2021 Buick Envision vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning it with the rest of the Volvo lineup through signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with an optional white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge, Volvo's electric variant, differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. Despite these subtle differences, the Recharge maintained a low-key appearance, appealing to those who preferred understated electric vehicles. The interior of the XC40 was minimalist yet luxurious, featuring high-quality materials such as Nappa leather and Nubuck textile, and a coherent design that integrated elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen seamlessly.

The 2021 Buick Envision underwent a significant redesign, showcasing a lower and wider stance that gave it a more grounded appearance. Its styling was more sculpted compared to its cousin, the Cadillac XT4, though not as sleek as the Acura RDX. The Envision offered three trim levels—Preferred, Essence, and Avenir—with the Avenir trim making its debut, adding premium exterior elements like a Black Ice Chrome mesh grille and 20-inch Avenir-specific wheels. The interior of the Avenir featured leather-appointed seating with diamond perforated inserts and a head-up display. The Envision's design was driver-centric, with a protruding center stack angled towards the driver, though it included an abundance of piano black plastic that attracted dust. Despite these design choices, the Envision managed to balance new and familiar elements comfortably.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a diverse powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline variants featured a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base FWD T4 produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD T5 delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, boasting dual electric motors for AWD, generating a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The Recharge accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, while the T5 and T4 took 6.1 and 8.1 seconds, respectively. All models were electronically limited to 112 mph. The XC40 Recharge emphasized luxury and comfort over performance, offering excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability, with a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This was a downgrade from the previous model's 252 hp and 295 lb-ft. Despite shedding 200 to 300 pounds, the Envision's performance was more about comfort than sportiness, akin to a Lincoln rather than a Mazda. The 2021 Envision offered improved fuel efficiency, with the FWD model achieving 24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined, while the AWD version managed 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. The Envision's drive mode selector included a Sport mode, but the engine and road noise detracted from the overall experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its gasoline and Recharge variants, offered no difference in passenger or cargo space. However, it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E, with limited legroom and headroom. The XC40's frunk was small, with much of the space occupied by powertrain components. Despite this, Volvo incorporated clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the center console and large door bins due to relocated speakers. The storage cubby was designed to hold a phone securely, with a wireless charging pad available as an option.

The 2021 Buick Envision, despite its longer wheelbase, offered less headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the front row compared to its predecessor. Rear-seat passengers experienced a reduction in legroom and headroom, making it less adult-friendly. The Envision's cargo capacity was also reduced, with 25.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The driver-centric cockpit limited passenger access to controls, and forward visibility was challenging for shorter drivers. However, the Envision provided standard features like heated seats and a heated steering wheel, ensuring comfort for occupants.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps, while gasoline models retained the previous system. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge model offered OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. The absence of a start button in the Recharge model simplified the driving experience, though Volvo had not confirmed the Digital Key feature for the XC40.

The 2021 Buick Envision's technology was straightforward, with a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and an available 8.0-inch driver information display. Standard features included USB ports, dual-zone climate control, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available features encompassed navigation, a surround-view camera, and wireless device charging. The driver-centric design made it challenging for passengers to access the infotainment system, but the Envision offered a range of standard and optional tech features to enhance the driving experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 gasoline model received top safety ratings, including the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The electric XC40 Recharge had not been rated, but Volvo anticipated strong performance due to its safety cage and redesigned crash structure. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking, with optional features like traffic-sign recognition and Volvo’s Pilot Assist system. The Recharge model featured Volvo’s latest sensor suite, capable of future updates for advanced driver aids.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS due to its new generation. Standard safety features included Buckle to Drive, forward-collision alert, and lane-keep assist, with adaptive cruise control and enhanced park assist available on Avenir models. The Envision lacked GM’s Super Cruise system and lane-centering technology, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features to ensure driver and passenger protection.