2021 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The Chevrolet Suburban is one of the oldest car model names still on the market, dating back to 1934. For most of its lifetime, it’s been a spacious, capable SUV with plenty of passenger space. As the auto industry has evolved (especially in the past two decades), this type of SUV has become more obsolete. Many automakers have developed car-based crossovers and SUVs. And yet, there is still a need for truck-based full-size SUVs with plenty of towing power and no-compromise cabin space.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban is an examination of how an automaker maintains this traditional SUV format while incorporating modern technology and amenities. GM has also responded to the need for improved fuel economy, offering a new turbodiesel powertrain. Read on to learn if Chevy was able to pull this off with the new Suburban.

Volvo may be known for sensible station wagons, but the XC90 SUV is the Swedish automaker’s de facto flagship. The current generation debuted design features, technology, and powertrains that have since found their way into most other Volvo models. Several years into the current-generation model’s lifecycle, the XC90 is no longer a trendsetter, but remains Volvo’s contender in the competitive midsize luxury SUV segment, with the automaker’s typical emphasis on safety features.

The current-generation XC90 launched for the 2016 model year, so most competitors—including the Audi Q7, Acura MDX, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class—have been updated or redesigned since then. The Cadillac XT6 and Lincoln Aviator didn’t even exist when this generation of XC90 launched.

A redesigned version is expected to arrive soon, so changes to the 2021 XC90 are minimal. All 2021 Volvo models are now limited to 112 mph for safety reasons and get Care Key, which lets owners limit the top speed before loaning the car out to a friend or family member. The XC90 also gets a handful of newly standard tech features, and some small cosmetic changes.

Volvo offers the XC90 in three trim levels—Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription—with three powertrain options: T5 and T6 gasoline engines, and the T8 plug-in hybrid. Our test car was a range-topping T8 Recharge Inscription, combining the top Inscription trim level with the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which has the highest output of the three.