2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, maintaining its traditional styling while adding a touch of modern character. The XC90 retained its boxy profile and rectangular grille, but introduced softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The 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 thoughtful design, featuring matte-finish wood trim and unique upholstery options like wool and Nappa leather. The Orrefors crystal shifter added a touch of luxury to the otherwise restrained interior.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek took a different approach, transforming the Impreza hatchback into a crossover with rugged looks and standard all-wheel drive. The Crosstrek stood out with black body cladding, model-specific alloy wheels, and a taller ride height, offering 22 centimetres of ground clearance. This gave the Crosstrek an SUV-like appearance and more character than the Impreza. The Crosstrek's vibrant colour options, like Plasma Yellow Pearl, added to its appeal. Underneath, it shared the Subaru Global Platform with other models, providing a refined driving experience. The interior, while functional, was somewhat plain, with water-repellant upholstery and simulated carbon-fibre trim in the Outdoor grade. Despite its SUV aspirations, the Crosstrek maintained a car-like feel with good outward visibility.

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. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors for a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. In Canada, all models came with standard all-wheel drive. Despite the impressive power figures, the XC90's small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 engines. The XC90 offered three drive modes—Pure, Hybrid, and Power—but the Pure mode was limited to low speeds. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and maintained a quiet cabin. It had a towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms, suitable for moderate loads.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek introduced a new 2.5-litre boxer-four engine for the Outdoor and Limited trims, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. Other trims continued with the 2.0-litre boxer-four, delivering 152 hp and 145 lb-ft. The boxer engine's design provided a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling. A six-speed manual transmission was available with the 2.0-litre engine, but most buyers opted for the CVT. All trims featured standard all-wheel drive, with X-Mode for improved traction on loose surfaces. The Outdoor trim added Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes. While the Crosstrek's higher centre of gravity resulted in increased body roll, it offered a comfortable ride and low wind noise. The new 2.5-litre engine provided a modest performance boost, but acceleration remained adequate.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom across all three rows. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. An optional power sunroof and upright roof profile enhanced the sense of space. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, but lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Storage space was limited, with a shallow centre console and minimal storage options. Cargo capacity was 317 litres with all seats in place, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded. A hands-free power tailgate was available.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered the same front and rear legroom as the Impreza hatchback, with slightly more rear headroom. Cargo space was 588 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,565 litres with the seats folded. While competitive in passenger space, the Crosstrek lagged behind some rivals in cargo capacity. CVT-equipped models featured a rear-seat reminder system. Up front, the Crosstrek had a cubby hole with USB and auxiliary ports, but rear-seat passengers had limited access to USB ports. Storage space was minimal, but bottle holders in the doors were a practical touch. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, but not as elevated as traditional SUVs. Outward visibility was good, thanks to ample side glass.

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. Two front USB-A ports and two rear USB-C ports were standard. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and head-up display were available. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, but the text and typeface made reading menus challenging while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and only second-row USB-C ports were available.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek used the Starlink infotainment system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. SiriusXM satellite radio was included on all but the base model. Higher trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with navigation standard on the Limited. A second screen displayed redundant information. The 8-inch touchscreen was easy to navigate, and Subaru included large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. Steering wheel controls managed EyeSight driver-assistance features.

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" front-crash prevention ratings. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered extensive standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS for models with EyeSight and Steering Responsive Headlights. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. EyeSight's cameras were well-protected but had limitations in certain conditions.