2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2023 Volvo XC40 maintained its distinctive design, characterized by a flat-roofed profile that was quintessentially SUV-like. It featured a clean exterior with minimal detailing, aligning with Volvo's pro-electrification ethos by hiding tailpipes on gasoline models. Updates for 2023 included a pixelated design for the "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. Inside, the XC40 retained its minimalist design with thin air vents, scalloped door elements, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Leather upholstery was available, with vegan leather for Recharge models. The XC40 Ultimate test vehicle included options like a panoramic moonroof and an Orrefors crystal shift knob, though the all-black interior felt somewhat utilitarian.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ boasted a striking exterior with a long hood and low ground clearance, reminiscent of the classic Seville. Its vertical light bars incorporated nine LED headlights that performed a light show upon unlocking. The grille featured lighting effects, and the Sport trim had a dark triangular motif. The Lyriq's design was accentuated by wraparound taillights and fender-mounted vertical lights, creating a bold presence. Inside, Cadillac paid attention to detail with leather-wrapped seats, polished window switches, and a three-spoke steering wheel with knurled toggle switches. The 33-inch OLED display was a standout feature, though the floating centre console offered limited functionality. Despite some design missteps, the Lyriq's interior showcased Cadillac's commitment to luxury.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, featuring a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator. The B5 models in Canada were equipped with a 2.0-litre turbo-four-cylinder engine, producing 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, outperforming the Audi Q3. The XC40 Recharge, with its two electric motors, delivered 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and offering a range of 359 kilometres. The Recharge also had a higher towing capacity of 2,000 kg compared to the B5 AWD model's 1,587 kg. The XC40's refinement and chassis tuning provided a calm driving experience, though it lacked a sport driving mode.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, despite its sporty exterior, excelled in highway driving with a calm and poised ride. The dual-motor powertrain in the test car produced 500 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, while the standard setup offered 340 hp and 325 lb-ft. Both powertrains used a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack, with a claimed range of 505 kilometres for RWD and 494 km for AWD. However, real-world testing showed a range closer to 420 kilometres. The Lyriq's handling was hindered by its weight of 2,630 kilograms, resulting in understeer and uninspiring steering feel. The regenerative braking system helped reduce stress on the brakes, but the Lyriq lacked handling-enhancing features like torque vectoring and magnetic dampers.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while compact, offered reasonable space for its class. It provided ample rear-seat headroom, tying with the BMW X1, and decent front-seat headroom. Legroom was average, but generous shoulder room contributed to a spacious feel. Cargo space was 566 litres with the rear seats up and 1,328 litres when folded, less than competitors like the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. The XC40 featured practical interior storage, with scalloped door panels and a large centre console storage bin.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges with build quality and functionality. Misaligned rear fenders and a problematic charging port were notable issues. The glovebox was difficult to access while driving, and the floating console offered limited storage. Despite these drawbacks, the Lyriq provided generous headroom and legroom, with a spacious back seat. Cargo space was 793 litres behind the seats and 1,722 litres when folded, smaller than most compact SUVs.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 featured an Android-based infotainment system with Google apps, including Google Maps and Google Assistant. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 9-inch touchscreen were standard, with a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system available. The infotainment experience was visually pleasing, though users preferring Apple might find the Google features less satisfying. The lack of analog controls meant relying on the touchscreen for most functions, which could be cumbersome.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ's 33-inch OLED screen was a highlight, with three sections for various controls. The infotainment system ran Google Maps and Google Assistant, with simple menus and high-quality graphics. The Super Cruise system offered excellent hands-free driving capabilities, and the 19-speaker AKG stereo provided impressive sound quality. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, enhancing connectivity.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 was equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Upgrading to higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The XC40 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though it had an "Acceptable" rating in the updated side-impact test.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ came with standard safety features such as forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The Lyriq received a poor rating for its headlights from the IIHS and an acceptable mark for its front pedestrian collision avoidance system. It had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA.