2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning well with Volvo's design language, including the distinctive “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 differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. Its Sage Green Metallic color and subtle design tweaks made it appealing to those seeking an understated electric vehicle. Inside, the XC40 boasted a minimalist design with high-quality materials, featuring real metal trim and a blend of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery. The interior design was cohesive, with elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents seamlessly integrated, offering a premium feel uncommon in its segment.

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the XC40 and XC90, was built on the SPA platform, shared with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles. Its design was elegant and athletic, with short overhangs and crisp body details. The upright grille showcased Volvo’s iron mark logo, complemented by Thor’s hammer-shaped LED daytime running lights. The XC60's paint quality, chrome, and trim were meticulously executed, with alloy wheels up to 21 inches enhancing its stylish appearance. Inside, the XC60 exuded Scandinavian elegance, with clean lines and authentic materials creating a serene cabin atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was user-friendly, and the interior details, like the HVAC vents, were both functional and aesthetically pleasing, making the XC60 a luxurious and comfortable space.

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, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featured 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 achieved the same in 6.1 and 8.1 seconds, respectively. All models were electronically limited to 112 mph. The XC40 Recharge emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability, and it could tow up to 2,000 pounds.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission across its lineup. The T5 models, available in FWD or AWD, produced 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 models, with AWD, offered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, thanks to a turbocharger and supercharger. The T8 models, as plug-in hybrids, combined an 87-hp electric motor with the gasoline engine, delivering 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, while the T8 Polestar Engineered variant increased output to 415 hp. The XC60 excelled in handling, with AWD and torque vectoring providing agility and stability. It offered a serene cabin and smooth suspension, making it ideal for road trips. Fuel economy ranged from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the T5 FWD to 57 MPGe for the T8 in electric-only mode, with premium gasoline recommended.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, despite its compact size, offered clever storage solutions to compensate for limited space. Both the Recharge and gasoline models had similar passenger and cargo space, though the XC40 Recharge had less legroom and headroom compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The XC40's frunk was small, with powertrain components occupying much of the space. However, Volvo's innovative storage features, such as a removable trash bin in the center console and a bag hook in the glovebox, added practicality. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were relocated to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins, and a wireless charging pad was optional.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and practicality, with highly adjustable front seats and an effective heating system, ideal for winter conditions. The cabin featured smart storage solutions, with ample space in the center console, dashboard, and door panels. The second row offered secure storage in seatbacks and the center armrest, with intuitive controls. The XC60 provided 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It was rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds, making it versatile for various needs.

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, enhancing vehicle functions without dealership visits. It also lacked a start button, allowing drivers to shift out of park with the key fob present.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 utilized the Sensus infotainment system, with a tablet-style touchpad interface. The system divided the screen into function quadrants, allowing users to navigate audio, navigation, vehicle, and communication functions easily. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system provided exceptional sound quality. Volvo’s On Call app offered vehicle-specific features like remote locking and starting, enhancing convenience.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 gasoline model received top safety ratings, including the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. The XC40 came with standard safety features like 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 a new sensor suite, scalable for future driver aids.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA for certain models. It offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance, and lane-keeping aid. Volvo’s Pilot Assist system was available, integrating adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The XC60 was governed to a top speed of 112 mph for safety.