The Grand Cherokee provided 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. Interior storage was adequate, though the optional rear-seat entertainment system took up significant space in the center console bin.

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 high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel could display the map between analog-style dials but lacked extensive customization options.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system, which provided a nearly flawless user experience with fast response times and pleasing graphics. The system included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a Jeep Skill for Amazon Alexa. The voice recognition technology worked well, allowing control of many features through voice commands. The Summit trim came with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, delivering excellent sound quality. However, the Grand Cherokee's overall technology offering was more basic compared to newer models.

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 steel and advanced airbag systems, providing comprehensive protection for occupants.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee had mixed safety ratings. While it received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, its performance in IIHS tests was less impressive, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in small-overlap frontal-impact collisions. The Grand Cherokee Summit came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. These features worked well, enhancing the vehicle's safety profile.