2021 INFINITI QX50 vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a more traditional SUV styling compared to other small luxury crossovers, featuring a tall, flat roof and an upright rear hatch. It seamlessly integrated with the rest of the Volvo lineup, showcasing signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a white contrasting roof for a retro touch. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and unique alloy wheels. It also featured a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a distinct rear bumper, and an exclusive Sage Green Metallic color. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and upscale cabin environment.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out in the luxury compact crossover segment with its distinctive design and engineering. Its large honeycomb grille and athletic hood bulges gave it a sporty appearance, further emphasized from the driver’s seat with a low-slung hood and tall fenders. The rear featured a unique chrome strip, adding character to the design. The panoramic moonroof enhanced the cabin's airy feel, offering stunning views. While the QX50's aesthetics were generally well-received, visibility was slightly hindered by thick B-pillars and a short rear window. The Sensory AWD model boasted 20-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires. Inside, the cabin featured soft-touch materials, aluminum trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, with heated and cooled front seats providing comfort in varying temperatures.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a versatile powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. Gasoline options included 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, featuring dual electric motors for AWD, generating a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft. It housed a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, providing a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds. All versions were electronically limited to 112 mph. The XC40 Recharge emphasized luxury and comfort, offering excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability. It also had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured a single powertrain option across its lineup—a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It produced 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The QX50's VC-Turbo engine adjusted the compression ratio for a balance of power and efficiency. The CVT, with simulated shift points, provided a familiar driving experience. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The QX50 offered a drive mode selector with Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal modes, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. Sport mode enhanced responsiveness, while Eco mode prioritized fuel efficiency. The QX50 remained composed on various road conditions, providing a smooth and stable ride.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, despite its compact size, offered clever storage solutions to maximize utility. While passenger and cargo space were consistent across the Recharge and gasoline models, the XC40 had less legroom and headroom compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The small frunk was limited by powertrain components. However, the XC40 compensated with features like a removable trash bin in the center console, a glovebox bag hook, and large door bins due to relocated speakers. A wireless charging pad was optional, with a single USB-C port standard, though rear passengers lacked charging options.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 provided a spacious interior, with ample hip, shoulder, and headroom, even with the panoramic moonroof. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 38.7 inches of legroom, with sliding second-row seats for flexibility. The cargo area offered 31.1 cubic feet of space, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with seats folded. The optional Cargo package added practical features for storage. The QX50 included numerous cupholders, storage bins, and charging options, ensuring convenience for passengers.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. Gasoline models retained the previous system. The setup included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge offered OTA update capability, enhancing vehicle functions over time. It lacked a start button, relying on a key fob for operation. The Polestar 2's Digital Key feature was anticipated but not confirmed for the XC40.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 came equipped with the InTouch infotainment system, featuring dual display screens and voice recognition. It included standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 16-speaker Bose audio system. The system was user-friendly, with seamless smartphone integration. The QX50 also offered ProPilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, enhancing long-distance driving comfort. The Around View Monitor with sonar and moving-object detection aided in parking and maneuvering.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, with the gasoline model earning a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included traffic-sign recognition and Volvo’s Pilot Assist system. The Recharge model featured advanced sensors and software, allowing for future driver aid enhancements.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 boasted a robust array of standard safety features, such as blind-spot warning, forward-collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Lane-departure prevention and blind-spot intervention were standard on higher trims. The QX50 received a four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS for crash protection. The vehicle’s safety systems performed reliably, providing peace of mind during testing.