2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 represented a significant shift in the brand's design philosophy since its debut as a 2016 model. Known historically for its conservative styling, Volvo managed to add a touch of character to the XC90 while ensuring it retained recognizable Volvo elements. Unlike Lexus, which opted for a radical revamp, Volvo incorporated traditional designs like a boxy profile and rectangular grille, but softened the lines and added more chrome. Distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights also set the XC90 apart. The Inscription trim we tested was particularly flashy, featuring extra chrome accents and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, while the R-Design trim brought a sporty feel and the Momentum trim maintained a more subdued appearance.

In terms of interior design, Volvo embraced “Swedish minimalism.” Matte-finish wood trim and available wool upholstery gave the interior a natural, stylish look. The layout was thoughtfully organized, avoiding the overwhelming multitude of controls seen in other luxury vehicles. Our test car even boasted an extravagant Orrefors crystal shifter, although it seemed out of place in the otherwise restrained cabin.

Conversely, the 2021 Subaru Ascent's design stuck to the heritage look of its lineup, drawing elements from the smaller Forester and Outback and scaling them up into a three-row SUV. The cabin mirrored the design seen across other Subaru models, reinforcing the visual connection the brand aimed for with its other popular vehicles. Trim levels included Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring, each progressively adding more features and finer materials. The Standard trim boasted essential features like a 6.5-inch touchscreen and tri-zone climate control, whereas upper trims upgraded to larger touchscreens, stain-resistant upholstery, power-adjustable seats, second-row climate control, and premium audio systems.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three distinct powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged version, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with front-wheel drive standard and optional all-wheel drive. The T6 model enhanced this engine with both turbocharging and supercharging, delivering 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, or Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors for a total of 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. However, despite the promising numbers, the small engine struggled at low speeds and under heavy acceleration, requiring frequent assistance from the gasoline engine.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent, meanwhile, came with a single powertrain option—a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine that generated 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), was paired with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Despite lacking a premium engine alternative, the Ascent performed competently across various driving conditions. The ride was comfortably refined, and the vehicle showcased impressive agility, especially important in snowy, rugged regions where Subarus are favorites. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and features like Subaru’s X-Mode system, the Ascent was well-prepared for off-road ventures and inclement weather. It also boasted a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, aligning with many competitors but slightly less than some luxury SUVs.

The 2021 XC90’s three-row configuration offered seating for either six or seven occupants, depending on the choice of second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Despite a seemingly spacious design accentuated by an optional power moonroof and upright roof profile, actual headroom and legroom were average for the segment. Third-row seating was cramped for adults, and the seats themselves lacked support. The front seats, especially in the Inscription trim with optional backrest massage and 10-way power adjustments, were comfortable, but storage solutions were less satisfactory. Volvo offered four-zone climate control and optional air filtration geared at capturing fine particulate matter.

Cargo space in the XC90 was somewhat limited, especially in the T8 Recharge model, offering 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the third-row folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. These figures were near the bottom of the segment, although Volvo added convenience with a hands-free power tailgate.

By contrast, the 2021 Subaru Ascent excelled in cargo capacity, providing 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and up to 86.5 cubic feet with both rear rows down. These measurements put the Ascent on the higher end of the midsize three-row SUV class. The interior was designed to accommodate either seven or eight passengers, with roomy first and second rows. Though the third row was best for children on long trips, it could suffice for adults on shorter journeys. The Ascent featured an impressive 19 cupholders spread across all rows and ample storage compartments.

Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system in the 2021 XC90 epitomized simplicity and functionality. The system came standard with a 9-inch touchscreen, which was user-friendly with tablet-like swiping gestures, though it lacked analog backup controls. The XC90 also included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. Additional options featured a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and a head-up display. However, the wireless charging pad was disappointingly small, and USB-C ports were only available in the rear.

The Subaru Ascent, equipped with the StarLink infotainment system, included either a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, featuring straightforward menus and icons. Unlike the XC90, the Ascent provided physical buttons and dials, alongside hard buttons to back the touchscreen functions. Standard tech included front and second-row USB ports, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity, with optional tech enhancements like additional USB ports, WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Volvo’s 2021 XC90 earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. The non-hybrid models received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from IIHS and scored top marks in crash tests and front-crash prevention. NHTSA awarded the XC90 a five-star overall rating. Volvo’s extensive safety features list included lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and the Pilot Assist system. Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane centering, was among the most responsive and smooth systems available, though it struggled with certain curves and required a fully attentive driver.

Similarly, the 2021 Subaru Ascent also earned the “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS. Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features was comprehensive, with items like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. New for 2021, the Ascent included standard automatic high beams and steering-responsive headlights. Optional features enhanced safety further with reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.