2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth generation of compact crossovers, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling was characterized by soft, curvy lines that gave it a car-like appearance, with a family resemblance to Honda's sedan lineup. The CR-V's design leaned more towards a station wagon than an SUV, setting a standard for modern family transportation. However, the interior told a different story, with a mix of textures and materials. While higher trims featured upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery, these clashed with lower-quality plastics, reminding drivers that even the pricier CR-V versions were upgrades of a commodity car rather than true premium products.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC40 boasted more traditional SUV styling, with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch. It fit well within the Volvo lineup, featuring signature elements like "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The XC40 Recharge, the electric variant, was distinguished by a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels. The interior of the XC40 was minimalist yet premium, with high-quality materials such as real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery. The design was coherent, with elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents blending seamlessly into a pleasing whole.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine across all trims, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, despite some CVTs' reputation for sluggishness, performed well in the CR-V. The vehicle's car-like demeanor extended to its road manners, offering nimble handling and a firm yet comfortable ride. The CR-V's low curb weight, ranging from 1,521 kg for the FWD LX model to 1,641 kg for the AWD Touring and Black Edition models, contributed to its excellent acceleration, handling, and fuel efficiency. FWD models achieved a combined fuel consumption rating of 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres, while AWD models managed 8.1, making the CR-V one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid models in its class.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 variant delivered 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 variant offered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featured dual electric motors providing AWD and a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. The Recharge's 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack enabled a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads. The Recharge model also offered one-pedal driving, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was known for its masterful packaging, offering a spacious cabin comparable to the Volkswagen Tiguan without feeling oversized. The CR-V provided ample head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers, thanks to its excellent seating position and low cowl. The cargo compartment was roomy, with a two-position load floor allowing for flexible storage options. With the rear seats folded, the CR-V offered up to 1,110 litres of cargo space, making it easy to accommodate various needs. Clever storage solutions, such as a deep centre console and large door pockets, added to the CR-V's practicality.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, while not as spacious as some competitors, offered clever storage solutions to maximize utility. The centre console featured a removable trash bin, and a bag hook was integrated into the glovebox door. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. The storage cubby ahead of the shifter was designed to hold a phone securely, with an optional wireless charging pad available. However, the XC40's overall interior space was less competitive, with limited legroom and cargo capacity compared to rivals like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that felt small compared to competitors. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, and even Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration felt tacked on. However, the CR-V was equipped with plenty of USB ports, including two high-powered ports in the backseat, and a wireless phone charger was available on higher trims.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, offering Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with top-notch graphics and menu layouts. The Recharge model also introduced OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. The XC40 lacked a start button, relying on the key fob for operation, and future updates were expected to introduce a Digital Key feature.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the "Honda Sensing" suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The CR-V earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with LED headlights on higher trims improving nighttime visibility. A safety recall for a possible rear subframe failure affected a small number of vehicles.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA for gasoline models. The XC40 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, capable of future updates for advanced driver aids.