2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was a testament to Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group's ownership. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture platform, the XC60 shared its elegant, tailored design with other Volvo models, featuring short overhangs and a distinctive upright grille adorned with the iconic iron mark logo. The Thor's hammer-shaped LED daytime running lights added a touch of Swedish flair. Inside, the XC60's cabin exuded Scandinavian style with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen, though initially controversial, became a hallmark of Volvo's innovative approach. The attention to detail, from the elegant HVAC vents to the harmonious textures and colours, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially in the A-Spec trim, was a striking SUV with subtle yet effective styling changes that conveyed sportiness without overpromising on performance. Acura avoided off-roading frippery, focusing instead on daily driving and road-tripping capabilities. The RDX A-Spec sat in the middle of the trim hierarchy, offering a sporty interior with front sport seats, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting. While the exterior and interior delivered a sporty look and feel, the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background proved challenging to read. Despite this, the RDX's cabin was anything but typical, with quality materials and a form-over-function approach to controls.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 model added a supercharger for 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 models, including the Polestar Engineered variant, incorporated an 87-hp electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with the Polestar version reaching 415 hp. The XC60's plug-in hybrid capability allowed for up to 31 kilometres of electric-only driving. The vehicle's size and AWD system contributed to a solid, secure driving experience, with fuel consumption figures ranging from 11.1 L/100 km city to 4.0 Le/100 km in electric-only mode.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and the SH-AWD system. This system could direct up to 70% of engine output to the rear wheels, enhancing handling. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes, adjusting powertrain response and steering effort. A-Spec models boasted exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, though the lack of adaptive dampers led to some body motion on uneven roads. Despite this, the RDX A-Spec offered rewarding driving dynamics, with precise steering and fade-resistant brakes.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 excelled in providing comfort and functionality, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system well-suited for winter conditions. The cabin featured smart storage solutions, intuitive controls, and ample cargo space, with 613 litres behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. The XC60's towing capacity was rated at 1,587 kilograms.

The 2021 Acura RDX, though compact, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats, especially in A-Spec trim, provided comfort and support, with 12-way power adjustment and heating as standard. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a low and flat cushion, affecting leg support. Cargo space measured 835 litres behind the rear seat, with additional storage compartments under the cargo floor. Folding the rear seats increased cargo capacity to 1,668 litres, with a maximum quoted volume of 2,260 litres.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, a tablet-style touchpad interface with a portrait orientation. The system divided the screen into function quadrants, allowing users to access audio, navigation, and other features. While intuitive for some, the system required a learning curve. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with an exceptional Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system available.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface, a touch-sensing pad on the centre console. This system mirrored the screen, allowing drivers to control functions by touching corresponding areas on the pad. While an improvement over similar systems, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX offered standard satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi tethering, with a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system in the A-Spec trim.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance, and a semi-autonomous driving system called Pilot Assist. Volvo's vehicles were also governed to a top speed of 180 km/h for safety.

The 2021 Acura RDX came equipped with a suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.