2022 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, offered a unique aesthetic. However, the interior, with its flat dashboard and minivan-like feel, did not significantly elevate the Pilot's appeal. The SUV's design was practical but lacked the visual excitement some buyers sought.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC40 embraced a more traditional approach to electric vehicle design, closely resembling its internal-combustion counterparts. The XC40 Recharge maintained the same basic shape as the gasoline version, with subtle differences like a solid panel grill and "Recharge" badging. The SUV's exterior was stylish, featuring Volvo's signature Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion. Inside, the XC40 showcased Scandinavian design sensibilities, offering a harmonious and airy cabin. Volvo's attention to detail and quality materials positioned the XC40 as a genuine luxury SUV.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, provided a smooth and refined driving experience. The Pilot's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the test vehicle achieving 10.9 L/100 km. The SUV's suspension offered a comfortable ride and surprisingly agile handling, although its off-road capabilities were limited by modest ground clearance.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, boasted 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the XC40 to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The Recharge featured regenerative braking and one-pedal driving, enhancing efficiency and driving enjoyment. With a lower centre of gravity due to battery placement, the XC40 offered stable and planted handling. Its fuel efficiency was rated at 2.8 Le/100 km combined, with a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge. The XC40 Recharge also supported DC fast-charging, reaching 80% charge in 40 minutes.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample space for families, seating up to eight with a bench second-row seat. The Black Edition featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, though the front passenger seat had limited adjustment. Second-row captain’s chairs were standard on the Black Edition, offering comfort and sliding functionality for third-row access. The Pilot's cargo space was generous, with 524 litres behind the third row and up to 3,092 litres with seats folded. Storage solutions were abundant, including a large centre console and hidden compartments.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions like a front trunk for charging cables. The cabin featured ample cubbies and nooks, with comfortable front seats and adequate rear seating for outboard passengers. The XC40's cargo area provided up to 1,628 litres with the second row folded, and it had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms. The XC40's design and functionality catered to modern needs, with thoughtful touches like USB power ports and a bag hook on the passenger dash.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added wireless phone charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a premium audio system. The system was functional but lacked some modern conveniences, such as a tuning knob and intuitive voice recognition. The Touring trim also included a rear-seat entertainment system with various connectivity options, catering to family needs.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was loaded with technology, featuring a 9.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The Android Automotive operating system integrated Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store. The system supported over-the-air updates, enhancing functionality without dealership visits. However, the XC40's range display, showing percentage rather than distance, could induce range anxiety. Despite this, the XC40's tech offerings were comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Touring trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. While effective, the system's operation was not the smoothest. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS.

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