2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

2021 Volvo XC40
2021 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2022 Honda Odyssey
2022 Honda Odyssey
$33,040MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Honda Odyssey
$33,040MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Volvo XC40 is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2022 Honda Odyssey scores 7.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Volvo XC40 is the recommended choice, offering a blend of traditional SUV styling, premium interior, and advanced safety features.

Overview

MSRP

$33,700

MSRP

$33,040

Average price

$27,295

Average price

$34,281

Listings

232

Listings

851
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Powerful engine
  • Multiple powertrain options
Cons
  • Not much cargo space
  • Recharge model is expensive
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • All-wheel drive not available
  • Needs better brakes
  • Outdated technology

2021 Volvo XC40 Reviews Summary

Introduced for the 2019 model year, the Volvo XC40 enters 2021 with one major change—the addition of an all-electric powertrain option. The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge is the Swedish automaker’s first mass-market electric vehicle, in fact.

The Recharge will be sold alongside gasoline versions of the XC40, which carry over largely unchanged, and compete against small luxury crossovers like the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and Lexus UX. With its electric powertrain, the Recharge is a de facto Tesla Model Y competitor. It’s also priced similar to high-end versions of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, although the two electric crossovers have somewhat different philosophies.

In addition to that zero-emission powertrain, the Recharge gets an Android-based operating system, over-the-air (OTA) software update capability for all vehicle systems, and some updates to driver-assist tech. These changes don’t apply to gasoline 2021 XC40 models, but Volvo does plan to add the Android operating system to more vehicles in the future.

Since the Recharge is the main new thing for the 2021 XC40, that’s what we focused on for this review. While the gasoline XC40 is available in three trim levels—Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription—with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), the Recharge is only offered in a single trim level, with standard AWD.

2022 Honda Odyssey Reviews Summary

If you are a minivan aficionado like we are, then you know that the 2022 Honda Odyssey is the most enjoyable one to drive. It has that light, effortless, responsive driving character that Honda bakes into every one of its cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans. But you also know that the Odyssey’s rivals are successfully outflanking it in terms of stylish design, all-weather capability, electrified efficiency, infotainment technology, and outright luxury.

In response to these new threats, Honda makes no changes to the 2022 Odyssey. Good thing its “original recipe” approach remains pretty tasty.

No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 187 hp I4

Engine

3.5L 280 hp V6

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

187 hp @ 4700 rpm

Horsepower

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG City

23

MPG City

19

MPG Highway

32

MPG Highway

28
2021 Volvo XC40
2021 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Honda Odyssey
2022 Honda Odyssey
$33,040MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Honda Odyssey
$33,040MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Volvo XC40 is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2022 Honda Odyssey scores 7.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Volvo XC40 is the recommended choice, offering a blend of traditional SUV styling, premium interior, and advanced safety features.

Overview
MSRP
$33,700
$33,040
Average price
$27,295
$34,281
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.3
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

7.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Powerful engine
  • Multiple powertrain options
Cons
  • Not much cargo space
  • Recharge model is expensive
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • All-wheel drive not available
  • Needs better brakes
  • Outdated technology
Summary

Introduced for the 2019 model year, the Volvo XC40 enters 2021 with one major change—the addition of an all-electric powertrain option. The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge is the Swedish automaker’s first mass-market electric vehicle, in fact.

The Recharge will be sold alongside gasoline versions of the XC40, which carry over largely unchanged, and compete against small luxury crossovers like the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and Lexus UX. With its electric powertrain, the Recharge is a de facto Tesla Model Y competitor. It’s also priced similar to high-end versions of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, although the two electric crossovers have somewhat different philosophies.

In addition to that zero-emission powertrain, the Recharge gets an Android-based operating system, over-the-air (OTA) software update capability for all vehicle systems, and some updates to driver-assist tech. These changes don’t apply to gasoline 2021 XC40 models, but Volvo does plan to add the Android operating system to more vehicles in the future.

