2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling. This model retained the brand's signature boxy profile and rectangular grille but introduced softer lines and more chrome detailing, giving it a more modern and distinctive appearance. The LED headlights, known as "Thor’s Hammer," added a unique touch that blended seamlessly with the overall design. The XC90 was available in various trims, with the Inscription model featuring extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, making it the most visually striking of the lineup. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism," offering a clean and thoughtfully arranged interior with high-quality materials like matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery. The Orrefors crystal shifter added a touch of luxury, although it seemed slightly out of place in the otherwise understated cabin.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid maintained a similar appearance to its gasoline-only counterparts, with subtle distinctions such as "Hybrid" badges and blue Honda logos. The LED fog lights and rear bumper design were slightly different, but overall, the hybrid version didn't stand out as a separate model. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid featured unique instrumentation to display battery-charge status and power distribution. The steering wheel paddles controlled the regenerative braking system, enhancing the driving experience. Available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, the CR-V Hybrid came standard with all-wheel drive. The Touring trim, in particular, offered a premium feel with features like leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and a hands-free power liftgate. The interior was spacious, with ample rear seat room and impressive cargo capacity, although the fake wood trim detracted from the overall quality.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. While the T5 came standard with front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive was optional, and it was standard on the T6 and T8 models. Despite the impressive power figures, the XC90's small engine struggled to provide flexibility compared to competitors with larger engines. The plug-in hybrid's electric-only mode was limited to low speeds, and the gasoline engine often had to assist. However, the XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a quiet cabin. It also had a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, except for the base FWD T5, which was rated at 4,000 pounds.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid utilized Honda's two-motor hybrid technology, combining a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric assist motor and a generator/starter motor. This setup produced a total system output of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The CR-V Hybrid featured three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selecting the most suitable one. Additionally, drivers could choose from Econ, Sport, and EV modes. The hybrid system added 194 pounds to the vehicle's weight, improving weight distribution and maintaining the standard CR-V's 8.2 inches of ground clearance. The CR-V Hybrid offered a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, although it fell short of its EPA-rated 38 mpg in combined driving, achieving only 33.7 mpg during testing. Despite this, the CR-V Hybrid provided a comfortable ride and predictable handling, making it a practical choice for daily driving.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, depending on the choice of second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. While headroom and legroom were average for the segment, the third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. An optional power moonroof and the XC90’s upright roof profile contributed to a spacious feel. The Inscription model featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but a power-adjustable steering wheel was not available. Cargo space was limited, with 11.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The hands-free power tailgate added convenience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in interior space and comfort. The front seats were supportive, with the driver’s seat offering 12-way power adjustment for optimal comfort. Heated front seats were standard, and the leather upholstery felt high-quality. The rear seat provided ample space, with a flat floor and air conditioning vents, making it comfortable for three passengers. Interior storage was impressive, although the wireless smartphone charger took up space on the center console. The CR-V Hybrid offered 33.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, slightly less than the standard CR-V due to the battery pack. Maximum cargo space measured 68.7 cubic feet, still competitive within the segment.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which prioritized simplicity and functionality. It came standard 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 navigation. However, the text and typeface made reading some menus challenging while driving. The wireless charging pad was a welcome addition, although it struggled to accommodate larger phones. The available 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and head-up display added to the luxury experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, last redesigned in 2017, felt outdated despite its modern appearance. The 7-inch touchscreen was smaller than competitors, and the lack of a tuning knob affected usability. The system was slow to start, and voice-recognition technology was limited. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, the navigation map display was cluttered. The Touring trim offered a nine-speaker premium audio system, which delivered good sound quality. The CR-V Hybrid also supported text messaging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Pandora internet radio, but the overall infotainment experience lagged behind competitors.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests. It also earned a five-star overall safety rating from the 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, and automatic emergency braking. Volvo's Pilot Assist driver aid combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, providing a smooth and responsive experience, although it was not a substitute for attentive driving.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving-assistance systems. Standard features included adaptive cruise control with full-stop capability, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and Road Departure Mitigation. The CR-V Hybrid also featured blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. It earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. While the CR-V's safety technology was effective, it lacked some of the more advanced features found in competitors.