2022 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often seen as blending into the sea of compact crossovers, with its styling closely mirroring that of its competitors. While it had a few distinguishing features like the grille and some chromed plastic accents, the CR-V was not typically chosen for its exterior aesthetics. The colour palette offered was somewhat limited, with a predominance of neutral tones, making vibrant options like Radiant Red a rare find on dealership lots. Inside, the CR-V presented a modern look with angular seat designs and a choice of materials that varied with trim levels, offering a more upscale appearance as one moved up the trim ladder. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson were noted for offering more distinctive styling, particularly in mid-tier trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC40 embraced a design philosophy that gently transitioned traditional car owners to the electric vehicle world without drastic changes. The XC40 Recharge maintained the familiar shape of its gasoline counterpart, with subtle differences like a solid grille panel and unique badging. Its exterior was marked by signature elements such as the Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion, showcasing Volvo's attention to detail and quality. Inside, the XC40 exuded Scandinavian design sensibility, with a spacious and airy cabin that felt luxurious. The harmonious dash design and premium materials underscored Volvo's move into the luxury SUV category, making the XC40 Recharge a standout in terms of both form and function.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not designed for thrilling acceleration or sporty handling but rather for smooth and steady performance. It featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower, with acceleration to 100 km/h in about 8 seconds. This performance was comparable to its competitors, though not particularly engaging due to its continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CR-V offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. Its suspension setup provided decent handling and ride quality, typical for its class.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge, on the other hand, delivered an exhilarating driving experience with its 78-kilowatt-hour battery powering two electric motors for a total of 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the XC40 Recharge to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, a remarkable feat for a compact SUV. The Recharge featured regenerative braking and a one-pedal driving option, enhancing efficiency and driving enjoyment. Its lower centre of gravity, due to battery placement, contributed to excellent handling. The XC40 Recharge also boasted impressive efficiency ratings and fast-charging capabilities, making it a compelling choice for those seeking both performance and sustainability.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering ample interior space with over 100 litres more volume than the Toyota RAV4. It provided 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, accommodating various storage needs. Depending on the trim, the CR-V featured different tailgate options, including a hands-free power tailgate on higher trims. Roof rails were standard on most trims, adding to its practicality.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and comfort features. Its "frunk" provided additional storage space, while the cabin was equipped with numerous cubbies and power ports for modern conveniences. The XC40 Recharge offered 1,628 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and a towing capacity of 907 kilograms. The interior was designed for comfort, with supportive front seats and adequate rear seating, though the middle rear seat was less comfortable.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Audio systems varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, and higher trims included a wireless phone charger and satellite navigation.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was packed with technology, including a 9.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. It featured the Android Automotive operating system, integrating Google services and offering over-the-air updates. The XC40 Recharge's infotainment system supported both Android and Apple devices, and its driver-assistance systems included Pilot Assist and a heat pump for climate control efficiency. However, its range reporting system, which displayed charge percentage instead of remaining kilometres, was a point of contention.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, offering a suite of advanced safety features as standard across all trims, except for blind spot monitoring, which was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the highest IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. It included an extensive list of standard safety features, such as collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane keep assist. The XC40 Recharge also introduced a new sensor platform for enhanced safety and Volvo's Connected Safety system, which shared road condition data with other connected vehicles.