2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty appearance with a new front fascia featuring "air blades" and a redesigned rear bumper that conceals the tailpipes. The front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC60 shared its foundation with other Volvo models like the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design, with a new digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented touchscreen. The B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, though the interior remained somewhat subdued compared to other Volvo models.

The 2022 Honda Passport adopted a new styling reminiscent of the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, sharing a platform with the Ridgeline, Odyssey minivan, and Pilot SUV. The Passport's new nose aimed to give it a tougher look, with the updated design applied across all trim levels, including the new TrailSport trim. The TrailSport was designed to appeal to off-road enthusiasts, offering 20.5 centimetres of ground clearance and traction management driving modes for various conditions. The Passport's trim levels included the base Sport, TrailSport, and upscale Touring, with prices ranging from $45,570 to $52,170, excluding destination charges. The TrailSport featured unique 18-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, and design modifications for a more rugged appearance.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 versions. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, providing an additional 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 powertrain also included an electric supercharger, delivering 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The XC60's eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada contributed to a smooth driving experience. The B5 version offered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.5 seconds, while the B6 achieved 5.9 seconds. The XC60's standout features included a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, achieving 4.9 seconds.

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 all-wheel drive in Canada. The V6 engine provided smooth acceleration, with Natural Resources Canada rating the Passport at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Passport's Intelligent Variable Torque Management Four (i-VTM4) system offered mechanical torque vectoring, delivering up to 70 percent of the engine's power to a single rear wheel when needed. The Passport demonstrated capable handling on twisty roads, though off-road performance was limited by wheel articulation. The SUV excelled in everyday driving, offering a firm, communicative ride and athletic handling. However, the brakes showed signs of vibration during mountain descents, raising concerns about their performance under load.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,410 litres with them folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly reduced cargo capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2022 Honda Passport offered easy access with large doors and a low step-in height. The front seats were large and comfortable, with leather upholstery and heated features. The TrailSport trim added heated rear seats, while the Touring trim included ventilated front seats. The Passport's interior was spacious, with ample room for rear passengers and large side windows for an open feel. Storage options were plentiful, including a massive centre console and various compartments. The Passport's cargo space was generous, with 1,430 litres behind the rear seat and 2,854 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen with Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system integrated Google Assistant for voice control and Google Maps for navigation, with access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The infotainment system supported over-the-air updates and was compatible with iPhones, though Android users benefited from additional features. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Satellite radio was available on the TrailSport trim, while the Touring trim added navigation, a premium audio system, and HondaLink connected services. The system featured shortcut buttons and a volume knob but lacked a tuning knob. Apple CarPlay was preferred over the Passport's navigation system due to its clunky interface. Wireless smartphone charging was standard on all but the base trim.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2021 model received top safety ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. An optional driver assistance system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring.

The 2022 Honda Passport featured the Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Passport received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for front passenger protection and rollover resistance, which earned four stars. The IIHS rated the Passport highly, with an Acceptable rating for front-passenger protection in a small overlap collision.