2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was characterized by its tall slab sides, high beltline, and short overhangs, contributing to its timeless design. Its utilitarian attitude was reminiscent of the XJ Jeep Cherokee, with flared wheel wells accommodating off-road tires and short overhangs allowing it to tackle steep terrains. The hood scoop, a non-functional element, was one of the few visual cues denoting its off-road-focused TRD trim. The front end featured small, angular headlights, and the grille varied across trims, with the TRD Pro boasting blacked-out accents and the Limited featuring chrome. The 4Runner's lineup in Canada was based on the SR5 trim with five packages, including the Limited package, which aimed at comfort with leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen. Despite these features, the 4Runner Limited was seen as a utilitarian vehicle with plenty of plastic and a seating position designed for trails rather than highways.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 had a more traditional SUV styling with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, fitting well with the Volvo lineup through familial styling cues like “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights. The XC40 Recharge was distinguished by a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and model-specific alloy wheels. It featured a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a different rear bumper, and a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with 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 melding into a pleasing whole, offering a luxury character that emphasized quiet and comfort.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, managed by a five-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed for a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds), though it was not known for fuel efficiency, with consumption estimated at 14.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 12.5 on the highway, and 13.8 combined. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like Toyota’s crawl control and Multi-Terrain Select. On-road, it exhibited significant body roll and heavy, vague steering, making it feel like a blast from the past.

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 the T4 producing 187 horsepower and the T5 offering 248 horsepower. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring one electric motor per axle for AWD and a combined 402 horsepower. It had a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, enabling a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads, and the Recharge model offered one-pedal driving for regenerative braking.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility and a relatively tidy turning radius of 5.6 metres. Inside, it featured large, chunky knobs for HVAC and stereo controls, with physical buttons lining the 8-inch touchscreen. The tall front seat position provided a commanding view, though climbing in and out could be tiring without power-retractable running boards. The 4Runner offered an optional third row of seats, though they were best suited for short and occasional use due to limited legroom and comfort.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge had no difference in passenger or cargo space compared to gasoline models, though it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y. Clever storage solutions included a removable trash bin in the centre console and a bag hook in the glovebox door. The Harman Kardon system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for extra-large door bins. A wireless charging pad was optional, with a single USB-C port standard, though second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The onboard navigation system was challenging to manage, with Google Maps providing more direct routes. The 4Runner also included Bluetooth connectivity, a single USB port, and subscription services like Sirius XM satellite radio. Despite these updates, the 4Runner lagged behind competitors in total features and usability, with advanced features hidden in the powertrain.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Recharge models had OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without dealership visits. The Recharge lacked a start button, with the car starting when the driver shifted out of park.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. It had eight standard airbags and received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rating in the rollover test. The IIHS gave it a Good score in most crash tests, with a Marginal score in the small overlap front: driver-side test.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 came with standard safety features like lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model had a safety cage around the battery and a redesigned front crash structure, with Volvo expecting it to perform well in crash tests.