2021 Jeep Wrangler 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 Volvo's commitment to subtlety and craftsmanship.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic, unchanged styling, recognizable by its circular headlights, seven-slat grille, exposed bolts, and protruding bumpers and fenders. The Wrangler's design was akin to a toy truck for adults, with various trims offering different looks, such as painted or exposed fenders and soft or hard tops. Despite these variations, the core elements remained, ensuring the Wrangler's unmistakable presence on the road.

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, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune further boosted these numbers to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's fuel economy was unimpressive, averaging 20 mpg over 800 miles. The T8 plug-in hybrid variant offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with an 11.6-kWh battery providing up to 18 gas-free miles, but the added weight negated the speed benefits.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler's powertrain lineup included gas, diesel, mild-hybrid, and a Hemi V8. The standard 3.6-liter V6 produced 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Other options included a 270-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 with 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 engine with 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, turning the Wrangler into an off-road supercar. The Wrangler also offered three 4WD systems: Command-Trac, Select-Trac, and Rock-Trac, catering to various off-roading needs.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous models, though it placed all climate controls within the touchscreen. The cabin layout was 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 tight, suitable only for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the last two rows folded.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered multiple top options, including the zipper-less Sunrider soft-top, premium black cloth soft top, and the Freedom three-piece hardtop. The Rubicon 392 featured the Sky one-touch power top, a power-retractable canvas panel. The Wrangler's cabin was functional, with a small center console bin, glovebox, and in-door cargo nets. It also featured drain plugs for easy cleaning. The Wrangler Unlimited provided 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded.

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. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-res and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could be reskinned but lacked major reconfiguration options.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler's Sport trim featured a basic 5-inch screen, with a 7-inch Uconnect screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available as an option. Higher trims offered an 8.4-inch Uconnect screen with crisp graphics. The Rubicon 392 included a color TFT screen in the instrument panel and a clever off-road camera nestled between the grille slats, providing a clear view of the trail ahead.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 boasted 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, 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 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered optional modern driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring. However, lane-departure warning was not available. The Wrangler included a backup camera with dynamic guidelines and a live tire-pressure monitoring system, useful for off-roading.