2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was a striking example of modern design mixed with traditional Volvo styling elements. This model celebrated the best of Volvo’s contemporary aesthetic, standing out as a beautiful piece of engineering in the world of large SUVs. With its classic silver vertical bars on the grille intersected by a blacked-out honeycomb treatment on the R-Design trim, the XC90 exuded class and sophistication. Additional features included black window surrounds, mirrors, a more aggressive chin spoiler, and bright 22-inch rims that added a touch of elegance to an already attractive figure. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights were standard, providing an identity marker for the vehicle at night, mirrored by the curved LED taillights at the rear. Subtle design notes like the arching shoulder crease, which enhanced the vehicle's width and stability, harkened back to the 1999 S80 sedan.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC90 continued this design blueprint but added more refinement and character. This model retained Volvo’s traditional styling cues, such as the boxy profile and blunt front end, but softened the lines and integrated more chrome, moving away from unpainted plastic. The signature "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights remained a distinctive design element. The Inscription trim, which featured extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most visually striking, while the R-Design trimmed the grill with new gloss-black surrounds for 2021, enhancing its sporty appearance.

Overall, the 2021 XC90 maintained Volvo's minimalist yet impactful design language, continuing the legacy set by the 2020 model. Both models aimed to marry functional SUV design with a luxury, high-quality finish, although the 2021 iteration made slight improvements in material choices and aesthetic touches.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, each based around a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which was generally seen as insufficient for such a large vehicle. Upgrading to the T6 introduced a supercharger in addition to the turbocharger, increasing the output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Polestar tune could further boost these figures to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. Despite these improvements, the T6's performance still lacked the seamless off-the-line power expected of its supercharger and turbocharger setup. The T8 plug-in hybrid version provided a noteworthy 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque with an 11.6-kWh battery allowing for up to 18 miles of gas-free driving. However, the added weight somewhat negated the performance benefits.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 mirrored these powertrain options with the T5 offering 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft, the T6 delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the T8 Recharge hybrid reaching 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. While the T8 aimed to balance power and efficiency, the small engine still had to work hard, especially under electric-only power at low speeds. Volvo's efforts to integrate electric and hybrid driving modes allowed for some improvement, but the struggle to manage power and efficiency remained.

Ultimately, the 2021 model continued the struggle for a perfect balance between power and efficiency seen in the 2020 model. Both models delivered solid but not exceptional driving experiences, with a preference for luxury and comfort over sporty performance.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's interior evoked sophistication with its faster, more responsive Sensus infotainment system and thoughtful layout. Key interior features included a standard seven-seat configuration with an optional integrated booster cushion for families, which reflected Volvo's focus on practicality and family needs. The second-row offered generous legroom and comfort, but the third row was better suited for small children due to its modest space. Cargo capacity was impressive at up to 85.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 also provided a luxurious cabin but introduced new elements like second-row captain's chairs available in six-seat configurations. The overall space remained average for the segment. With a standard four-zone climate control and optional filtration system, the interior comfort and air quality were top-notch. The range-topping Inscription model featured a plush interior with 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats possessing backrest massage. While cargo capacity for the T8 Recharge was significantly lower at 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, the focus remained on luxury comfort over cargo space.

The 2020 XC90 included Volvo Pilot Assist as standard, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist for proficient highway driving. The model's highlight was the Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power. The infotainment touchscreen was user-friendly, although slow to load certain apps, and the digital instrument panel lacked major configurability.

In 2021, Volvo improved on its Sensus infotainment system, maintaining a minimalist approach while ensuring functionality. Standard features included a 9-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. The Bowers & Wilkins audio system and head-up display were also available. The infotainment system in the 2021 model continued with fewer physical buttons but introduced challenges such as the small text on menus and an ill-fitting wireless charging pad.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 excelled in safety, achieving top scores from both the NHTSA and the IIHS, although its headlight test rating prevented it from earning the Top Safety Pick+ title. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition.

The 2021 XC90 carried on this tradition, securing the Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS for non-hybrid models. It achieved top scores in all crash tests and offered enhanced features like lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, and automatic emergency braking. Volvo’s Pilot Assist continued to excel as one of the best semi-autonomous driving systems available.