2022 Volvo XC60 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 popular LT models featured different grille patterns, while the sporty RST trim boasted a slotted grille, blacked-out appearance, and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 combined the LS grille with a blacked-out look, red tow hooks, and unique 20-inch wheels for off-roading. The upscale Premier trim added chrome accents to the RST’s grille, and the luxurious High Country featured a chrome bar grille and bright-finished 22-inch wheels. The Tahoe’s design was dominated by its grille, with standard LED headlights and expressive taillights. Despite its familiar design themes, the new Tahoe appeared more slab-sided, with larger wheels enhancing its overall look.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, including a new front fascia with “air blades” for a sportier appearance and a reworked grille with sensors behind the heated Volvo logo. The rear bumper was redesigned to hide the tailpipes, and new wheel designs were introduced. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, maintaining a clean interior design with a new digital instrument cluster. The B6 R-Design test car featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, adding flair to an otherwise subdued interior. The Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, enhancing the luxury feel.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options. Most trims came with a 5.3-litre V8 engine producing 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the High Country trim featured a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel engine, available for all trims except the Z71, delivered 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, improving fuel efficiency by approximately 3.5 litres per 100 kilometres. The Tahoe’s 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with four-wheel drive available on higher trims. The Z71 trim included off-road enhancements like a two-speed transfer case and hill descent control. The Tahoe could tow up to 3,810 kilograms and handle an 831-kilogram payload. The new independent rear suspension, along with adaptive and air suspension options, significantly improved ride quality, making the Tahoe Z71 smooth on various terrains.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 versions. Both featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 also included an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The XC60 B5 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60’s smooth power delivery and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension, emphasized luxury over performance. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge offered 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 horsepower and 494 lb-ft, with a zero to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

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 provided additional storage options. The second row offered a bench seat or captain’s chairs, with the latter option including 10.6-inch entertainment displays. The third-row seat was more spacious, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe provided 722 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, 2,056 litres with the seat folded, and a maximum of 3,480 litres, surpassing most full-size SUVs except for longer-wheelbase models.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. Mild-hybrid models offered 611 litres of cargo space with rear seats up and 1,410 litres with them folded, while plug-in hybrids had slightly less capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, despite the pinched roofline. Large exterior mirrors aided driving without relying on driver aids.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with enhanced computing power, over-the-air updates, and cybersecurity protection. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. Navigation and Bose audio systems were available upgrades. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though some controls were hard to access. The voice-recognition system was impressive, and Bluetooth pairing was quick. The test vehicle included a Rear Seat Media system, though the head-up display was not tested.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The system was compatible with iPhones, though without Google profile syncing. The infotainment redesign featured a new layout with sideways swiping for menu access. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a “Calm” setting to minimize distraction.

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 lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. Premier and High Country trims added adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, and a Safety Alert Seat. The Tahoe’s driving-assistance features worked as expected, though the pedestrian alert could be distracting. A surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the large SUV. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of review.

The 2022 Volvo XC60’s 2021 model received the IIHS “Top Safety Pick+” rating and a five-star NHTSA rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. An optional driver assistance system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring, though it was no longer a standout feature compared to competitors.