2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Volvo XC40

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was a testament to Volvo's approach of easing traditional car owners into the electric vehicle world without drastic changes. From the outside, it closely resembled its gasoline counterpart, maintaining the same basic shape and structure. The most noticeable difference was the solid panel in the grill, replacing the traditional airflow design needed for an internal combustion engine. Other subtle changes included the enlarged fuel-filler flap for the charge port, unique 19-inch alloy wheels, and the absence of tailpipes. The XC40's design was a nod to Volvo's Swedish roots, with features like the Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion created by thin pillars. Inside, the XC40 boasted a spacious and airy cabin, thanks to its Scandinavian design sensibility. The harmonious dash elements and premium finishes elevated the XC40 Recharge to a genuine luxury SUV status.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC40 retained its distinctive flat-roofed SUV profile, with a clean exterior design free of unnecessary detailing. The 2023 model introduced subtle updates, such as pixelated Thor’s Hammer headlights, a more angular front bumper, and new wheel designs. The XC40 Recharge was easily identifiable by its new sealed-off grille. Sharing the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform with other Volvo and Polestar models, the XC40 was the only CMA-based model in North America available with a combustion engine. Inside, the minimalist design continued with thin air vents and scalloped door handle housings. The XC40 offered standard dual-zone automatic climate control and optional leather or vegan leather upholstery. The Ultimate trim featured luxurious options like a panoramic moonroof and an Orrefors crystal shift knob, though the all-black interior felt more utilitarian than luxurious.

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 an impressive 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 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 times of 8.5 seconds and 6.4 seconds, respectively. The Recharge models featured regenerative braking, allowing drivers to engage one-pedal driving for maximum energy recovery. The XC40 Recharge's lower centre of gravity improved handling, and its suspension setup provided a stable and planted feel. Natural Resources Canada rated the XC40 Recharge at 2.8 Le/100 km combined, with a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge. The gasoline models had fuel efficiency ratings of 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T4 and 9.4 L/100 km combined for the T5.

For 2023, Volvo introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, adding a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator to assist the gasoline engine. The B5 models in Canada featured a 2.0-litre turbo-four-cylinder engine with 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B5 models could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The XC40 Recharge maintained its 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and a 359-kilometre range. The Recharge also had a higher towing capacity of 2,000 kg compared to the B5 AWD model's 1,587 kg. The 2023 XC40 offered a refined driving experience, with a calm and composed ride, though it lacked a sport driving mode. The Recharge added a more dynamic feel, while the gasoline models benefited from the mild-hybrid system's smooth power delivery.

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 extra storage space for items like the charging cable. Inside, the cabin featured ample cubbies and nooks, with door pockets for water bottles, a bag hook on the passenger dash, and map pockets on the front seat backs. 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 2023 Volvo XC40, while compact, offered reasonable space for its class. It provided ample rear-seat headroom, tying with the BMW X1, and slightly less front-seat headroom than the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Legroom was average, but generous shoulder room contributed to a spacious feel. The XC40 had 566 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,328 litres with them folded, less than some competitors. A power tailgate and keyless entry were standard. Interior storage was well-designed, with scalloped door panels creating flexible storage options. The centre console storage bin and phone tray were also spacious, considering the interior's dimensions.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was loaded with tech, including a long list of driver-assistance systems like Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring. The Recharge featured a heat pump to support climate control, extending the vehicle's range. The infotainment system included a 9.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, running on the Android Automotive operating system. Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store were built-in, along with Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth. The system supported over-the-air updates, though the range reporting method, showing a percentage of charge rather than kilometres, could cause range anxiety.

For 2023, the gasoline XC40 models adopted the Android-based infotainment system, featuring Google apps for navigation and voice recognition. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 9-inch touchscreen were standard, with a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system available on the Ultimate trim. The infotainment experience was similar to the XC40 Recharge, with pleasing graphics but a lack of analog controls. The touchscreen controlled most functions, including driver-assist features and steering firmness adjustments, which could be cumbersome to navigate.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, while the gasoline 2021 XC40 T5 AWD earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Recharge's standard safety equipment included collision warning and avoidance, 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 vehicles.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 continued Volvo's safety legacy with standard features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Upgrading to higher trims added features like a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise control with Pilot Assist. The IIHS gave the 2023 XC40 top ratings in most crash tests, though it received an "Acceptable" rating in the updated side-impact test. The NHTSA awarded the gasoline 2023 XC40 a five-star overall safety rating, but the XC40 Recharge had not been rated.