2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda CR-V, representing the fifth generation of Honda’s compact crossover, had already established itself in the market since its debut in 2017. With a soft design approach filled with curvy and car-like lines, it bore a strong family resemblance to Honda’s sedans, particularly in the front and rear fascias. Externally, the CR-V leaned more towards a station wagon aesthetic compared to an SUV, creating a modern family transportation vibe.

However, the interior of the CR-V appeared somewhat inconsistent. While higher trims featured attractive wood-look trims and leather upholstery, they mingled awkwardly with some low-quality plastics, reminding drivers that even the pricier CR-Vs were essentially upgraded commodity vehicles rather than true premium cars. With a base MSRP of $26,270 for the LX front-wheel-drive (FWD) model, the CR-V offered four trim levels—LX, EX (starting at $28,720), EX-L ($31,270), and Touring ($24,470)—each available with all-wheel drive (AWD) for an extra $1,500.

Standard on the CR-V were 17-inch alloy wheels, while EX trims upgraded to 18-inch wheels, and the Touring saw optional 19-inch wheels as standard. Fabric seating adorned the two lower trims, with leather available on the upper trims. Additionally, the EX and above trims featured a retractable moonroof, though it was less expansive than the panoramic sunroof found in competitors like the RAV4 and Tiguan. The top-tier Touring model alone boasted roof rails, which, despite their functionality, were decidedly low-profile.

Contrastingly, the 2021 Volvo XC40 exhibited more traditional SUV styling, highlighted by its tall, flat roof, and upright rear hatch, slotting seamlessly into Volvo's lineup with its signature “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and simple oval grille. While gasoline models came with a white contrasting roof for a retro aesthetic, the electric XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, specific 19-inch standard wheels (with optional 20 inches), a gloss black roof, and exclusive Sage Green Metallic color.

The XC40’s interior was marked by a delightful minimalism and premium materials, including real metal trims on the dashboard, coupled with Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery. The harmonious interior design saw elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents blend seamlessly. Unlike many competitors, Volvo maintained a high-end feel without downgrading design to meet a specific price point, offering a sophisticated experience.

The 2020 Honda CR-V simplified its powertrain offerings by standardizing the previously upper-trim-exclusive 1.5-liter turbocharged engine for the entire lineup. This engine produced 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Honda’s engineers effectively utilized the CVT, ensuring smooth and responsive driving, particularly notable in the Sport mode. Weighing just 3,337 pounds for the FWD LX model, the CR-V felt nimble and light, comparable to a small sedan in its handling and ride comfort.

The CR-V also stood out in fuel economy, with FWD models achieving an EPA rating of 30 miles per gallon combined, and AWD versions at 29 mpg. These figures positioned the CR-V above many competitors, making it both a practical and economical choice. Additionally, for buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency, Honda introduced a hybrid version, poised to compete with similar hybrids from Toyota and Ford.

In 2021, Volvo offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup for the XC40, culminating in the electric Recharge. The gasoline T4 model, featuring a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, delivered 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Upgraded T5 models offered 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, providing a quicker 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds compared to the T4’s 8.1 seconds. The Recharge model, with its dual electric motors and 78-kilowatt-hour battery, provided an impressive 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque, managing a 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.7 seconds.

Despite its performance, the XC40 Recharge emphasized comfort and quietness over speed, maintaining excellent ride quality even on rough terrain. Its one-pedal driving mode was notable for using regenerative braking, enhancing driving efficiency.

The 2020 Honda CR-V demonstrated Honda's mastery in packaging, offering a spacious interior without feeling overly large compared to competitors. It provided ample head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers, bolstered by a well-optimized driving position and excellent front visibility. The CR-V excelled in cargo capacity, offering a versatile two-position load floor and 75.8 cubic feet of space with rear seats folded, matching the Volkswagen Tiguan despite being slightly shorter.

Clever storage solutions—including a deep center console influenced by the Honda Odyssey and substantial door pockets—enhanced the CR-V’s usability, making it a practical option for families with substantial storage needs.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge, despite matching the gasoline models in passenger and cargo space, fell short compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. It lacked legroom and headroom and offered a smaller cargo area, with a notably small frunk due to powertrain hardware. Where the XC40 did excel was in innovative storage solutions, such as the removable trash bin in the center console and door bins enhanced by relocating audio system speakers.

By 2020, the Honda CR-V’s infotainment system was clearly aging. The base LX model featured a meager 5-inch screen with limited functionality, while higher trims received a 7-inch screen that still paled compared to competitors’ larger systems. The infotainment system faced criticism for its lack of physical buttons and subpar user interface, making navigation and operation more cumbersome. However, higher trims did include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, albeit not seamlessly integrated.

Conversely, the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge benefited from the advanced Android Automotive OS, with integrated Google features such as Google Assistant and Maps. This system allowed for greater customization for Android users and included a substantial 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge also introduced OTA update capabilities, positioning it ahead in terms of technological connectivity and future updates. A keyless start procedure added to its modern conveniences, enhancing the user experience.

Safety-wise, the 2020 Honda CR-V came equipped with Honda Sensing as standard across all trims, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, road-departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control. EX trims and above added blind-spot and cross-traffic monitoring. The CR-V earned strong safety ratings, achieving a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick, albeit with marginal ratings for lower trim headlights.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 earned the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS for its gasoline models and a five-star NHTSA rating. Although these ratings weren't directly applicable to the XC40 Recharge, Volvo anticipated strong performance due to advanced structural reinforcements. Standard safety features on the XC40 included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking, with advanced options like traffic-sign recognition and Pilot Assist for enhanced driving support.