2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was built on Volvo's SPA platform, shared with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles. Its design featured a sophisticated two-box crossover style with short overhangs and a distinctive upright grille adorned with Volvo's iron mark logo. The Thor's hammer-shaped LED daytime running lights added a touch of Swedish flair. The XC60's exterior boasted excellent paint quality, chrome, and trim, complemented by stylish alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin exuded a Scandinavian aesthetic with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a notable feature, and the attention to detail, such as the elegant HVAC vents, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge maintained a familiar design, closely resembling its gasoline counterpart. The most noticeable difference was the solid panel in the grille, which redirected airflow, and the absence of tailpipes. The XC40's exterior was impeccably finished, with even gaps, glossy paint, and chrome. Inside, the cabin felt airy and roomy, with harmonious shapes and lines. The XC40 Recharge embraced Volvo's Scandinavian design sensibility, offering a genuine luxury SUV experience. The Thor's Hammer daytime running lights and the illusion of a floating roof added to its appeal. Despite being a compact SUV, the XC40 provided a comfortable and premium interior.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 model delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 models, being plug-in hybrids, combined an 87-hp electric motor with the gasoline engine, resulting in a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered variant further increased power to 415 hp. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided a smooth and secure driving experience, making it an excellent choice for road trips. Fuel consumption figures ranged from 11.1 L/100 km city to 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T8 PHEV.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack powering two electric motors, delivering 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. It could accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The gasoline-powered XC40 T4 and T5 models used turbo four-cylinder engines, with 0-100 km/h times of 8.5 and 6.4 seconds, respectively. The Recharge's regenerative braking system allowed for one-pedal driving, enhancing energy efficiency. The XC40 Recharge's lower centre of gravity improved handling, and its suspension setup provided a stable and planted feel. Natural Resources Canada rated the XC40 Recharge at 2.8 Le/100 km combined, with a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 excelled in providing comfort and functionality. Its front seats were highly adjustable and praised for their comfort, especially during winter testing. The heating system, heated seats, and defrosters effectively handled sub-freezing temperatures. The cabin featured smart storage solutions, with ample space in the centre console, dashboard, and door panels. The XC60 offered 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. It had a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge impressed with its form and function, offering clever storage solutions and comfort features. The front trunk provided additional storage space, while the cabin featured ample cubbies and nooks for essentials. The front seats were comfortable, though the rear seats were a bit tight for a middle passenger. The XC40 Recharge offered up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface. It offered smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system provided exceptional audio quality. The Sensus system's interface was intuitive but required a learning curve for some users.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with advanced technology, including Pilot Assist, a heat pump for climate control, and a 9.3-inch centre-stack touchscreen. The Android Automotive operating system integrated Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store. The infotainment system supported over-the-air updates, and the XC40 Recharge's range and state of charge were displayed as a percentage, which could be challenging for some drivers.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It featured a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Volvo's semi-autonomous driving system, Pilot Assist, was available, and the XC60's top speed was electronically limited to 180 km/h.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It included collision warning, blind-spot information, and lane-keeping assist. The XC40 Recharge featured a new sensor platform for enhanced active safety features and Volvo's Connected Safety system, which shared road condition information with other connected Volvo vehicles.