2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's renowned craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design was unmistakably BMW, from the iconic kidney grille to its overall body shape, ensuring it stood out as a luxury SUV. However, this familiarity also meant it could blend in with other BMW models in a crowded parking lot. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The interior, while consistent with BMW's design language, was criticized for its overuse of black plastic, though it did offer leather and soft-touch materials for a luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC60 received subtle styling updates, including a new front fascia with "air blades" and a redesigned rear bumper. The XC60 shared its platform with other Volvo models, ensuring a consistent design language. Inside, the XC60 maintained its clean, minimalist design with a new digital instrument cluster. While the interior was generally subdued, the R-Design trim added some flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats. The Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery for added luxury.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrains, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, with all-wheel drive as standard in Canada. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M delivered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model combined a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and offering up to 50 kilometres of all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and handling were criticized for lacking the connected drive experience typical of BMWs.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 options. Both featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, providing 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque for the B5, and 295 hp and 310 lb-ft for the B6. The XC60's plug-in hybrid model, the Recharge, offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft. The XC60 emphasized a calm, comfortable driving experience, with a quiet cabin and smooth ride, enhanced by optional air suspension.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was spacious and comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard on longer journeys. The rear seats accommodated two adults comfortably, and an optional third row was available. The X5's split liftgate and adjustable vehicle height made loading cargo easy, though the doors did not open very wide, complicating access to the second row.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Cargo space was 611 litres with the rear seats up and 1,410 litres with them folded for mild-hybrid models, while plug-in hybrids offered slightly less. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, despite its somewhat pinched roofline.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard features included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and various connectivity options. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, premium audio systems, and a dual-panel panoramic roof. The iDrive system required some acclimatization but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The system integrated Google Assistant for voice control and Google Maps for navigation, with over-the-air updates. While Android users could sync their profiles, iPhone compatibility was also promised. The new layout featured sideways swiping for menu access, which was intuitive and efficient.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The driver assistance system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring. The 2021 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, indicating strong safety credentials.