2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

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 updated front grille, which housed sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo, contributed to a sleeker look. 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, highlighted by a new digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented touchscreen. While the interior was generally subdued, the B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats. The Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant departure in styling, presenting a more assertive and truck-like appearance. It was longer and wider than its predecessor, with a muscular stance accentuated by a longer wheelbase and wider tracks. The classic D-pillar taillights evolved into a modern design with three L shapes, complementing the blockier rear end and bold front fascia. The CR-V Hybrid Touring trim featured black roof rails, mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and 19-inch wheels. Inside, the design echoed the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, with a honeycomb grille spanning the dash. The cabin exuded a premium feel with high-quality materials and contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel.

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 and an integrated starter generator, providing an additional 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 variant also included an electric supercharger. The 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's acceleration was slightly slower than the 2021 model, with the B5 reaching 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 excelled in providing 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 60 mph in 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a new hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date, with a top speed of 185 km/h. The hybrid powertrain was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered four drive modes: Snow, Sport, Normal, and Econ. The updated Real Time AWD system could send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels. The CR-V Hybrid also introduced a "B" shifter position for increased regenerative braking, enhancing fuel efficiency. It achieved an estimated fuel consumption of 6.0 L/100 km in the city, 6.9 on the highway, and 6.4 combined, significantly better than the non-hybrid models.

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 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 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to increased interior volume, offering 1,028 litres of cargo space with rear seats up and 2,030 litres with them folded. This was comparable to the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and more than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate, and all CR-Vs had wide-opening rear doors for easy access. Rear seat legroom increased to 1,042 mm, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The reclining rear seats offered eight positions, and headroom measured 970 mm in both rows. The cabin included a cubby for smartphones and eight cupholders, with a traditional console design providing ample storage.

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

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a 7-inch touchscreen with physical volume and tuning knobs, while the EX-L and Hybrid Touring trims had a 9-inch screen with a volume knob. The CR-V Hybrid included USB ports, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, and seats. The Touring trim added a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM, HD radio, Wi-Fi, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The smart navigation system optimized fuel efficiency based on the route.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for 2022, 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 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and rain-sensing wipers. The Honda Sensing suite included improved collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, and lane-keeping assist systems. New features included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, low-speed braking control, blind-spot monitoring, and cross-traffic monitor. The CR-V Hybrid also had a rear-seat reminder and rear seatbelt reminder. It received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with additional structural enhancements for crash protection.