2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

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 unique 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 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged construction, tracing its roots back to the 1980s SUV craze. It maintained its relationship with the Toyota Tacoma pickup, unlike many modern SUVs that evolved to car-based platforms. The 4Runner’s high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper emphasized its off-road capabilities. Inside, the design was functional but dated, with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s. The 4Runner offered various trims, each with unique features catering to different needs, from the off-road-focused TRD models to the more road-oriented Limited trim.

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 increased output to 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The electric Recharge model boasted 402 hp and 486 lb-ft, thanks to its dual electric motors and 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The Recharge could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, while the T5 and T4 took 6.1 and 8.1 seconds, respectively. All versions were electronically limited to 112 mph. The Recharge emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability. It also had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a single 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided a decent jump off the line but felt underwhelming in most driving situations. The 4Runner’s ride was harsh and cumbersome, with significant body roll and a rough ride over bumps. However, off-road, the 4Runner excelled, with its suspension effortlessly absorbing rocks and bumps. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included features like Crawl Control and a locking differential. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, more than most car-based crossovers.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered no difference in passenger or cargo space between the Recharge and gasoline models. However, it had less legroom and headroom compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The cargo area was also smaller, and the frunk was limited in size due to powertrain hardware. Despite this, Volvo provided clever storage solutions, such as 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 for a phone, with an optional wireless charging pad and a standard USB-C port.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, with 47.2 cubic feet behind the second row. The three-row model had slightly less space, with 88.8 cubic feet maximum and 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row. The third row, optional on select trims, reduced cargo space to just 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window for easy access. While not the most efficient in cabin packaging, the 4Runner provided ample space for gear.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, with Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps built-in. 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, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. The gasoline models continued with the previous infotainment system. The Recharge lacked a start button, using a key fob for entry and shifting out of park to start.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, surrounded by hard buttons and dials. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. Navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system were available as upgrades. While not the most advanced system, it covered the basics and relied on tactile controls, beneficial for off-road driving. However, it lacked features like a head-up display.

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, rear parking sensors, hill-start assist, and hill-descent control. Optional features included traffic-sign recognition, reverse automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver-assistance system. The Recharge model had Volvo’s latest sensor suite, scalable for future advanced driver aids.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner included the Toyota Safety Sense suite, with standard forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars for frontal and side-impact testing from the NHTSA and three stars for rollover testing. It had a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.