2021 INFINITI QX50 vs 2022 Volvo XC90

In the crowded luxury compact crossover segment, the 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out with its distinctive design and engineering. Its large honeycomb grille and athletic-looking hood gave it a sporty appearance, while the panoramic moonroof added an airy feel to the cabin. However, thick B-pillars and a short rear window slightly hindered visibility. Inside, the QX50 featured soft-touch materials, aluminum trim accents, and a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel. The front seats offered heating and cooling, enhancing comfort in various weather conditions.

The 2022 Volvo XC90, on the other hand, showcased a sleek and modern design, moving away from Volvo's boxy past. Its body had a forward-tilted stance, pronounced wheel arches, and a snub nose reminiscent of classic Volvo models. The interior exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" with natural wood and metal trim, a clear crystal gear selector handle, and a sliding wood tambor cover on the center console. Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030 was evident, though our test car featured Nappa leather seats, which proved comfortable during a week of high temperatures and humidity.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered a single powertrain option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup produced 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The QX50's VC-Turbo engine adjusted the compression ratio for a balance of power and efficiency. While the engine operated smoothly and quietly, the CVT's simulated shift points provided a more familiar driving experience. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The QX50's drive mode selector offered four modes: Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal, with Sport mode delivering the most responsive performance.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came with three powertrain options. The T5 model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. All XC90 models used an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T8's electric motor provided early torque, eliminating turbo lag and smoothing power delivery. Fuel efficiency varied, with the T8 offering up to 66 MPGe and an EV range of up to 36 miles.

Despite being a compact vehicle, the 2021 INFINITI QX50 felt spacious inside. It offered ample hip, shoulder, and headroom, even with the panoramic moonroof. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 38.7 inches of legroom, and the sliding second-row seats allowed for flexible cargo space. The cargo area provided 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The QX50 also featured numerous storage options and charging ports.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 accommodated six or seven passengers, depending on the configuration. The third row was suitable for children but lacked legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 85.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The XC90 could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the powertrain. The interior featured ample storage, comfortable seating, and a panoramic moonroof that brightened the cabin. The air-conditioning system performed well during a heat wave, providing a comfortable environment.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured the InTouch infotainment system with dual display screens, voice recognition, and a suite of connected services. Pairing a smartphone via Bluetooth was easy, and Apple CarPlay integration worked seamlessly. The 16-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system delivered excellent sound quality. The QX50 also included ProPilot Assist, an advanced driving assistance system that combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered tablet-like functionality with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. However, it was occasionally slow to respond. The system worked better with Apple CarPlay, and the XC90 also supported Android Auto. The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel provided easy customization, and the Advanced package included a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The XC90's Bowers & Wilkins audio system was a standout feature, offering surround sound staging. The XC90 also included multiple USB ports and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot warning, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. The QX50 received a four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS for crash protection.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. The XC90's Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for highway driving assistance. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.