2021 Subaru Crosstrek 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 the range. The R-Design trim added a sporty flair with black window surrounds, mirrors, and a more aggressive chin spoiler, complemented by striking 22-inch rims. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious experience with options for matte wood trim, wool fabric seats, and leather upholstery. The seats were designed for comfort, featuring power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage functions, while the cabin was filled with high-quality materials and thoughtful details like the Swedish flag tag and twist-action ignition knob.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek embraced the crossover trend by enhancing the Impreza hatchback with rugged looks and a taller ride height. The Crosstrek's design was marked by black body cladding, model-specific 17-inch wheels, and vibrant color options like Plasma Yellow Pearl. While the interior remained functional and somewhat plain, the Sport trim introduced unique accents, such as Plasma Yellow Pearl highlights and water-repellant StarTex upholstery. Despite its SUV-like stance, the Crosstrek maintained a car-like feel, offering a comfortable ride and low wind noise at highway speeds. The interior space was practical, with a focus on functionality rather than luxury.

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 standard all-wheel drive and an added supercharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing adequate power for its size. The Polestar tune further enhanced the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft, though it still lacked linear acceleration and refinement. The T8 plug-in hybrid variant boasted 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but the added weight diminished its performance benefits. Fuel economy was a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the T8 offered 27 mpg combined once the battery depleted.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek introduced a new 2.5-liter boxer-four engine for the Sport and Limited trims, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The base and Premium trims continued with the 2.0-liter engine, offering 152 hp and 145 lb-ft. The Crosstrek's boxer engine, a Subaru hallmark, provided a lower center of gravity, though the SUV-like ride height negated some handling benefits. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on lower trims, while the CVT was available across the range. The Crosstrek's AWD system included torque vectoring and X-Mode for improved traction on loose surfaces. Despite the new engine, acceleration remained adequate, with the CVT contributing to a droning sound during acceleration.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which was faster and more responsive than previous iterations. The system integrated climate controls within the touchscreen, with limited physical buttons for essential functions. The cabin layout was praised for its organization and comfort, offering seven seats as standard, with an optional integrated booster cushion for children. The XC90 provided generous legroom in the first and second rows, though the third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, offering competitive passenger space but limited cargo capacity compared to other small crossovers. The rear seats provided 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 55.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Crosstrek included a rear-seat reminder system and a convenient front cubby with USB and auxiliary ports. While the driving position was higher than the Impreza's, it didn't offer the commanding view of traditional SUVs. Visibility was enhanced by large side windows and a low front fascia.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came equipped 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 facilitated navigation, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors, and the tire pressure monitoring system lacked individual tire readings.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek utilized the Starlink infotainment system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and additional features like WiFi and SiriusXM. The Crosstrek's infotainment setup included a secondary screen above the main display, providing redundant information. The system was user-friendly, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions, and steering wheel controls for EyeSight driver-assistance features.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight performance limited it to a Top Safety Pick designation. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and innovative systems like whiplash protection and curtain airbags.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with strong performance in side crash tests. The IIHS awarded the 2020 model a Top Safety Pick, contingent on optional EyeSight features and Steering Responsive Headlights. EyeSight offered adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning, with additional features available on higher trims. The system's cameras were well-protected but limited in functionality under certain conditions.