2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a more traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning seamlessly with Volvo's current lineup through signature design elements like the "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The gasoline models offered a retro touch with an optional white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle "Recharge" badging, and unique alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. It also featured a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour and a charging port in place of the fuel filler. The interior boasted a minimalist design with high-quality materials, including real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and premium feel.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its distinctive styling, diverging from the rest of the Genesis lineup. It featured the brand’s two-line lighting signature, creating an illusion of a contiguous circle around the vehicle. The GV70 offered six grades, with the Sport and Sport Plus grades receiving a sculpted hood and unique accent lines. Dark chrome finishes and a cross-hatched matrix pattern on the Sport grades emphasized its sporty intent. Genesis provided extensive customization options with 12 exterior paint colours and nine interior choices, allowing for over 100 colour combinations. The interior showcased an elliptical theme inspired by airplane wings, with genuine carbon fibre inserts available on Sport trims. The cabin offered high-quality surfaces, though some plastic elements were present in less frequently encountered areas.

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 paired 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 shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for all-wheel drive, generating a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft. It housed a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, with 75 kWh usable capacity, enabling a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads. The Recharge model offered one-pedal driving and a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came with two engine options. The 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder produced 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine delivered 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. The GV70 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with a rear-axle priority. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential, allowing up to 100% torque to a single rear wheel. The GV70 offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ drive modes, with Sport+ delivering aggressive performance. The electronically controlled suspension system balanced comfort and feedback, and the GV70's tight turning radius was advantageous in urban settings.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered no difference in passenger or cargo space between the Recharge and gasoline models. However, it had less legroom and headroom compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The XC40's frunk was small due to powertrain hardware. Clever storage solutions included a removable trash bin, a bag hook in the glovebox, and extra-large door bins. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for more storage space. A wireless charging pad was optional, but second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized driver-focused design, with a tall centre console and intuitive controls within easy reach. The infotainment system featured a raised dial for ease of use. Climate controls were configured under a single pane, providing haptic feedback. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available. The rear space offered a panoramic sunroof and manual sunshades, though storage was limited. Cargo volume was rated at 819 litres, expandable to 1,610 litres with the second-row seats folded. The tonneau cover could be stowed under the rear load floor.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth connectivity. The system had a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Recharge models offered OTA update capability, though Volvo was vague on future plans. The Recharge lacked a start button, relying on a key fob for operation.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen with high-resolution graphics. The system allowed for a split-screen layout, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The premium Sport Plus grade featured a 3D digital instrument cluster with Hyundai’s Blind View Monitor system. A fingerprint recognition system enabled keyless vehicle start. A nine-speaker audio system was standard, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system available on top grades. Four USB ports were standard.

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. It came with standard safety features like lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model included Volvo’s latest sensor suite, scalable for future driver aids.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 included ten standard safety features, such as blind spot collision avoidance assist and lane-keeping assist. A new rear occupant alert system used radar to detect movement in the second row. The Genesis Highway Driving Assist system offered lane centring and automatic lane changing functions. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.