2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 successfully reshaped Volvo's image with its design, adding character while retaining recognizable Volvo features. Unlike Lexus, which opted for a radical styling revamp, Volvo kept its traditional boxy profile and blunt front end with a rectangular grille. The XC90's softer lines, increased chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights added a modern touch. The Inscription trim, with extra chrome trim 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 Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other "90" and "60" series models, making it a car-based crossover.

Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism" with nice-looking materials and thoughtfully arranged features. The matte-finish wood trim and wool upholstery option provided a natural and unique touch. The Orrefors crystal shifter in the test car added a high-end feel, though it seemed out of place in the otherwise restrained interior.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek embodied the adage “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” by transforming the Impreza hatchback into a crossover with rugged looks, AWD, and a tall driving position. The Crosstrek differentiated itself from the Impreza with black body cladding, model-specific 17-inch wheels, and a taller ride height, offering 8.7 inches of ground clearance. These changes gave the Crosstrek an SUV-like character and more vibrant color options, such as Plasma Yellow Pearl for 2021.

Underneath, the Crosstrek rode on the Subaru Global Platform, shared with models like the Legacy/Outback, Ascent, and Forester, providing a greater level of polish and refinement. The interior remained functional but plain, with the Sport trim featuring clashing Plasma Yellow Pearl accents and cheap-looking simulated carbon-fiber trim. However, the water-repellant StarTex upholstery in the Sport trim was practical for outdoor adventures.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all built around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 engine was both turbocharged and supercharged, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, producing a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T5 came standard with FWD, with AWD optional, while the T6 and T8 had standard AWD.

Despite the impressive 400 hp, the XC90's small engine struggled to provide flexibility compared to six-cylinder or V8 engines in competitor SUVs. The XC90 Recharge had three drive modes—Pure (all-electric), Hybrid, and Power—but Pure mode was only usable at low speeds with gentle acceleration. The gasoline engine often had to assist, making it challenging to maximize all-electric driving.

The XC90 excelled in luxury, with excellent ride quality aided by an optional air-suspension system. The suspension kept body roll in check, and the cabin was impressively quiet. Most XC90 models had a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity, with the base FWD T5 rated at 4,000 pounds.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek introduced a new 2.5-liter boxer-four engine for the Sport and Limited trims, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The base and Premium trims continued with the 2.0-liter boxer-four, making 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on Base and Premium trims, with an optional CVT. The Sport and Limited trims were CVT-only, offering the larger engine.

All Crosstrek trims had standard AWD with torque vectoring and X-Mode for loose surfaces, including hill descent control. The Sport trim added Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes. While not highly capable off-road, these features were useful in bad weather. On pavement, the Crosstrek had predictable handling but noticeable body roll due to its higher center of gravity. The ride was comfortable, and wind noise was minimal.

The new 2.5-liter engine provided an additional 30 hp and 31 lb-ft of torque over the base engine, but the difference in performance was not dramatic. Acceleration was adequate, but the CVT produced noticeable droning.

The three-row 2021 XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Headroom and legroom in all three rows were average for the segment, with the third row being tight for adults. The seats in the second and third rows felt hard and lacked support. An optional power moonroof extended across the first two rows, enhancing the spacious feel. Standard four-zone climate control could be augmented with a filtration system for fine particulate matter.

The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but a power-adjustable steering wheel was not available. Storage space was limited, with a shallow center console storage bin and few console storage options. Cargo space for the T8 Recharge model was 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, near the bottom of the segment. A hands-free power tailgate was available.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered the same front and rear legroom as the Impreza hatchback, with slightly more rear headroom. Cargo space was 20.8 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 55.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This made the Crosstrek competitive in passenger space but not cargo space compared to other small crossovers.

CVT-equipped Crosstrek models had a rear-seat reminder to prevent leaving children or pets unattended. The front featured a cubby hole with USB and auxiliary ports, but the maximum number of USB ports was two, both located up front. Storage space was minimal, with decent-sized bottle holders in the doors.

The driving position was higher than the Impreza’s, but the Crosstrek didn’t allow for towering over other vehicles like traditional crossovers. Outward visibility was good, thanks to large side glass and a car-like front fascia and hood.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which emphasized 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. Two front USB-A ports and two rear USB-C ports were standard. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and head-up display (HUD) were available.

The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, allowing for easy swiping across menus. The lack of analog controls was not an issue, as the touchscreen worked well and complemented the minimalist interior design. However, the amount of text and typeface made reading some menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad added for 2021 was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback for drivers with newer phones.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek used the Starlink infotainment system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Premium and Sport trims added WiFi, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a single-disc CD player. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation was standard on the Limited trim and optional on lower trims.

Subaru displayed some information on a second screen above the main touchscreen, which seemed redundant. The 8-inch touchscreen in the test car was easy to navigate and responsive. Subaru included large analog knobs and buttons for vital functions like audio volume and climate control. Chunky buttons on the steering wheel controlled EyeSight driver-assistance features, ensuring the driver didn’t make mistakes.

The 2021 XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top “Good” scores in all crash tests and a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle testing. The NHTSA gave all 2021 XC90 models a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover testing.

The XC90 offered more standard safety features than most competitors, 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. Pilot Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, providing smooth and quick reactions to other vehicles. However, it struggled with highway curves and was not meant to replace an attentive driver.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests. The IIHS awarded the 2020 model, virtually identical to the 2021, a “Top Safety Pick” rating with the highest “Good” scores in all crash tests and for front-crash prevention tech.

CVT-equipped Crosstrek models had standard EyeSight driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control with lane centering, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Automatic high beams, reverse automatic braking, lane-change assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on the Limited trim and optional on Premium and Sport trims. EyeSight’s cameras were better protected than grille-mounted cameras but could be blocked by windshield wipers or wash out in direct sunlight.