2022 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge adhered closely to traditional automotive design, making the transition from internal-combustion engines to electric power as seamless as possible for consumers. From the exterior, it closely resembled its gasoline counterpart, with subtle differences like a solid panel in the grill and the absence of tailpipes. The SUV maintained Volvo's signature style with features like Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion. Inside, the XC40 offered a spacious and airy cabin, characterized by harmonious design elements and premium finishes, reflecting Volvo's steady ascent into the luxury SUV market.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Passport shared its platform with the Honda Ridgeline, Odyssey, and Pilot, resulting in a familiar design. The Passport's new styling, particularly its nose, aimed to convey a tougher look, especially in the TrailSport trim, which was designed to appeal to off-road enthusiasts. The TrailSport trim featured unique 18-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, and skid plates, enhancing its SUV appearance. Inside, the Passport boasted one of the largest interiors in its segment, with quality materials and thoughtful design elements like orange contrast stitching and amber ambient lighting in the TrailSport trim.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, delivering 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque through dual electric motors for all-wheel drive. This setup allowed the XC40 Recharge to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The gasoline versions, the T4 and T5, offered 0-100 km/h times of 8.5 and 6.4 seconds, respectively. The Recharge featured regenerative braking and a one-pedal drive option, enhancing energy efficiency and driving experience. With a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge, the XC40 Recharge was rated at 2.8 Le/100 km combined. Fast-charging capabilities allowed for an 80% charge in 40 minutes.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada. The Passport's Intelligent Variable Torque Management Four (i-VTM4) system provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing its performance on various terrains. The Passport averaged 11.0 L/100 km in combined driving, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. While the Passport excelled on roads and highways, its off-road capabilities were limited compared to more rugged SUVs.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge offered clever storage solutions, including a front trunk for additional space. Inside, the cabin featured ample storage compartments, comfortable front seats, and a slightly cramped rear middle seat. The XC40 Recharge provided up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2022 Honda Passport excelled in interior space, with easy access through large doors and comfortable seating. The Passport TrailSport featured heated rear seats, while the Touring trim offered ventilated front seats. The SUV's interior was spacious, with ample storage options and a generous cargo area of 1,430 litres, expanding to 2,854 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with advanced technology, including Pilot Assist for adaptive cruise control and lane centring. The SUV featured a 9.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, running on the Android Automotive operating system. The system supported Google Maps, Google Assistant, and over-the-air updates. However, the range display showed a percentage of charge rather than remaining kilometres, which could cause range anxiety.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The TrailSport trim added satellite radio, while the Touring trim featured a navigation system and a premium audio system. The system lacked a stereo tuning knob, and the navigation system was less intuitive than smartphone alternatives. Wireless smartphone charging was standard in all but the base trim.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and featured extensive safety equipment, including collision warning, blind-spot information, and lane-keeping assist. The SUV's top speed was electronically capped at 180 km/h, and it introduced a new sensor platform for enhanced safety features.

The 2022 Honda Passport included the Honda Sensing suite, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. However, some features, like lane-departure warning, were less refined. The Passport received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for front passenger protection in a frontal collision and rollover resistance, which earned four stars.