2021 Volvo XC60 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 resembled Honda's sedan lineup, giving it a station wagon-like appearance rather than a traditional SUV look. This design approach made the CR-V a modern family transportation staple. However, the interior told a different story, with a mix of textures and materials that included upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery in higher trims, clashing with lower-quality plastics. This contrast reminded drivers that even the more expensive CR-V versions were essentially upgraded commodity cars rather than true premium products.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the XC40 and XC90 in Volvo's lineup, was built on the SPA platform, shared with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles. The XC60's design featured an elegant, tailored crossover look with short overhangs and athletic body sides. The front grille proudly displayed Volvo's iron mark logo, and the headlights featured a distinctive LED daytime running light in the shape of Thor's hammer. The paint quality, chrome, and trim were beautifully executed, and the large alloy wheels added to its fashionable appearance. Inside, the XC60's cabin exuded Scandinavian style with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a standout feature, and the attention to detail in elements like the HVAC vents elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

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. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), this powertrain offered a well-matched driving experience. While CVTs often had a reputation for sluggishness, Honda's engineers managed to create a responsive system that mimicked a conventional automatic transmission. The CR-V's car-like demeanor extended to its road manners, with nimble handling and a firm yet comfortable chassis. Its 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. The CR-V's fuel consumption was rated at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres combined for FWD models and 8.1 for AWD models, making it one of the most efficient non-hybrid options in its class.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. AWD was standard on all models. The T5 variant produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 added a supercharger for 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 models, including the Polestar Engineered version, incorporated an 87-hp electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with the Polestar Engineered model reaching 415 hp. The T8 models were plug-in hybrids, allowing for limited electric-only driving. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided confident handling, and the cabin remained quiet and comfortable. Fuel consumption figures ranged from 11.1 L/100 km city/8.3 hwy/9.9 combined for the T5 to 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T8 PHEV, with the T8 achieving 4.0 Le/100 km in electric-only mode.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was known for its masterful packaging, offering a spacious cabin comparable to the Volkswagen Tiguan without feeling oversized. The driver's seat and passenger seats provided ample head- and legroom, thanks to the CR-V's excellent seating position and low cowl, which enhanced front visibility. The cargo compartment was roomy, matching the Tiguan in volume despite the CR-V being shorter. Clever storage solutions, such as the deep centre console and two-position load floor, added to its practicality. The CR-V offered 1,065 litres of cargo space in the Touring and Black Edition trims and 1,110 litres in other grades. Even the door pockets were generously sized, making it easy to accommodate various items.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with a focus on providing a serene driving experience. The front seats were highly adjustable and praised for their comfort, especially during winter testing. The heating system, heated seats, and defrosters performed exceptionally well in cold conditions. The cabin featured smart storage solutions in the centre console, dashboard, and door panels, while the second row offered secure storage in seatbacks and armrests. The XC60 provided 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. It was also rated to tow up to 1,587 kilograms, adding to its versatility.

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 offered plenty of USB ports, with two in the front and two high-powered ports in the backseat. The Touring and Black Edition trims included a wireless phone charger, enhancing convenience for occupants.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface. While it could be intuitive for frequent iPad users, it required a learning curve for others. The system divided the screen into function quadrants, allowing users to access audio, navigation, vehicle, and communication functions. Smartphone integration was seamless, with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system in the test XC60 was exceptional, providing an immersive audio experience.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came equipped with the "Honda Sensing" suite of safety features as standard, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Automatic high beams were also standard, while blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic monitoring were available on higher trims. The CR-V earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with some caveats for lower trims due to headlight performance. A safety recall affected a small number of vehicles for a rear subframe issue.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 benefited from Volvo's commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA for certain models. The XC60 featured a comprehensive suite of safety features, including LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance, and various mitigation systems. Volvo's semi-autonomous driving system, Pilot Assist, was available, integrating adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The XC60's top speed was limited to 180 km/h for safety reasons, and the T8 Polestar Engineered model featured distinctive gold safety belts.