2023 BMW X1 vs 2022 Volvo XC60

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 concealed the tailpipes. The front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind the heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, maintaining a clean interior design with a new digital instrument cluster. While the B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, the overall interior remained subdued compared to other Volvo models.

The 2023 BMW X1 evolved from its predecessor with a stronger and more refined design. It featured a larger, squarer kidney grille and flush door handles, along with standard LED headlights and taillights. The X1 offered a dynamic palette of 13 exterior colours, including five new options. The vehicle came with 18-inch wheels, with optional upgrades to 19-inch or 20-inch wheels wrapped in performance tires. Inside, the X1's cabin exuded a premium feel with the BMW Curved Display, SensaTec 2.0 seat coverings, and a sophisticated centre armrest. The M Sport Package added sport seats and an M leather steering wheel, while the Premium Essential Package included a panoramic moonroof and auto-dimming side mirrors.

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 featured an electric supercharger. The XC60 B5 delivered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission and came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The XC60 B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and the B6 in 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, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 BMW X1 received a power boost with a 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This marked an increase of 13 hp and 37 lb-ft from the previous model, allowing the X1 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and tow up to 1,587 kilograms. The new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission replaced the previous eight-speed automatic, providing a more engaged driving experience. The Adaptive M Suspension and damping systems were upgraded for better comfort and stability, with minimal body roll. The X1's fuel economy was rated at 9.6 L/100 km in the city, 7.0 on the highway, and 8.4 combined, with Premium fuel recommended.

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 up and 1,410 litres with them folded, while plug-in hybrid models had slightly less capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 BMW X1 offered increased interior space, with impressive headroom of 1,069 mm in the front and 998 mm in the rear. Front-row legroom measured 1,026 mm, while the back row offered 939 mm. Cargo space was generous, with 727 litres behind the rear seats and 1,619 litres with them folded. Heated seats were part of the Premium Essential Package, which also included a heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, and wireless device charging. The wireless charging pad featured a clever clasp to secure the phone during drives.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. Over-the-air software updates were enabled, and the system was compatible with iPhones, though without Google profile syncing. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2023 BMW X1 featured the BMW Curved Display with a 10.7-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch driver information display. The infotainment system was responsive, with effective voice commands for climate control and the panoramic moonroof. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Premium Enhanced Package added a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. The X1 had four USB-C ports and an optional 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The vehicle operated with a start/stop button and a toggle-style gear selector, with automatic parking brake activation on slopes.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for 2022, but the 2021 model received top 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 2023 BMW X1 introduced standard active blind-spot monitoring with an exit warning function. The front-collision warning system included pedestrian and cyclist detection with brake intervention. The optional Driving Assistant Professional suite offered speed limit assist, extended traffic-jam assistant, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with stop & go. A 360-degree surround-view camera system was available, along with Active Park Distance Control and Back-Up Assistant.