2020 Jeep Renegade 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 with a blue hue 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 sculpted for comfort, featuring power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage. 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 and twist-action ignition knob, showcasing Volvo's craftsmanship and commitment to quality.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade, on the other hand, retained the signature Jeep design elements like round headlights, the 7-slot grille, and trapezoidal wheel arches, wrapped in a purposeful yet expressive design. The High Altitude trim we tested came with extra-cost paint, dark gray 19-inch wheels, and a dual-pane panoramic glass roof, giving it a surprisingly grown-up look. The full LED lighting, interior contrast stitching, black headliner, and metallic cabin accents added a touch of luxury to this small SUV.

However, the Renegade's interior revealed its budget origins with hard plastic dominating the cabin. Despite the fancy details, the all-black color scheme made it look inexpensive and unimaginative. The Renegade's boxy design made it feel larger inside, but the rear seat space was cramped, and the interior storage spots were limited. Cargo volume was also modest, measuring 18.5 cubic feet behind the back seat and 50.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

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 lb-ft of torque, which felt insufficient for such a heavy vehicle. The T6 model, with a supercharger added, 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 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. However, the added weight negated the speed benefits, and the fuel economy was only slightly better at 27 mpg combined. The Polestar upgrade improved transmission, throttle, and steering response, but the XC90 remained more comfortable than sporty.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade featured a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 177 hp and 210 lb-ft. The turbo engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided better performance, but suffered from turbo lag and hesitation. The Active Drive AWD system in our test vehicle disconnected the rear wheels to save fuel and activated when needed. The Trailhawk trim offered a more capable Active Drive Low AWD system for off-roading.

The turbocharged engine felt energetic, but the transmission's calibration for fuel economy led to inconsistent power delivery. The Renegade averaged 23.6 mpg, below the EPA estimate of 26 mpg, and had a small 12.7-gallon fuel tank, limiting its range. The driving dynamics were less than ideal, with a flinty ride, sloppy steering, and a loud cabin making highway driving a chore. The Trailhawk trim was the best version for off-roading, delivering on Jeep's promise of capability.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system initialized faster and responded more quickly than previous models. The system housed all climate controls within the touchscreen, with physical buttons for defrosters, volume, and seek controls. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an integrated booster cushion for young children. The six-seat configuration was available on the T6 and T8 powertrains, offering generous legroom and comfort in the first and second rows. The third row was tight, suitable for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade's boxy design made it feel larger inside, with a far-away windshield, thick pillars, and vertical side glass. The panoramic glass roof added to the sense of space. The eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat made it easy to get comfortable, but the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Rear seat space was cramped, with no air conditioning vents for rear occupants. Interior storage was limited, and cargo volume was modest at 18.5 cubic feet behind the back seat and 50.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

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 and Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power were highlights. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easy, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could be reskinned but lacked major reconfiguration options.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade featured the Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Kenwood premium audio system provided good sound, and the driver information center allowed for configurable features. A parking assist system was available for both parallel and perpendicular spaces.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety scores from 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 2020 Jeep Renegade offered the Advanced Tech Group, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Safety and Security Group added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The Renegade earned a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA, with a 3-star rating for rear-seat side-impact protection. IIHS scores were commendable, but the Renegade did not carry forward its Top Safety Pick rating from 2019.