2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning with Volvo's signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The gasoline models offered a retro touch with an optional white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge, Volvo's electric variant, featured subtle distinctions such as a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels. It also sported a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a slightly altered rear bumper, and a unique Sage Green Metallic color. The interior of the XC40 was minimalist yet luxurious, with high-quality materials like Nappa leather and Nubuck textile, and a coherent design that integrated elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen seamlessly.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent, introduced as a much-needed addition to Subaru's lineup, filled the gap for a three-row SUV. It drew design inspiration from the smaller Forester and Outback models, scaling up to a midsize SUV. The interior mirrored other Subaru models, likely to create a sense of familiarity for buyers. The Ascent was available in four trims: Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring, each offering progressively more features. The Standard trim included essential features like a 6.5-inch touchscreen and driver-assistance systems, while the Touring trim offered luxury touches like ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof. The Ascent's design and features aimed to connect with Subaru's existing customer base, offering a spacious and practical family vehicle.

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 turbocharged 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, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2, boasted 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. Volvo's focus on luxury was evident in the XC40's quiet and comfortable ride, with the Recharge model offering one-pedal driving and a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The Ascent's performance was tailored for comfort and practicality, excelling in urban environments and holding its own on highways. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, and Subaru’s X-Mode system, the Ascent was well-suited for snowy conditions and light off-roading. It also offered a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its gasoline and electric versions, offered clever storage solutions despite its limited interior space. It featured a small frunk and less legroom and cargo space compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y. However, Volvo compensated with innovative storage options, such as a removable trash bin in the center console and large door bins due to relocated speakers. The XC40's interior was designed for practicality, with a well-shaped storage cubby and optional wireless charging, though rear passengers lacked charging options.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent excelled in interior space, offering 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. While not the largest in its class, it provided ample room for families. The Ascent's cabin accommodated up to eight passengers, with spacious first and second rows and a third row suitable for children. It featured 19 cupholders and numerous storage compartments, enhancing its practicality for family use. The standard power liftgate added convenience, though a hands-free option was unavailable.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps, while gasoline models retained the previous system. The infotainment setup included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, offering high-quality graphics. The Recharge model also supported OTA updates, enhancing its functionality over time. Notably, it lacked a start button, relying on the key fob for activation.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent featured the StarLink infotainment system, known for its intuitive menu layouts and large icons. It offered two touchscreen options, both supported by physical buttons and dials. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with available features like a WiFi hotspot and a premium Harman Kardon stereo. The Ascent's technology package catered to modern connectivity needs, ensuring a user-friendly experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 gasoline model earned top safety ratings, including the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star NHTSA rating. It came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, such as lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model, while not yet rated, was expected to perform well due to its robust safety design. Volvo's advanced sensor suite and scalable software promised future enhancements in driver assistance.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent also achieved the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating, thanks to its strong crash test performance and Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance suite. EyeSight included features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, with additional options like blind-spot monitoring. The Ascent's safety features were designed to provide peace of mind for families, with innovations like automatic high beams and responsive headlights.