2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Acura RDX

2021 Volvo XC90
2021 Volvo XC90
$49,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Acura RDX
2021 Acura RDX
$38,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volvo XC90
$49,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Acura RDX
$38,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$49,000

MSRP

$38,400

Average price

$45,950

Average price

$37,625

Listings

73

Listings

119
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

2021 Volvo XC90 Reviews Summary

Volvo may be known for sensible station wagons, but the XC90 SUV is the Swedish automaker’s de facto flagship. The current generation debuted design features, technology, and powertrains that have since found their way into most other Volvo models. Several years into the current-generation model’s lifecycle, the XC90 is no longer a trendsetter, but remains Volvo’s contender in the competitive midsize luxury SUV segment, with the automaker’s typical emphasis on safety features.

The current-generation XC90 launched for the 2016 model year, so most competitors—including the Audi Q7, Acura MDX, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE—have been updated or redesigned since then. The Cadillac XT6 and Lincoln Aviator didn’t even exist when this generation of XC90 launched.

A redesigned version is expected to arrive soon, so changes to the 2021 XC90 are minimal. All 2021 Volvo models are now limited to 180 kilometres per hour for safety reasons. The XC90 also gets a handful of newly standard tech features, and some small cosmetic changes.

Volvo offers the XC90 in three trim levels—Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription—with three powertrain options: T5 and T6 gasoline engines, and the T8 plug-in hybrid. Our test car was a range-topping T8 Recharge Inscription, combining the top Inscription trim level with the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which has the highest output of the three.

2021 Acura RDX Reviews Summary

When Acura last redesigned the RDX for the 2019 model year, the company began a transformation that is now accelerating with the debut of the all-new 2021 TLX sedan and 2022 MDX SUV. Adopting the company’s latest exterior styling and interior design philosophies, as well as the completely rethought True Touch Interface infotainment system, the third-generation RDX confirmed Acura’s intent to return to the performance ethos that guided the brand during its early years. Now, the RDX is selling well in Canada relative to its segment.
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 250 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 272 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

250 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

272 hp @ 6500 rpm

MPG City

21

MPG City

22

MPG Highway

30

MPG Highway

28
2021 Volvo XC90
2021 Volvo XC90
$49,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Acura RDX
2021 Acura RDX
$38,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volvo XC90
$49,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Acura RDX
$38,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$49,000
$38,400
Average price
$45,950
$37,625
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.7
4.5
Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Read full review

8.2 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Summary

Volvo may be known for sensible station wagons, but the XC90 SUV is the Swedish automaker’s de facto flagship. The current generation debuted design features, technology, and powertrains that have since found their way into most other Volvo models. Several years into the current-generation model’s lifecycle, the XC90 is no longer a trendsetter, but remains Volvo’s contender in the competitive midsize luxury SUV segment, with the automaker’s typical emphasis on safety features.

The current-generation XC90 launched for the 2016 model year, so most competitors—including the Audi Q7, Acura MDX, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE—have been updated or redesigned since then. The Cadillac XT6 and Lincoln Aviator didn’t even exist when this generation of XC90 launched.

A redesigned version is expected to arrive soon, so changes to the 2021 XC90 are minimal. All 2021 Volvo models are now limited to 180 kilometres per hour for safety reasons. The XC90 also gets a handful of newly standard tech features, and some small cosmetic changes.

Volvo offers the XC90 in three trim levels—Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription—with three powertrain options: T5 and T6 gasoline engines, and the T8 plug-in hybrid. Our test car was a range-topping T8 Recharge Inscription, combining the top Inscription trim level with the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which has the highest output of the three.

When Acura last redesigned the RDX for the 2019 model year, the company began a transformation that is now accelerating with the debut of the all-new 2021 TLX sedan and 2022 MDX SUV. Adopting the company’s latest exterior styling and interior design philosophies, as well as the completely rethought True Touch Interface infotainment system, the third-generation RDX confirmed Acura’s intent to return to the performance ethos that guided the brand during its early years. Now, the RDX is selling well in Canada relative to its segment.
Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 250 hp I4
2.0L 272 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
7
5
Horsepower
250 hp @ 5500 rpm
272 hp @ 6500 rpm
MPG City
21
22
MPG Highway
30
28
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