2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to the brand's evolution under Geely Holding Group's ownership, shedding its Ford-era constraints to emerge as a near-luxury crossover SUV. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC60 shared its underpinnings with other Volvo models, offering a blend of elegance and agility. Its design featured a tailored two-box form with short overhangs, an upright grille adorned with the iconic iron mark logo, and distinctive Thor's hammer LED headlights. The interior was a showcase of Scandinavian design, with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen, though initially polarizing, became a hallmark of Volvo's innovative approach, complemented by thoughtful details like elegant HVAC vents and harmonious textures.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced subtle styling updates, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier look, a redesigned rear bumper, and new wheel designs. The front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems, ensuring functionality in cold weather. While the interior remained largely unchanged, it featured a new digital instrument cluster. The B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, though the overall interior felt subdued compared to other Volvo models. The Inscription trim level offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, maintaining a sense of luxury.

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 and standard all-wheel drive (AWD) in Canada. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 variant delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, thanks to a turbocharger and supercharger. The T8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) added an 87-hp electric motor, achieving a combined output of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with the Polestar Engineered model boosting these figures to 415 hp and 472 lb-ft. The XC60 excelled in providing a solid, secure driving experience with its AWD system and torque vectoring, making it a great 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, with premium gasoline recommended.

For 2022, Volvo introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the T5 and T6. Both featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with a 48-volt electrical system, providing short bursts of 13 hp. The B6 also included an electric supercharger. The B5 delivered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Despite slightly reduced output compared to 2021, the B6 R-Design impressed with smooth power delivery. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid retained the 400 hp and 472 lb-ft output, achieving 0-60 mph in 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered model increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds, featuring Öhlins adjustable dampers and Akebono brakes.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with front seats offering excellent adjustability and a heating system adept at handling winter conditions. The heated seats, assertive rear glass heater, and windshield defroster excelled in sub-freezing temperatures. The cabin featured smart storage solutions, intuitive controls, and glove-friendly design, making it a practical choice for winter driving. Cargo space was generous, with 613 litres behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the seats folded. The XC60 could tow up to 1,587 kilograms.

In 2022, the XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Cargo capacity for mild-hybrid models was 611 litres with rear seats up and 1,410 litres with seats down, while plug-in hybrids offered slightly less space. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors. Despite the reduced cargo space compared to competitors, the XC60's design ensured a comfortable and practical driving experience.

The 2021 XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, a tablet-style interface with a portrait orientation. It offered intuitive controls for those familiar with touch gestures, though it required a learning curve. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with an exceptional Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system.

In 2022, the XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The system integrated Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. While Android users could sync profiles, iPhone compatibility was also promised. The new layout featured sideways swiping for menu access, and the digital cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2021 XC60 was a testament to Volvo's safety heritage, earning 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 Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. The XC60's top speed was limited to 180 km/h for safety.

For 2022, while crash-test ratings were not yet available, the XC60 continued to offer a robust set of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The driver assistance system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring, maintaining Volvo's commitment to safety.