Since the Recharge is the main new thing for the 2021 XC40, that’s what we focused on for this review. While the gasoline XC40 is available in three trim levels—Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription—with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), the Recharge is only offered in a single trim level, with standard AWD.

If you are a minivan aficionado like we are, then you know that the 2022 Honda Odyssey is the most enjoyable one to drive. It has that light, effortless, responsive driving character that Honda bakes into every one of its cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans. But you also know that the Odyssey’s rivals are successfully outflanking it in terms of stylish design, all-weather capability, electrified efficiency, infotainment technology, and outright luxury.

In response to these new threats, Honda makes no changes to the 2022 Odyssey. Good thing its “original recipe” approach remains pretty tasty.

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 187 hp I4
3.5L 280 hp V6
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
7
Horsepower
187 hp @ 4700 rpm
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
23
19
MPG Highway
32
28
Look and feel
2021 Volvo XC40
9/10
2022 Honda Odyssey
7/10

The 2021 Volvo XC40 had a traditional SUV styling with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, fitting well within the Volvo family with its “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a white contrasting roof for a retro look. The XC40 Recharge featured a blanked-off grille, “Recharge” badging, model-specific alloy wheels, a gloss black roof, and a model-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 coherent and high-quality design.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey, while adhering to the classic minivan design, had a sense of style with kinked sliding doors and dramatic hockey-stick character lines. The Elite trim level featured dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels. The interior was spacious and practical, with quality leather, supportive front seats, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The Odyssey’s Magic Slide second-row seats and comfortable third-row seats made it a versatile choice for families. The cargo space was impressive, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second row removed.

Performance
2021 Volvo XC40
8/10
2022 Honda Odyssey
7/10

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup. The base FWD T4 had a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD T5 had 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The electric Recharge model had a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft, with a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The Recharge could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, the T5 in 6.1 seconds, and the T4 in 8.1 seconds. All versions were electronically limited to 112 mph. The Recharge emphasized quiet and comfort, with excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability. It also had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey had a 3.5-liter V6 engine making 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It was FWD only, with an EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg in combined driving. The Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, with quick acceleration, responsive handling, and remarkable composure on mountain roads. However, repeated use of the brakes on downhill grades caused pedal vibration and an audible grumble. The Odyssey averaged 22.6 mpg during a test drive in Southern California.

Form and function
2021 Volvo XC40
7/10
2022 Honda Odyssey
8/10

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge had the same passenger and cargo space as the gasoline models, but it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Clever storage solutions included a removable trash bin in the center console, a bag hook in the glovebox door, and extra-large door bins. The storage cubby ahead of the shifter was well-shaped to hold a phone, with a wireless charging pad optional and a single USB-C port standard. However, second-row occupants didn’t have phone-charging options.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey offered easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. The interior featured quality leather, supportive front seats, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. Storage space was abundant, with numerous places to stash items. The Magic Slide second-row seats and comfortable third-row seats provided versatility and comfort. The Odyssey had 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second row removed.

Technology
2021 Volvo XC40
8/10
2022 Honda Odyssey
5/10

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system with Google apps, including Google Assistant and Google Maps. 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 also had OTA update capability and lacked a start button, allowing the driver to simply shift out of park with the key fob on their person.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was packed with technology, but its infotainment features were increasingly outclassed by rivals. Starting with the EX trim, it had an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink connected services, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk. The rear-seat entertainment system had a single 10.2-inch display, HDMI inputs, and a USB port. The Elite trim added an 11-speaker premium audio system and a wireless charging pad. However, the infotainment system was underwhelming, with a small screen and a lack of modern features.

Safety
2021 Volvo XC40
9/10
2022 Honda Odyssey
8/10

The gasoline 2021 Volvo XC40 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Recharge model had a safety cage around the battery and a redesigned front crash structure, with Volvo expecting it to perform well in crash tests.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey had Honda Sensing as standard, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also had automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. However, Honda Sensing lacked refinement, with some features responding too sharply or abruptly. The Odyssey earned an overall five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

Cost Effectiveness
2021 Volvo XC40
7/10
2022 Honda Odyssey
7/10
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