2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, introduced as part of a mid-cycle refresh, closely mirrored its gasoline counterpart in appearance and dimensions, measuring 182.1 inches in length, 73.0 inches in width, and 66.5 inches in height. The hybrid model maintained the same interior design, featuring a 7-inch infotainment screen and a multi-function center console. Subtle differences included blue-outlined Honda emblems and "Hybrid" badges, along with a hidden exhaust in the rear bumper. Inside, the gear shifter was replaced with a push-button selector, and paddle shifters were repurposed for brake regeneration adjustments.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 showcased traditional SUV styling with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning with Volvo's design language through features like "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights. The XC40 Recharge distinguished itself with a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific wheels. It featured a minimalist interior with high-quality materials, including Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery. The design was cohesive, with elements like a portrait-oriented touchscreen and strategically placed air vents, offering a premium feel without compromising on utility.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid was equipped with a two-motor hybrid system and all-wheel drive, combining a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with electric motors to deliver 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. It achieved an EPA rating of 40 mpg city, 35 highway, and 38 combined, outperforming its gasoline counterpart's 27/32/29 mpg. Despite its efficiency, the CR-V Hybrid ranked third in fuel economy compared to the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4 hybrids. The CR-V Hybrid offered a smooth ride with good steering feel, though its EV mode was limited to short distances.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The Recharge featured dual electric motors providing 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, powered by a 78-kWh battery. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, emphasizing comfort over performance. The gasoline T4 and T5 models delivered 187 hp and 248 hp, respectively. The Recharge supported one-pedal driving and had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. Volvo's focus on luxury was evident in the XC40's quiet ride and excellent handling, even on rough roads.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, while maintaining the same exterior dimensions as its gasoline sibling, sacrificed some cargo space to accommodate the battery pack. It offered 33.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 68.7 cubic feet with them folded, slightly less than the non-hybrid model. Despite this, it provided more space than the Ford Escape Hybrid and competitive ground clearance. The CR-V Hybrid excelled in passenger comfort, offering more headroom and legroom than its competitors, and featured a configurable center console for added convenience.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge shared its interior space with the gasoline models, though it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y. It offered clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin and large door bins, thanks to the repositioned audio system speakers. The center console was designed to hold a phone securely, with optional wireless charging. However, rear passengers lacked charging options. Despite its compact size, the XC40's interior was thoughtfully designed, maximizing available space with practical features.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Bluetooth connectivity, Pandora compatibility, and a single USB port. Higher trims offered a 7-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and additional USB ports. The Touring trim included navigation and a premium audio system. However, the infotainment system's interface was criticized for its complexity, requiring multiple steps to adjust settings like the automatic beep sound. The instrument panel provided comprehensive information but was cumbersome to navigate while driving.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS, integrating Google apps like Assistant and Maps. It included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with OTA update capability for software-controlled functions. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though Google features were built-in. The Recharge lacked a start button, relying on the key fob for activation. While the Polestar 2 was set to receive a Digital Key feature, it was not confirmed for the XC40.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a 5-Star Safety Rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Honda Sensing, offering features like automatic braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. While these ratings didn't apply to the Recharge model, Volvo expected it to perform well due to its safety cage and redesigned crash structure. The XC40 included standard safety features like lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking, with optional features such as traffic-sign recognition and Pilot Assist.