2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 had a more traditional SUV styling compared to other small luxury crossovers, featuring a tall, flat roof and an upright rear hatch. It seamlessly fit into the Volvo lineup with familial styling cues like “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a white contrasting roof for a retro look. The XC40 Recharge distinguished itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and model-specific alloy wheels. It also featured a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a different rear bumper, and a model-exclusive color—Sage Green Metallic. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with high-quality materials, real metal trim, and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery. The design was coherent, with elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents melding into a pleasing whole.

For the 2022 model year, the Volvo XC60 received subtle styling changes. A new front fascia incorporated “air blades” for a sportier appearance, and a new rear bumper hid the tailpipes. All models got new wheel designs, and the front grille was reworked to move sensors for driver-assist systems behind the heated Volvo logo. The interior remained largely unchanged, retaining its clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design test car featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and elaborately textured seats, adding some flair. However, the interior seemed subdued compared to other Volvo models. The Inscription trim level offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge at the top. The two gasoline options included a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base FWD T4 had 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD T5 had 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring one electric motor for each axle, enabling AWD and a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft. The 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack provided electricity, with 75 kWh of usable capacity. Volvo quoted zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds for the Recharge, 6.1 seconds for the T5, and 8.1 seconds for the T4. All versions were electronically limited to 112 mph. The Recharge emphasized quiet and comfort over speed, with excellent ride quality even on winter-ravaged roads. It also offered one-pedal driving and a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

For the 2022 model year, the XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 powertrains. Both combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 also featured an electric supercharger. The B5 had 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 had 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B5 offered FWD or AWD, while the B6 was AWD only. The B5 did zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds with FWD), and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 encouraged calm, relaxed driving, with a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, with zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

Volvo claimed no difference in passenger or cargo space between the Recharge and gasoline XC40 models. However, the XC40 Recharge had less legroom in both front and rear seats compared to the Tesla Model Y or Ford Mustang Mach-E, and a smaller cargo area. The gasoline XC40 was more competitive on interior space compared to rivals like the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. Clever storage solutions included a removable trash bin in the center console, a bag hook in the glovebox door, and extra-large door bins due to the Harman Kardon system's speakers being moved to the dashboard. A wireless charging pad was optional, while a single USB-C port was standard. Second-row occupants didn’t get any phone-charging options.

The 2022 XC60 remained competitive in passenger space within its market segment. Front-seat headroom was above average, but rear-seat headroom was tied with the Audi Q5 for the worst. Legroom in both rows was about average. Mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place, and 49.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity, at 21.1 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 49.3 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The XC60 offered a commanding driving position with good forward and rear visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, introduced on the Polestar 2, while gasoline models continued with the previous system. Android Automotive OS used Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps, and allowed Android phone users to sync their personal Google accounts. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Recharge models also had OTA update capability and lacked a start button, instead using a key fob for entry and shifting out of park to start.

The 2022 XC60 received a tech overhaul, with a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive OS, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. A head-up display and upgraded audio systems from Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins were available. Android-specific features included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and the Google Play Store for third-party apps. The system enabled OTA updates and promised full iPhone compatibility. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a “Calm” setting to minimize distraction.

The gasoline 2021 Volvo XC40 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, rear parking sensors, hill-start assist, and hill-descent control. Optional features included traffic-sign recognition, reverse automatic emergency braking, a driver-alertness monitor, run-off road mitigation, oncoming lane mitigation, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver-assistance system. The Recharge model had Volvo’s latest sensor suite and scalable software for future driver aids.

The IIHS hadn’t released crash-test ratings for the 2022 XC60, but the 2021 model received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating. The NHTSA hadn’t published safety ratings for the 2022 XC60, but the 2021 model received a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver-assistance system was available as an option.