2022 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of trims, each with distinct styling elements that set them apart. The base LS and LT trims featured different grille patterns, while the sporty RST trim boasted a slotted grille, blacked-out appearance, and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 trim combined the LS grille with a blacked-out look, red tow hooks, a skid plate, and unique 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. The upscale Premier trim adopted the RST’s slotted grille with chrome accents, and the luxurious High Country trim showcased a chrome bar grille and bright-finished 22-inch wheels. The Tahoe's design was characterized by its dominant grille and standard LED headlights, with a more expressive rear featuring quad-outlet dual exhausts and tailgate trim. Despite its familiar design themes, the new Tahoe appeared more slab-sided, with larger wheels enhancing its overall look.

The Tahoe's interior was centred around a 10.2-inch infotainment screen and new electronic transmission controls, which improved storage capacity but compromised control layout. The Z71 trim we tested included a range of options, such as a power panoramic sunroof and a power sliding floor console, bringing the total price to $80,293. The interior featured a mix of cloth and leather seats, with higher trims offering perforated and textured leather options. The cabin's quality met expectations, with exposed stitching and soft-touch surfaces in the upper half, while hard plastic covered the lower half. The Tahoe's maximum seating capacity was limited to eight passengers due to the absence of a front bench seat.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge maintained a design closely resembling its gasoline counterpart, with subtle differences like a solid panel grille and trim-specific 19-inch alloy wheels. The absence of tailpipes and the presence of "Recharge" badging were among the few indicators of its electric nature. The XC40's exterior was well-assembled, featuring Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion. Inside, the XC40 embraced Scandinavian design sensibilities, offering an airy and roomy cabin despite its compact size. The dash's harmonious elements and premium materials contributed to its luxury SUV status.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options, with the standard 5.3-litre V8 delivering 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The High Country trim featured an exclusive 6.2-litre V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel inline six-cylinder engine was also available, offering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, except for the Z71 trim. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with a four-wheel-drive system optional on base trims and standard on others. The Z71 trim included off-road enhancements like a two-speed transfer case and hill descent control. The Tahoe's towing capacity reached up to 3,810 kilograms, with a payload capacity of 831 kilograms. The adoption of an independent rear suspension improved ride quality, while optional Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride suspension further enhanced comfort and handling.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack powering two electric motors, delivering 402 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque. This setup enabled the XC40 Recharge to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The gasoline-powered XC40 models, T4 and T5, used turbo four-cylinder engines with 8-speed automatic transmissions, achieving 0-100 km/h times of 8.5 and 6.4 seconds, respectively. The Recharge's regenerative braking system allowed for one-pedal driving, maximizing energy recovery. The XC40 Recharge's lower centre of gravity improved handling, while its suspension setup provided stability. Natural Resources Canada rated the XC40 Recharge at 2.8 Le/100 km combined, with a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge. DC fast-charging enabled a 0-80% charge in 40 minutes.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's new independent rear suspension improved passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel, with ventilated seats available on higher trims. The power sliding storage console offered additional storage options, while the second row provided a choice between a bench seat or captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was more spacious, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe offered 722 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,056 litres with the seat folded, and a maximum volume of 3,480 litres.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and comfort features. The front trunk provided extra storage space, while the cabin featured ample cubbies and nooks for essentials. The front seats were comfortable, with the rear seats suitable for outboard passengers. The XC40 Recharge offered up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the second row folded and a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The system was easy to use, with a wireless charging pad and a mid-grade Bose audio system. The test vehicle included the Rear Seat Media system, though the available 15-inch head-up display was not present.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured a 9.3-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with Android Automotive operating system, Google Maps, and Google Assistant. The system supported over-the-air updates and offered Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity. The XC40 Recharge's range and state of charge were displayed as a percentage, which could cause range anxiety for some drivers.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features like Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, forward collision alert, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features like lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tahoe had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, with standard safety features like collision warning, blind-spot information system, and lane keep assist. The XC40 Recharge's top speed was electronically capped at 180 km/h. A new sensor platform enhanced active safety features, and Volvo’s Connected Safety system shared road condition data with other connected vehicles.