2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a more traditional SUV aesthetic compared to other small luxury crossovers, featuring a tall, flat roof and an upright rear hatch. It seamlessly integrated into the Volvo family with signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a unique touch with a white contrasting roof, adding a retro flair. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and model-specific alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. It also featured a unique rear bumper design due to the absence of exhaust tips and a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with high-quality materials such as real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and upscale cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design was more conventional, blending in with the competitive crossover market. Its styling was similar to other compact crossovers, with few distinguishing features apart from the grille and some chromed plastic accents. The CR-V was available in seven colours, though many were variations of grey, black, and white, with limited availability of more vibrant options like Radiant Red Metallic. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and trim-dependent materials like wood panels and chrome. While not a standout in terms of exterior design, the CR-V focused on practicality and functionality, providing a comfortable and spacious interior for passengers and cargo.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a diverse powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline variants featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 model delivered 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 variant increased output to 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, boasting dual electric motors for all-wheel drive and a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. It utilized a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, with 75 kWh of usable capacity, enabling a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds. The T5 and T4 models achieved the same in 6.4 and 8.5 seconds, respectively. All versions were electronically limited to 180 km/h. The XC40 Recharge emphasized luxury and comfort, offering excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability, with a towing capacity of 900 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, was not designed for high-performance thrills but rather for smooth and steady acceleration. All trims were equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CR-V's acceleration to 100 km/h was approximately 8 seconds, comparable to its competitors. While the drivetrain lacked the engagement of some rivals, it provided predictable handling and ride quality. The CR-V came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option on the LX trim and standard on higher trims. Its suspension setup included a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, common in this segment, ensuring decent handling and comfort.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, despite its stylish design, was not particularly spacious. It offered less legroom and headroom compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E, and its cargo area was smaller as well. The Recharge model's frunk was limited in size due to powertrain components. However, Volvo compensated with clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console, a bag hook in the glovebox, and large door bins thanks to relocated speakers. The storage cubby was designed to securely hold a phone, with a wireless charging pad available as an option.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering more than 100 litres of additional interior volume compared to the Toyota RAV4. It provided ample cargo space, with 1,065 litres available with the rear seats folded. Access to the cargo area varied by trim, with options for manual, power, and hands-free tailgate operation. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing versatility for carrying additional gear. The CR-V's design focused on accommodating five passengers comfortably while providing practical storage solutions.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. Gasoline models retained the previous system. The setup included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, offering top-notch graphics and menu layouts. The Recharge model introduced over-the-air update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. It also lacked a start button, relying on the key fob for operation.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch high-definition 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 abundant, with USB and 12-volt outlets available throughout the cabin. The Touring trim also included a wireless phone charger. Satellite navigation was available on higher trims, enhancing convenience for drivers.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, with the gasoline model earning the “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The electric Recharge model was expected to perform well in crash tests due to its safety cage and redesigned front crash structure. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Recharge model featured Volvo’s latest sensor suite, allowing for future advancements in driver aids.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. However, it did not achieve the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating due to headlight and side crash test evaluations. The CR-V's standout feature was the Honda Sensing system, which included a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features as standard across all trims. This approach ensured that essential safety technologies were accessible to all buyers, regardless of trim level.