2022 Porsche Macan 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. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with a contrasting white roof. The electric 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 design subtly indicated its electric nature without overtly showcasing it. Inside, the XC40 boasted a minimalist yet premium interior, featuring real metal trim and a blend of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and upscale environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Porsche Macan maintained its sporty and athletic design, with a sloping clamshell hood, swollen haunches, and a rakish roofline that emphasized its performance-oriented nature. The Macan S test vehicle, adorned in Volcano Gray with 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, exemplified Porsche's tradition of graceful aging. Inside, the Macan drew inspiration from other Porsche models, featuring an ignition switch to the left of the steering wheel, a large tachometer, and a wide dashboard. The cabin, with its red leather, gloss black trim, and silver metallic accents, exuded a sporty and upscale ambiance, aligning with Porsche's reputation for high-performance sports cars.

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 providing AWD, with a combined output of 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. Volvo's focus on luxury and comfort was evident in the XC40 Recharge, offering excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability, with a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2022 Porsche Macan featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the base model, producing 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Macan GTS inherited a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 from the previous Macan Turbo, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft. The Macan S, equipped with a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6, offered 375 hp and 383 lb-ft, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. All Macans came with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and a fully variable AWD system. The Macan S excelled in performance, with responsive steering, adaptive damping, and optional performance upgrades, providing an exhilarating driving experience. However, its fuel economy was modest, with an as-tested figure of 18.1 mpg.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its gasoline and electric versions, offered similar passenger and cargo space, though it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the center console and large door bins, compensated for the limited space. The XC40's interior was thoughtfully designed, with a focus on practicality and convenience, though rear passengers lacked phone-charging options.

The 2022 Porsche Macan, despite its sporty nature, provided comfort for the driver and front-seat passenger, especially with the optional 14-way power-adjustable seats. However, rear-seat space was limited, particularly for taller passengers. The redesigned center console with haptic touch controls offered a modern look but required attention away from the road. Cargo space was modest, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps, alongside conventional Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with OTA update capability for software-controlled functions. The Recharge model also eliminated the start button, allowing drivers to simply shift out of park to start the vehicle.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came equipped with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, known as Porsche Communication Management (PCM). It included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system. The user experience was generally intuitive, though voice recognition was less reliable compared to competitors. The Macan offered stereo volume and tuning controls separate from the touchscreen, reducing the need for interaction with the infotainment system while driving.

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. The Recharge model featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, allowing for future advancements in driver assistance technology.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking as standard. Optional features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist were available. The Macan's parking assistance features, including a surround-view camera and Park Assist, were notable, though more advanced driving assistance technologies were limited compared to other luxury brands. The Macan had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.