2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

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 with the rest of the Volvo lineup, showcasing signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. 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. It also featured a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a modified 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 cohesive and upscale cabin environment.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a new Onyx Edition trim, which featured a blacked-out exterior trim and badges, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, and a unique grille design. This trim level aimed to provide a sporty appearance, enhanced by the water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather seats. The interior offered a grey two-tone scheme with metallic trim on the dashboard and door panels. However, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making ventilated seats a desirable feature, though only available on the Premier trim. The Ascent's design focused on practicality and comfort, with features like triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a wiper de-icer, making it well-suited for harsh weather conditions.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a versatile 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 variant produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 variant 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 of torque. It utilized a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, providing a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality and the capability for one-pedal driving. The Recharge model also offered a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. The Ascent's fuel consumption was rated at 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The flat-four engine design contributed to a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling. The CVT offered eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, providing brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent boasted a towing capacity of up to 2,270 kilograms. It featured Subaru’s X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 22 centimetres of ground clearance, ensuring off-road capability. The Ascent demonstrated nimble handling in urban settings and athletic performance on country roads, though the brakes could fade with aggressive driving.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its Recharge and gasoline variants, offered limited interior space compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. It had less legroom and headroom, and a smaller cargo area. The Recharge's frunk was also minimal due to powertrain components. However, Volvo compensated with clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and a bag hook in the glovebox door. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were relocated to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. A wireless charging pad was optional, but second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent accommodated up to eight passengers, though the third row was best suited for children. The driving position was comfortable and commanding, with features like triple-zone climate control and heated front seats enhancing comfort. The Ascent's wide rear doors facilitated easy access to the second row, and captain’s chairs were available on most trims. The panoramic sunroof extended over the second row, and rear-side window shades were included on some models. The Ascent offered ample storage, with a dashboard shelf and large cupholders in the second row. Cargo space was generous, with 458 litres behind the third row, 1,193 litres behind the second row, and a maximum of 2,061 litres with both rows folded.

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 satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. The system featured a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Recharge models offered over-the-air update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. The XC40 lacked a start button, relying on a key fob for ignition. A Digital Key feature was anticipated for future updates.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent's base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Touring trim upgraded to an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. The system featured volume and tuning knobs, with climate controls separate from the screen. Voice recognition technology required improvement, as it demanded specific commands. The Onyx Edition used standard stereo speakers, while the Premier trim offered a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA for gasoline models. The 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 driver aid advancements.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent also earned a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The Ascent came standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centring. However, EyeSight's performance was affected by direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and optional blind-spot monitoring.