2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Volvo XC60, a product of the Swedish brand's rebirth under Geely Holding Group, was a testament to Volvo's near-luxury aspirations. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture platform, the XC60 shared its elegant, tailored design with other Volvo models, featuring short overhangs and an agile form. The iconic upright grille and Thor's hammer-shaped LED headlights added a distinct Swedish touch. Inside, the XC60's cabin was a serene space defined by clean lines and authentic materials, with a 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen that was both functional and stylish. The attention to detail, from the elegant HVAC vents to the harmonious textures and colours, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design was more utilitarian, blending in with the compact crossover crowd. While its exterior styling was not its selling point, the CR-V offered a practical and functional interior. Available in seven colours, the CR-V's interior featured angular seats and a modern look, with options for wood panels and chrome accents in higher trims. Despite its understated appearance, the CR-V was designed to comfortably fit five passengers and their gear, offering more interior volume than some competitors. The CR-V's focus was on practicality and functionality, making it a reliable choice for families.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the T6 model added a supercharger for 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 models, including the Polestar Engineered variant, combined a turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering up to 415 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided a smooth and secure driving experience, with fuel consumption figures ranging from 11.1 L/100 km city to 4.0 Le/100 km in electric-only mode.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, producing 190 horsepower. Its acceleration was modest, taking about 8 seconds to reach 100 km/h. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth and steady acceleration, though it lacked the engagement of a conventional transmission. AWD was available as an option, with standard FWD on the base trim. The CR-V's suspension setup offered decent handling and ride quality, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with a focus on safety and functionality. Its front seats were highly adjustable, and the heating system was effective in winter conditions. The XC60 offered smart storage solutions throughout the cabin, with 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the seats folded. It was also capable of towing up to 1,587 kilograms, making it versatile for various needs.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering more than 100 litres of interior volume compared to the Toyota RAV4. With 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, the CR-V could accommodate plenty of luggage. Depending on the trim, the CR-V featured a manual, power, or hands-free tailgate, enhancing convenience. Roof rails were standard on most trims, adding to its practicality for carrying additional gear.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, a tablet-style interface with a learning curve. It offered smartphone integration, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system in the test model was exceptional, providing an immersive audio experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered enhanced audio systems, with the Touring trim featuring a 300-watt system and satellite navigation. The CR-V also provided multiple charging ports throughout the cabin, with a wireless phone charger available on the Touring trim.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping aid, and Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. Volvo's decision to limit the top speed to 180 km/h further emphasized its focus on safety.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. The Honda Sensing system, standard across all trims, included features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The CR-V's commitment to making advanced safety features accessible to all buyers set it apart from many competitors.