2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, mirrors, and a more aggressive chin spoiler, all complemented by bright 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive Volvo elements. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint with a blue hue contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior, emphasizing the vehicle's luxurious feel. The interior boasted rich leather, padded materials, and fine details like the Swedish flag tag and twist-action ignition knob, showcasing Volvo's craftsmanship and commitment to quality.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid maintained a similar appearance to its gas-only counterparts, with subtle differences like "Hybrid" badges, blue Honda logos, and unique LED fog lights. The interior featured different trim and unique instrumentation to display battery-charge status, power regeneration, and power distribution. The CR-V Hybrid was available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, all with standard all-wheel drive. The Touring trim, in particular, offered a rich two-tone interior with Ivory leather and a premium sound system. However, the fake wood trim detracted from the overall aesthetic. Despite these differences, the CR-V Hybrid's design remained functional and practical, catering to those seeking a fuel-efficient and powerful SUV.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger and turbocharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune upgrade boosted these numbers to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's mid-range acceleration was good but not exceptional, and the engine noise was unrefined. Fuel economy was unimpressive, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque but had limited electric range and added weight, making it less appealing.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine, an electric assist motor, and a generator/starter motor, producing a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The CR-V Hybrid had three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—and three driver-selected modes—Econ, Sport, and EV. The added weight of the battery pack improved weight distribution and lowered the center of gravity. The CR-V Hybrid was quick off the line, handled predictably, and offered a comfortable ride. However, it returned 33.7 mpg on the testing route, falling short of the EPA rating of 38 mpg combined and the 39.7 mpg achieved by the RAV4 Hybrid.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system initialized faster and responded more quickly than previous models. The system integrated climate controls, seat adjustments, and other functions within the touchscreen, with limited physical buttons. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The six-seat configuration was available on the T6 and T8 powertrains but not on the R-Design model. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and suitable for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the last two rows folded.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in carrying people and cargo. The front seats were supportive and comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment for the driver. Heated front seats and high-quality leather were standard. The rear seat offered remarkable space, with ample legroom and comfort for adults. Interior storage was impressive, though the wireless smartphone charger in the Touring trim took up significant space on the center console. The CR-V Hybrid's cargo space measured 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 68.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, slightly less than the standard CR-V due to the battery pack.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, offering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could display the map between analog-style dials but lacked major reconfiguration options.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, redesigned in 2017, felt outdated despite its large, flush surface and seven-inch touchscreen. The system lacked a tuning knob and took a long time to start. Voice recognition was subpar, and the navigation map was cluttered. The HondaLink connected services were minimal. The Touring trim included a nine-speaker premium audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and support for text messaging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Pandora internet radio.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels, curtain airbags, and a unique whiplash protection system.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and Road Departure Mitigation. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was also standard. The CR-V Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.