2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC40 had a traditional SUV styling with a tall, flat roof and an upright rear hatch, fitting seamlessly into the Volvo lineup with its “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with a white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and model-specific alloy wheels. It featured a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a unique rear bumper, and a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a coherent and pleasing design.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a successful design evolution for Volvo, maintaining its traditional boxy profile and rectangular grille while adding character with softer lines and more chrome. The LED headlights with “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights were a distinctive touch. The Inscription trim level was the flashiest, with extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels. The XC90 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, offering a Swedish minimalist interior with thoughtfully arranged materials. The matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery added a natural touch, while the Orrefors crystal shifter provided a high-end feel.

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 offered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for all-wheel drive and a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft. It had a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, with 75 kWh usable capacity, and could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability. It also had a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 was turbocharged, producing 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 added supercharging, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. All models in Canada came with standard all-wheel drive. The XC90 offered three drive modes—Pure, Hybrid, and Power—but struggled to maintain all-electric driving at higher speeds. It excelled in luxury, with excellent ride quality and a quiet cabin, and had a towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in Recharge and gasoline models, offered no difference in passenger or cargo space. However, it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E, with limited legroom and a small cargo area. Clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin and large door bins, helped compensate for the lack of space. The centre console was designed to hold a phone securely, with an optional wireless charging pad and a single USB-C port.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom across all three rows. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. An optional power sunroof and standard four-zone climate control enhanced the interior's spacious feel. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, but lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Cargo space was limited, with 317 litres with all seats in place, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. Gasoline models retained the previous system. The standard setup included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge model offered OTA update capability, eliminating the need for a start button. The Polestar 2's Digital Key feature was not confirmed for the XC40.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The system was user-friendly, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal analog controls. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and head-up display were available. However, the wireless charging pad was small, and only second-row USB-C ports were available.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA for gasoline models. It came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured Volvo’s latest sensor suite, scalable for future driver aids.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 also received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered more standard safety features than most competitors, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.