2022 Porsche Macan vs 2022 Volvo XC40

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge adhered closely to traditional automotive design, making it a familiar choice for those transitioning from internal-combustion engines to electric vehicles. From the exterior, it closely resembled its gasoline counterpart, maintaining the same basic shape and structure with subtle upgrades. The most noticeable difference was the solid panel in the grill, replacing the airflow-dependent design of the gas version. Other distinguishing features included an enlarged fuel-filler flap for the charge port, trim-specific 19-inch alloy wheels, and the absence of tailpipes. The XC40's design was marked by its Scandinavian sensibility, with a cabin that felt airy and roomy despite its compact SUV classification. The interior boasted harmonious lines and premium finishes, reinforcing Volvo's position in the luxury SUV market.

In contrast, the 2022 Porsche Macan retained much of its original design from its 2015 debut, with regular updates to styling, wheel designs, and paint colours. The 2022 model featured a refreshed look with larger standard wheels and a new centre console with haptic touch controls. The Macan S test vehicle, priced at $73,400 CAD before customization, showcased a Volcano Gray exterior with 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, exuding a sporty and athletic appearance. Inside, the Macan drew inspiration from other Porsche models, with a flat and wide dashboard, a centre console housing secondary controls, and a sporty, upscale cabin featuring red leather and metallic accents. The Macan's design emphasized performance, with a focus on delivering a high-performance driving experience.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, driving two permanent magnet electric motors for all-wheel drive. It delivered 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The gasoline-powered XC40 models, the T4 and T5, used turbo four-cylinder engines with 8-speed automatic transmissions, achieving 0-100 km/h in 8.5 and 6.4 seconds, respectively. The Recharge featured regenerative braking and a one-pedal drive option, enhancing energy efficiency and driving dynamics. With a lower centre of gravity due to battery placement, the XC40 Recharge offered stable handling. It had a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge, with fast-charging capabilities.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a range of powertrains, with the base Macan and Macan T featuring a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Macan GTS inherited a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 with 434 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The Macan S, equipped with a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6, delivered 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. All Macans featured a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and a fully variable all-wheel-drive system. The Macan S offered a dynamic driving experience, with precise handling and powerful performance, though it required more effort to initiate braking. The Macan S had a fuel consumption rating of 13.0 L/100 km.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and comfort features. The absence of a gasoline engine allowed for a front trunk, or "frunk," providing additional storage space. The cabin featured ample cubbies and nooks, with door pockets for water bottles, a bag hook, and map pockets. The front seats were comfortable, while the rear seats were suitable for outboard passengers but tight for a middle passenger. The XC40 Recharge offered up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2022 Porsche Macan provided comfort for the driver and front-seat passenger, with optional 14-way power-adjustable front seats offering heating and ventilation. The rear seats were cramped, especially for taller passengers, but entry and exit were easy. The Macan featured new steering wheels modeled after the 911 sports car, though the wheel's design was less comfortable for extended driving. The redesigned centre console with haptic touch controls offered a clean look but required drivers to look away from the road. Cargo space measured 488 litres behind the back seat, expandable to 1,503 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with a range of tech features, including Pilot Assist, adaptive cruise control, and automated lane centring. A heat pump supported climate control, extending the vehicle's range. The infotainment system featured a 9.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, running on the Android Automotive operating system. It included Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store, with Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity. The system supported over-the-air updates, though the range reporting method, showing a percentage of charge rather than kilometres, could induce range anxiety.

The 2022 Porsche Macan featured a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Porsche Communication Management (PCM), with wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, and a navigation system. The system included a 10-speaker sound system, with optional upgrades to a Bose or Burmester audio system. The user experience was intuitive, though voice recognition was less effective than competitors. The Macan's infotainment system required minimal interaction once configured, with separate controls for stereo volume and climate control.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with the gasoline 2021 XC40 T5 AWD earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 Recharge featured extensive standard safety equipment, including collision warning, blind-spot information, lane keep assist, 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 connected Volvo vehicles.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included standard lane-departure warning and a reversing camera, with optional blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. The Macan's safety technologies performed as expected, though it lacked advanced driving assistance features. The Macan offered optional Park Assist with a surround-view camera, steering the vehicle into parking spaces. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had published safety ratings for the Macan.