2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2022 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a testament to Subaru's strategy of adapting its Impreza hatchback into a crossover, appealing to those who desired rugged aesthetics and all-wheel drive capabilities. With its black body cladding, model-specific alloy wheels, and increased ride height, the Crosstrek successfully mimicked the SUV look while maintaining the Impreza's core design. The vibrant colour options, such as Plasma Yellow Pearl, added to its distinct character. Despite its SUV-like appearance, the Crosstrek's interior remained largely unchanged from the Impreza, offering functionality but lacking in flair. The addition of water-repellant upholstery was a practical touch for outdoor enthusiasts.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge maintained the familiar design of its gasoline counterpart, subtly integrating electric vehicle elements. The most noticeable change was the solid panel grill, which replaced the traditional airflow-dependent design. The XC40's exterior was marked by its Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion, showcasing Volvo's attention to detail. Inside, the XC40 embraced Scandinavian design, creating an airy and spacious cabin despite its compact SUV classification. The harmonious dash elements and premium finishes underscored Volvo's push into the luxury segment, making the XC40 Recharge a genuine contender in the premium SUV market.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two gasoline engine options. The new 2.5-litre boxer-four engine, standard on the Outdoor and Limited trims, delivered 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The other trims continued with the 2.0-litre engine, producing 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. Subaru's signature boxer engine design contributed to a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling, although the raised ride height somewhat countered this benefit. The Crosstrek's standard all-wheel drive and X-Mode, with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes, provided some off-road capability, though it was primarily suited for on-road use. The CVT transmission, while practical, resulted in a droning sound during acceleration.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, boasted 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque, enabling a swift 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds. The Recharge's dual electric motors provided all-wheel drive, and its regenerative braking system allowed for one-pedal driving, enhancing energy efficiency. The XC40 Recharge's low centre of gravity, due to battery placement, contributed to its stable handling. With a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge and fast-charging capabilities, the XC40 Recharge was both efficient and practical for daily use. The gasoline XC40 models, while less powerful, offered respectable performance with 0-100 km/h times of 8.5 seconds for the T4 and 6.4 seconds for the T5.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, offering competitive passenger space but limited cargo capacity compared to other small crossovers. With 588 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,565 litres with them folded, it surpassed some rivals but lagged behind others like the Honda HR-V. The Crosstrek's interior featured practical storage solutions, such as a cubby hole with USB ports, but lacked rear-seat USB access. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, providing good visibility, though not as elevated as traditional SUVs.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions like a front trunk for additional space. The cabin featured ample storage cubbies, comfortable front seats, and adequate rear seating for outboard passengers. The XC40 Recharge provided up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and a towing capacity of 907 kilograms. The interior design emphasized Scandinavian minimalism, with thoughtful touches like a bag hook and map pockets, enhancing the overall user experience.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured the Starlink infotainment system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch version on higher trims. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth were standard, with navigation available on the Limited trim. The system was user-friendly, with large analog controls for essential functions. Subaru's dual-screen setup, while somewhat redundant, provided additional information display options.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with advanced technology, including 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, allowing seamless connectivity. Over-the-air updates ensured the system remained current, though the range display, showing percentage rather than distance, could induce range anxiety. The XC40 Recharge's tech suite included a heat pump for climate control, enhancing efficiency and range.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. Equipped with EyeSight driver-assist technology, the Crosstrek offered adaptive cruise control, lane centring, automatic emergency braking, and more. However, the system's camera placement limited functionality in certain conditions.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ rating, with an extensive list of standard safety features, including collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane keep assist. The XC40 Recharge's new sensor platform enhanced active safety features, while Volvo's Connected Safety system shared road condition data with other vehicles, showcasing Volvo's commitment to safety innovation.