2022 Volvo XC40 vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge adhered closely to traditional automotive design, making it a familiar transition for those moving from internal-combustion engines to electric vehicles. Its exterior closely resembled the gasoline version, with subtle differences like a solid panel in the grill and the absence of tailpipes. The XC40 was a visually appealing vehicle, featuring distinctive elements such as Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion. Inside, the XC40 boasted a spacious and airy cabin, characterized by harmonious design elements and a premium feel, reflecting Volvo's steady ascent into the luxury SUV category.

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling update, shedding some of its previous quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The new design featured a lowered beltline, simplified detailing, and a sleeker overall look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The HR-V's interior was thoughtfully designed, with new seats and a refined cabin that echoed the trend set by the 2022 Civic. Despite its fastback look, the HR-V maintained good visibility, and the EX-L trim offered additional comfort with perforated leather seats and a premium feel.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was a thrilling drive, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors, delivering 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. It could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, making it impressively fast for a compact SUV. The gasoline-powered XC40 models, the T4 and T5, offered turbocharged four-cylinder engines with 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 its efficiency and driving experience. With a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge and fast-charging capabilities, the XC40 Recharge was both practical and fun to drive.

The 2023 Honda HR-V came with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement over the previous model, but it still lagged behind some competitors in terms of power. The HR-V offered various drive modes, including Normal, Snow, and ECON, to adapt to different driving conditions. While the HR-V was enjoyable to drive, especially on winding roads, it was not as powerful as some rivals. The new suspension setup and widened tracks contributed to its improved handling, but the HR-V remained a more modest performer compared to the XC40.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and a comfortable interior. The absence of a gasoline engine allowed for a front trunk, or "frunk," providing additional storage space. Inside, the XC40 featured ample cubbies and nooks for modern essentials, with comfortable front seats and a slightly tighter rear seating arrangement. The cargo area offered up to 1,628 litres of space with the rear seats folded, and the XC40 had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, while compact, was well-designed for its size. The interior featured a centre console with a shelf for additional storage and two USB ports for convenience. The HR-V's cargo space measured 691 litres with the rear seats up and 1,559 litres with them folded, slightly smaller than the previous model. Despite the reduction, Honda claimed it remained among the largest in its class. The HR-V's passenger volume varied slightly between trims, with the EX-L offering a bit more space. The new seating arrangement provided a higher and more ergonomic position, enhancing comfort and ease of entry.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with a host of advanced technologies, including a comprehensive driver-assistance system with Pilot Assist for highway driving. The Recharge featured a heat pump to extend its range and a 9.3-inch touchscreen with Android Automotive, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and more. The infotainment system supported over-the-air updates, though the range display relied on a percentage rather than distance, which could cause range anxiety for some drivers.

The 2023 Honda HR-V's infotainment system was updated with a tablet-style touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard across all trims. The EX-L trim featured a 9-inch display with wireless connectivity and a wireless charging pad. The HR-V also included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a range of connectivity options, such as Bluetooth and keyless entry. The EX-L trim added Wi-Fi capability and an upgraded audio system, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including collision warning, blind-spot information, and lane-keeping assist. The XC40's safety systems were enhanced by a new sensor platform, integrating cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors for improved active safety.

The 2023 Honda HR-V also earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Honda Sensing was now standard across all trims, offering adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. The HR-V's safety features were further enhanced by a new single-camera system, providing a wider field of vision and improved safety performance.