2022 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, maintaining its traditional styling while introducing a more characterful appearance. The XC90 retained Volvo's signature boxy profile and blunt front end, but with softer lines, increased chrome detailing, and distinctive LED headlights featuring "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim level, with its optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most visually striking, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. The XC90's interior embraced Swedish minimalism, offering high-quality materials and thoughtful design, with options like wool upholstery and a crystal shifter adding a touch of luxury.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge adhered closely to the design of its internal-combustion engine counterparts, with subtle differences like a solid grille panel and unique badging to distinguish it as an electric vehicle. The XC40 maintained Volvo's reputation for stylish design, featuring Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion created by thin pillars. Inside, the XC40's cabin was airy and spacious, with harmonious design elements and a focus on Scandinavian sensibility. The XC40 Recharge was a testament to Volvo's steady progression into the premium automotive category, offering a genuine luxury experience in a compact SUV package.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors for a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. While the XC90 provided ample power, its small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 options. The XC90's drive modes—Pure, Hybrid, and Power—offered varying levels of efficiency and performance, but the Pure mode was limited to low-speed use. Despite these limitations, the XC90 excelled in luxury, with a smooth ride and quiet cabin, and a towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, delivered 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque through dual electric motors, achieving 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The gasoline XC40 models, T4 and T5, offered turbocharged 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 efficiency and driving enjoyment. With a lower centre of gravity due to battery placement, the XC40 Recharge offered stable handling and a smooth ride. It boasted a range of 359 kilometres and could fast-charge to 80% in 40 minutes. Fuel efficiency for gasoline models was rated at 9.3 L/100 km for the T4 and 9.4 L/100 km for the T5.

The 2021 Volvo XC90, available in six- or seven-seat configurations, offered average headroom and legroom for its class, with a slightly cramped third row. The interior felt spacious due to an optional power sunroof and upright roof profile. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, but lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Storage was limited, with a shallow centre console and minimal console storage. Cargo space was 317 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded. The XC90 also featured a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions like a front trunk for charging cables and ample cabin storage. The interior featured comfortable front seats and slightly cramped rear seating for three passengers. The XC40 Recharge provided up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the second row folded and a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, known for its simplicity and functionality. It included a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Optional features included a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display. The touchscreen's portrait orientation made it easy to use, though some menu text was difficult to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and only second-row USB-C ports were available.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with advanced technology, including Pilot Assist for highway driving and a heat pump to extend range. The 9.3-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument panel featured the Android Automotive operating system, with built-in Google services and over-the-air updates. The system displayed charge percentage instead of range, which could cause range anxiety. The XC40 Recharge also guided drivers to charging locations along their routes.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered extensive standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge also earned the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ rating. While the NHTSA had not rated the Recharge, the gasoline XC40 received a five-star rating. The XC40 Recharge featured a comprehensive list of safety equipment, including collision warning, blind-spot information, and a high-strength protective cage for the battery. A new sensor platform enhanced active safety features, and Volvo's Connected Safety system shared road condition data with other vehicles.