2021 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban's front-end design was polarizing, with a mix of small headlights and large, busy grilles that didn't favor its massive frame. Chevy designers seemed to have borrowed the Camaro's design language, which didn't translate well to the Suburban. However, the interior was more familiar and user-friendly, with controls in their usual places and a touchscreen framed by a chrome strip that unfortunately reflected sunlight into the driver's eyes. The Suburban offered various trim levels, from the base LS to the luxurious High Country, each adding more features and comfort.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 had a sleek and modern design, moving away from Volvo's boxy past. The XC90's body appeared poised to launch forward, with a long, sleek roofline and pronounced wheel arches that emphasized its athleticism. The interior was described as "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim, a sliding wood tambor cover, and a clear crystal gear selector handle. Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030 was evident, although Nappa leather was still available for those who preferred it. The XC90's interior was both luxurious and practical, making it a standout in its class.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a standard 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a newly available 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine producing 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) or available four-wheel drive (4WD). The diesel engine provided excellent pickup and V8-level torque, making it suitable for both city and highway driving. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride quality, although it still exhibited some truck-like tendencies, such as body roll and susceptibility to crosswinds.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the T8 plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The T5 models were front-wheel drive (FWD) with available all-wheel drive (AWD), while the T6 and T8 models were AWD only. All XC90 models used an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T8's electric motor provided early torque, eliminating turbo lag and smoothing power delivery. The XC90 handled like a smaller SUV, with minimal body roll and a fun driving experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban boasted massive cargo space, with 144.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. Even with the second-row seats in use, it offered 93.8 cubic feet of cargo space, and 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row. Passengers enjoyed a commanding view of the road and ample head- and legroom. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious, and the control layout was similar to GM's pickup trucks. However, the button shifter design and power-sliding center console were less intuitive and added complexity.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. The third row was suitable for kids but lacked legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The XC90's interior featured ample storage space, comfortable seating, and a standard laminated panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well even during a heat wave, making the XC90 a comfortable choice for all seasons.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running GM's intuitive infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system had crisp graphics and a sensible layout, with a helpful home button below the screen. Optional features included a navigation system, a rear entertainment system with large touchscreens, and a head-up display with easy-to-read graphics.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which offered tablet-like functionality with familiar gestures like pinch, pull, and swipe. However, the system in the test car was glitchy and slow to respond. Connecting an iPhone 11 Pro and using Apple CarPlay improved the experience. The nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen was positioned close to the driver's line of sight, minimizing distraction. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel offered easy customization and crisp graphics. The $1,650 Advanced package included a head-up display, a 360-degree surround view camera system, and an advanced air cleaner. The XC90 came with standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound, with a $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins upgrade available for audiophiles. The SUV also featured multiple USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle controls.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came equipped with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors. The Teen Driver system allowed owners to set speed and volume limitations for younger drivers. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic assist, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Unique options included the rear-view camera mirror and the Safety Alert Seat, which vibrated for alerts.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, slippery road alert, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system combined several safety features to keep the car in its lane and at a set speed with minimal driver intervention. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.