2021 Toyota Venza 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, a more aggressive chin spoiler, and bright 22-inch rims, adding a touch of elegance to its already handsome figure. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive, while the subtle arching shoulder crease emphasized width and stability. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior, creating a stunning visual appeal.

Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious experience with options like matte wood trim and wool fabric seats in the Inscription models, and leather with aluminum or carbon-fiber trim in the R-Design. The seats were exceptionally comfortable, with power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage features. The rear seats, available as a bench or captain's chairs, were nearly as comfortable as the front. The cabin was filled with rich leather, padded materials, and fine details like the Swedish flag tag on the front passenger seat and a twist-action ignition knob, showcasing Volvo's craftsmanship and commitment to quality.

The 2021 Toyota Venza, though shorter and closer to the ground than the RAV4, blurred the line between Toyota and Lexus with its design. Critics noted its resemblance to the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, especially in its elongated profile and grille. The Venza was available in three trim levels: LE, XLE, and Limited, with a choice of seven paint colors. Standard features included dual chrome-tipped exhaust, LED headlights and taillights, automatic high beams, puddle lights, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Venza's interior was practical and well-appointed, with premium touches in the center stack, including piano black capacitive buttons for climate and infotainment controls. The deep center console featured resizable cup holders, a traditional stick shifter, drive mode buttons, and a wireless charging pad. The seats were comfortable for both front and rear passengers, and the overall passenger volume was nearly the same as the RAV4, providing a spacious feel. The Venza offered up to 55.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which, while less than some competitors, was sufficient for daily driving needs.

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, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune further boosted the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's acceleration was not linear, and the engine noise was unrefined for its price range. Fuel economy was also 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, with an 11.6-kWh battery providing up to 18 gas-free miles. Despite the high power figures, the added weight of the hybrid system negated the speed advantage, and the fuel economy was only slightly better at 27 mpg combined. The Polestar upgrade improved transmission, throttle, and steering response, but the XC90's handling remained uninspiring. The wide tires provided good grip, but the steering lacked precision, and the body exhibited significant roll and dive during braking.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack and electric motors, resulting in a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. The electronically-controlled continuously-variable transmission (eCVT) provided smooth acceleration, though the engine noise was noticeable. Once up to speed, the noise levels decreased, but road noise from the eco-conscious tires persisted.

The Venza's handling was confident and predictable, with the AWD system ensuring stability. The fuel economy was a standout feature, with an EPA-estimated 40 mpg on the highway, 37 mpg in the city, and 39 mpg combined, outperforming competitors like the Murano, Passport, and Blazer. Toyota backed the hybrid powertrain with a 10-year/150,000-mile hybrid battery warranty and an eight-year/100,000-mile Hybrid System warranty.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous versions, though it still relied heavily on the touchscreen for climate controls. The system was well-organized, but some safety features were buried in menus. 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.

The 2021 Toyota Venza's interior was practical and well-appointed, with premium touches in the center stack. The deep center console featured resizable cup holders, a traditional stick shifter, drive mode buttons, and a wireless charging pad. The seats were comfortable for both front and rear passengers, and the overall passenger volume was nearly the same as the RAV4, providing a spacious feel. The Venza offered up to 55.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which, while less than some competitors, was sufficient for daily driving needs. The quick-flip releases on the 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks made arranging the cargo space easy.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The four-zone climate control was also standard. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, providing an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easier, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could be reskinned but lacked major reconfiguration options.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured an 8-inch infotainment system on the LE and XLE trims, while the Limited trim had a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Entune infotainment system was standard, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa included. The system's response time was good, but it was not the easiest to use. The Venza also came with a Wi-Fi hot spot, a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system on the XLE and Limited trims, and various Toyota connected services, including Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect. Dynamic navigation was available on models with the larger screen.

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, a 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 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which included a pre-collision warning system with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and road sign assist. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard, with an upgrade to automatic braking available on the XLE and Limited trims. The Venza also had two full sets of LATCH connections on the rear outboard seats.