2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling. This model retained the brand's signature boxy profile and rectangular grille but introduced softer lines and more chrome detailing. The LED headlights, featuring the distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights, added a modern touch. The XC90 Inscription trim, with its optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most visually striking, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism," with high-quality materials and a restrained design. The interior featured matte-finish wood trim and unique options like wool upholstery, complemented by an Orrefors crystal shifter.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura RDX, especially in the A-Spec trim, presented a sporty and stylish appearance without excessive embellishments. The RDX avoided off-road styling cues, focusing instead on a sleek design suitable for daily driving. The A-Spec trim, positioned in the middle of the RDX lineup, featured subtle yet effective styling changes, including exclusive Shark Gray 20-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the RDX A-Spec offered a sporty ambiance with front sport seats, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting. However, the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background proved challenging to read. Despite this, the RDX's interior materials and design elements contributed to a sporty and modern feel.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centred around a 2.0-litre 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. The T6 variant added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assistance, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. All models in Canada came with standard all-wheel drive. While the XC90's power was impressive, the small engine struggled with flexibility compared to larger engines in competitor SUVs. The XC90 excelled in luxury, offering a smooth ride with its optional air-suspension system and maintaining a quiet cabin. It also had a respectable towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and the torque-vectoring SH-AWD system were standard, enhancing handling and driving enjoyment. The RDX offered four driving modes—Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+—allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. The A-Spec trim included exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, contributing to improved handling. However, the lack of adaptive dampers in the A-Spec trim resulted in some body motion on uneven roads. Despite this, the RDX A-Spec provided a rewarding driving experience with its broad torque curve, precise steering, and fade-resistant brakes.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, offering flexibility for families. While headroom and legroom were average for the segment, the third-row space was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The optional power sunroof and upright roof profile created a spacious feel. The XC90's cargo space was limited, with 317 litres behind the third row, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with both rows folded. The interior featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, but storage options were limited.

The 2021 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered impressive passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment and heating as standard. The A-Spec trim added Alcantara and leather seats, along with ventilation. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a low and flat cushion, resulting in a lack of leg support. The RDX's cargo space measured 835 litres behind the rear seat, with additional storage compartments for organization. Folding the rear seats provided 1,668 litres of cargo space, and Acura quoted a maximum value of 2,260 litres, although this measurement was based on unconventional loading methods.

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 compatibility, and Bluetooth. The system's portrait-oriented touchscreen was intuitive, although the text and typeface could be challenging to read while driving. The XC90 also offered a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and a head-up display. However, the wireless charging pad was not compatible with most phones, and the second-row USB-C ports limited front-seat connectivity.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the centre console instead of a touchscreen. While the TTI mirrored the screen, it required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX included standard satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi tethering, with an available navigation system. The A-Spec trim featured a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality. Despite the TTI's challenges, Acura incorporated smartphone projection and voice-recognition technology to enhance user experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top "Good" scores in crash tests and "Superior" ratings for front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded all XC90 models a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Acura RDX came equipped with a range 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, although it received four-star ratings in frontal-impact and rollover resistance tests. Despite some missing features, the RDX's safety systems were refined and user-friendly.