2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Volvo XC90 successfully reshaped Volvo's image with its design, adding character while maintaining recognizable Volvo elements. Unlike Lexus, which opted for a radical styling revamp, Volvo retained its traditional boxy profile and rectangular grille but softened the lines and added more chrome. The LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights were a distinctive touch. The Inscription trim, with extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more basic looks, respectively. The XC90 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, ensuring a cohesive design language across the brand.

Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism" with thoughtfully arranged, high-quality materials. The matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery provided a natural and unique touch. The Orrefors crystal shifter added a high-end feel, though it seemed out of place in the otherwise restrained interior. The XC90's interior design focused on simplicity and elegance, avoiding overwhelming flashiness.

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the optional A-Spec Package, presented a sporty yet refined look. The A-Spec’s styling changes were subtle but effective, avoiding over-the-top performance cues. Acura didn’t try to make the RDX look like an off-roader, focusing instead on its daily driving and road-tripping capabilities. The A-Spec trim sat in the middle of the RDX hierarchy, with prices starting at $38,200 and going up to $47,625 with the SH-AWD system and extra-cost paint.

Inside, the A-Spec trim added sporty touches like front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting. The interior materials were of high quality, and the design focused on a sporty look and feel. However, the gauge cluster with red markings on a brushed silver background was hard to read, except at night. The RDX’s interior design aimed to balance sportiness with practicality, though some elements like the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system were less user-friendly.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all built around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 engine added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T5 came standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was optional on the T5 and standard on the T6 and T8.

Despite the impressive 400 hp of the T8, the small engine struggled to provide flexible power, especially at low speeds. The XC90 offered three drive modes—Pure (all-electric), Hybrid, and Power—but Pure mode was only practical at low speeds with gentle acceleration. The gasoline engine often had to assist, limiting the all-electric mode's effectiveness. However, the XC90 excelled in ride quality and cabin quietness, with an optional air-suspension system enhancing comfort. The XC90 had a respectable 5,000-pound towing capacity, though the base FWD T5 was rated at 4,000 pounds.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and front-wheel drive was standard, with the SH-AWD system available for improved handling. The SH-AWD system could deliver up to 70% of engine output to the rear wheels and 100% of that to either rear wheel, enhancing the RDX’s driving dynamics.

The RDX offered an Integrated Dynamics System with Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, adjusting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec trim featured exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, though it lacked the adaptive dampers available in the Advance Package. The RDX A-Spec was fun to drive, with precise steering, fade-resistant brakes, and a broad torque curve. However, the 10-speed automatic transmission didn’t match revs when using paddle shifters, and a summer performance tire option would have been a welcome addition.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Headroom and legroom were average for the segment, with the third row being tight for adults. The seats in the second and third rows lacked support. An optional power moonroof and standard four-zone climate control enhanced the interior’s spacious feel. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, though a power-adjustable steering wheel was not available.

Cargo space in the XC90 T8 Recharge was limited, with 11.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 34.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The hands-free power tailgate was a convenient feature, but overall cargo space was near the bottom of the segment.

The 2021 Acura RDX offered remarkable passenger and cargo space for a compact SUV. The front seats were comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a low and flat cushion and excessive seatback recline angle, leading to an uncomfortable seating position.

Storage space in the RDX was limited, with a large but hard-to-access tray under the center console. Cargo volume was 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat, with a deep storage well and three separate compartments under the cargo floor. Folding the rear seats provided 58.9 cubic feet of cargo space, competitive but not class-leading. Acura also quoted a maximum cargo volume of 79.8 cubic feet, though this measurement was based on moving the front seats all the way forward.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system was easy to use, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen that allowed for intuitive swiping across menus. However, the amount of text and typeface made reading some menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback.

The 2021 Acura RDX used the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which required drivers to use a touch-sensing pad on the center console. The TTI mirrored the screen, making it easier to use than Lexus’s similar system, but it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system in the A-Spec trim. However, the TTI system was not as user-friendly as a traditional touchscreen.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid.

The 2021 Acura RDX came standard with AcuraWatch, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX earned a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings in frontal-impact and rollover resistance tests.