2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 GMC Yukon

The 2021 GMC Yukon was a testament to GMC's positioning as a "premium grade" brand, offering a rugged yet refined aesthetic. It was a full-size SUV built on a truck platform, available in various trims including the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali. The Denali trim, in particular, stood out with its exclusive dashboard design, real wood trim, leather-wrapped panels, and unique interior stitching. The Yukon Denali Ultimate, with its Midnight Blue paint and 22-inch wheels, exuded an upscale vibe, differentiating itself from the Chevrolet Tahoe High Country. Despite its premium features, the Yukon was not cheap, with the Denali Ultimate option package pushing the price to $93,703 CAD.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a more traditional SUV styling with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch. It shared familial styling cues with other Volvo models, such as the "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The XC40 Recharge, the electric variant, featured a blanked-off grille and model-specific alloy wheels, distinguishing it from its gasoline counterparts. The interior of the XC40 was minimalist yet premium, with high-quality materials like Nappa leather and Nubuck textile. The design was coherent, with elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents blending seamlessly. The XC40's interior was a testament to Volvo's commitment to luxury without compromising on style.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options, with the Denali trim featuring a 420-horsepower 6.2-litre V8 engine. This engine delivered robust acceleration and was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. However, its fuel efficiency was not its strong suit, averaging 16.3 litres per 100 kilometres on a testing loop. The Yukon Denali's ride quality was improved by its independent rear suspension and available Four-Corner Air Ride suspension. Despite its size, the Yukon was capable of impressive grip and reasonably quick steering, thanks to its oversized wheels and tires. The Active Response 4WD system further enhanced its cornering performance and traction.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The Recharge featured a dual-motor setup with 402 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The gasoline T4 and T5 models had 187 and 248 horsepower, respectively. The XC40 Recharge emphasized quiet and comfort, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads. It also offered one-pedal driving, using regenerative braking for most deceleration. The Recharge had a towing capacity of 900 kilograms, a rarity among electric vehicles.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. The front seats were heated and ventilated, though they lacked a massage function. The second-row seats could slide and collapse, enhancing comfort and cargo room. The third-row seat offered actual thigh support, accommodating adults comfortably. Cargo volume was impressive, with up to 3,480 litres available with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its gasoline and Recharge variants, offered clever storage solutions despite its limited interior space. The centre console featured a removable trash bin, and the glovebox door had a built-in bag hook. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. However, the XC40 had less legroom and cargo space compared to rivals like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The Recharge's frunk was also small, with much of the space occupied by powertrain hardware.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali came equipped with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate Package added features like wireless device charging, a navigation system, and a 14-speaker Bose audio system. The Rear Seat Media system, with dual 12.6-inch displays, provided entertainment for passengers, though it required some setup for streaming content. The Yukon also featured a 15-inch colour head-up display and multiple camera vantage points for improved manoeuvrability.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge was the first XC40 variant to offer OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. The Recharge also lacked a start button, with the vehicle ready to drive as soon as the driver shifted out of park.

The 2021 GMC Yukon was equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The ADAS operated smoothly, providing a subtle yet effective driving experience. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the Yukon's substantial curb weight suggested a robust safety profile.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, with the gasoline model earning a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, allowing for future advancements in driver aids. The safety cage around the battery and redesigned front crash structure were expected to ensure strong crash-test performance for the Recharge.