2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of trims, each with distinct styling elements. The base LS and popular LT models featured different grille patterns, while the sporty RST trim boasted a slotted grille, blacked-out appearance, and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 combined the LS grille with a blacked-out look, red tow hooks, and unique 20-inch wheels for off-roading. The upscale Premier trim added chrome accents and polished wheels, and the luxurious High Country featured a chrome bar grille and bright-finish 22-inch wheels. The Tahoe's design was dominated by its grille, with standard LED headlights and expressive taillights. Despite its familiar design themes, the new Tahoe appeared more slab-sided, with larger wheels enhancing its appearance. Prices ranged from $49,000 for the LS to $72,600 for the High Country, with the Z71 trim tested at $76,225, including various option packages.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier look and a reworked grille with hidden sensors. The rear bumper concealed the tailpipes, and new wheel designs were introduced. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models. The interior remained largely unchanged, featuring a clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design test car added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, while the Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery. Overall, the interior was subdued compared to other Volvo models.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options. Most trims came with a 5.3-liter V8 engine producing 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the High Country trim featured a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine was also available, except for the Z71 trim, offering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with optional four-wheel drive. The Tahoe could tow up to 8,400 pounds and handle a payload of 1,834 pounds. The major engineering change was the adoption of an independent rear suspension, improving ride quality and interior comfort. The Z71 trim impressed with its off-road capabilities, adaptive damping, and air suspension upgrades, providing a smooth ride. The 5.3-liter V8 engine delivered refined performance, and the Dynamic Fuel Management technology improved fuel economy.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. The B5 combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, producing 258 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. The B6 added an electric supercharger, delivering 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 offering front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive, while the B6 was all-wheel drive only. The XC60 B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the B6 achieved it in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 emphasized a calm driving experience, with a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by the optional air suspension. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge offered 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 horsepower and 494 lb-ft, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's new independent rear suspension improved passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel. The power sliding storage console provided additional storage options. The second-row offered a bench seat or captain's chairs, with the latter option proving comfortable. The third-row seat was easily accessible, and adults could fit comfortably. The Tahoe offered 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, 72.6 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, and a maximum of 122.9 cubic feet. These figures were substantial increases over the previous generation and better than most full-size SUVs.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's interior space remained competitive, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 49.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, despite the somewhat pinched roofline. Large exterior mirrors aided driving without relying on driver aids.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with enhanced computing power, over-the-air updates, and cybersecurity protection. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. Navigation and Bose premium audio systems were available upgrades. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with impressive voice recognition. The test vehicle included a Rear Seat Media system, offering versatility, though not fully tested. The Tahoe also offered a 15-inch head-up display, which was not included in the test vehicle.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot were standard. The system included Android-specific features, such as Google Assistant voice control and Google Maps navigation. Android users could sync their profiles with the car, while iPhone users had full compatibility. The system's graphics were appealing, and the new layout with sideways swiping was sensible. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distraction.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features such as Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, forward-collision warning, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims or options added lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. Premier and High Country trims offered adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, and a Safety Alert Seat. The Tahoe's driving-assistance features worked as expected, and a surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the SUV. Crash test ratings were not available at the time of review.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's 2021 model received the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist driver-assistance system was available, combining adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering. While effective, it was no longer a standout feature compared to competitors.