2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning with Volvo's signature design elements like the "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with a white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. Its interior was minimalist yet premium, featuring real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and upscale environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the XC40 and XC90, was built on the SPA platform, sharing its elegant, tailored design with other Volvo models. The XC60's body featured short overhangs and athletic lines, with the iconic upright grille and "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian design, with clean lines and authentic materials. The 9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen was a familiar feature, and the cabin's details, like the elegant HVAC vents, contributed to its near-luxury status, making it a serene and rewarding space.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2, boasted 402 hp and 486 lb-ft, thanks to its dual electric motors and 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The XC40's acceleration figures were impressive, with the Recharge reaching 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, the T5 in 6.4 seconds, and the T4 in 8.5 seconds. All models were electronically limited to 180 km/h.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine across its lineup, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The T5 model produced 250 hp and 258 lb-ft, while the T6 added a supercharger for 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 models, as plug-in hybrids, combined an 87-hp electric motor with the gasoline engine, achieving 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, with the Polestar Engineered variant reaching 415 hp. The XC60's driving dynamics were enhanced by its AWD system and torque vectoring, providing a solid and secure ride. Fuel consumption figures ranged from 11.1 L/100 km city to 4.0 Le/100 km in electric-only mode for the T8.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, while not particularly spacious, offered clever storage solutions to compensate for its limited interior space. The centre console featured a removable trash bin, and the glovebox door included a bag hook. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. However, the XC40 Recharge's frunk was small, and second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 excelled in comfort and practicality, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system adept at handling winter conditions. The cabin offered smart storage solutions throughout, with intuitive controls for passengers. The XC60 provided 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. It also had a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps, while gasoline models retained the previous system. The Recharge model offered OTA update capability, enhancing its technological appeal. The standard setup included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with the Recharge lacking a start button for a seamless driving experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC60's Sensus infotainment system, with its tablet-style interface, offered a familiar experience for iPad users. The system's function quadrants allowed for intuitive operation, though it required a learning curve. Smartphone integration was seamless, with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system in the XC60 was exceptional, providing an immersive audio experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, including a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for gasoline models. It came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, such as lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model included Volvo's latest sensor suite, allowing for future advancements in driver aids.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 also earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA for the T5 and T6 AWD models. It featured an extensive array of standard safety features, including collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and a whiplash protection system. Volvo's Pilot Assist system was available, integrating adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist for a semi-autonomous driving experience.