2021 Volvo XC60 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 standard, enhancing the vehicle's distinctive look. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint, paired with a beige-leather and aluminum interior, added a sophisticated touch. The XC90's interior was a testament to Volvo's craftsmanship, with options like matte wood trim, wool fabric seats, and leather-wrapped details. The seats were designed for long-distance comfort, offering power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage features.

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, continued Volvo's tradition of elegant design. Built on the SPA platform, the XC60 shared its design language with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles. The exterior featured a tailored crossover design with short overhangs, an upright grille with Volvo's iron mark logo, and "Thor's hammer" LED daytime running lights. The paint quality, chrome, and trim were meticulously executed, and the large alloy wheels added a fashionable touch. Inside, the XC60's cabin exuded Scandinavian style with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was easier to accept in 2021, and the attention to detail in the HVAC vents and other interior elements elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

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 the added weight negated the speed benefits, and the fuel economy was only slightly better at 27 mpg combined.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine across all models, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the T6 model, with both a turbocharger and supercharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 plug-in hybrid added an 87-hp electric motor, bringing the total output to 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. The T8 Polestar Engineered model further increased the power to 415 hp. The XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered, the most potent variant, could drive up to 19 miles on electric power alone. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided a secure and agile driving experience. Fuel economy ranged from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined for the T5 FWD to 27 mpg combined for the T8 PHEV, with 57 MPGe in electric-only mode.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous models, though it still relied heavily on the touchscreen for climate controls. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The six-seat configuration was available on the T6 and T8 powertrains but not on the R-Design model. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the last two rows folded.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system capable of handling harsh winter conditions. The cabin featured smart storage solutions in the center console, dashboard, and door panels. The second row offered secure storage in the seatbacks, lower center console, door panels, and center armrest. The XC60 provided 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Each XC60 model was rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The four-zone climate control was also standard. The R-Design model featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, offering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easier, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could display the map between the analog-style dials but lacked major reconfiguration options.

The 2021 Volvo XC60's infotainment system, Sensus, used a tablet-style touchpad interface with a portrait orientation. The system segmented the screen into function quadrants, making it intuitive for frequent iPad users. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot with a free three-month trial. The Volvo On Call app added vehicle-specific functionality. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system in the test XC60 was exceptional, both in performance and aesthetics.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the 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 Volvo XC60 was awarded a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA for the T5/T5 AWD and T6 AWD models. Standard safety features included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, collision avoidance, and various mitigation systems. Volvo's semi-autonomous driving system, Pilot Assist, was available, integrating adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. The XC60 was also governed to a top speed of 112 mph for safety.