2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling to a more characterful yet distinctly Volvo appearance. The XC90 retained classic Volvo elements like a boxy profile and a blunt front end, but introduced softer lines, increased chrome detailing, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most visually striking, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. The XC90's interior embraced "Swedish minimalism," featuring high-quality materials and thoughtful design, with options like wool upholstery and an Orrefors crystal shifter adding unique touches.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner maintained its rugged, utilitarian design, largely unchanged for over a decade. Its two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches conveyed a sense of timeless utility. While not conventionally attractive, the 4Runner's design was functional and durable, akin to a reliable tool. The Trail Special Edition, priced at $38,565, featured dark gray TRD Off-Road wheels and a Yakima RoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket. Inside, the 4Runner offered a practical and straightforward interior with hard plastic surfaces, large knobs, and manual controls, emphasizing durability and ease of use. The Trail Special Edition included black cloth upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a sliding rear cargo tray, enhancing its practicality for outdoor adventures.

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, while the T6 added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, or Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors for a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. The T5 came with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive optional, while the T6 and T8 had standard AWD. Despite its power, the XC90's small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' larger engines, and the plug-in hybrid's electric mode was limited to low speeds. The XC90 excelled in ride quality and quietness, with an optional air-suspension system enhancing comfort. It had a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, though less than some rivals.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine, delivered 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque through a five-speed automatic transmission. The Trail Special Edition, like other 4Runner models, featured a part-time 4WD system, requiring manual engagement for off-road conditions. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with features like A-Trac traction control and optional upgrades like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control enhancing its capabilities. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with the 4Runner feeling slow and cumbersome. Its truck-like driving characteristics, while charming to some, were less suited for daily suburban driving. Fuel efficiency was also a concern, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined and an observed average of 16.8 mpg.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered a choice between six-seat and seven-seat configurations, with 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. The interior felt spacious due to a power moonroof and upright roof profile. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, but lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Cargo space 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 rear rows down. A hands-free power tailgate was standard.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's high ground clearance could pose a challenge for shorter passengers, but once inside, it offered comfortable seating with ample legroom and good visibility. The Trail Special Edition lacked a third-row seat, instead featuring a sliding cargo deck with a 440-pound capacity. Cargo space was generous, with up to 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 89.7 cubic feet with the seat folded. The 4Runner's back bumper provided a convenient seating area for outdoor activities. Interior storage was adequate, and the Trail Special Edition's roof rack added extra cargo capacity.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, known for its simplicity and functionality. It included a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. Optional features included a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display. The touchscreen was user-friendly, though some menu text was difficult to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and only second-row USB-C ports were available.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition had basic technology features, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. It also offered SiriusXM satellite radio, five USB ports, and a year of free Safety Connect services. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation and voice recognition, with a one-year subscription to Destination Assist. The system's physical buttons and knobs were easy to use, even with gloves, and the software was effective, though the screen size was modest.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered extensive standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane centering.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for driver protection in small overlap frontal impacts from the IIHS, reflecting its older design.