2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was a testament to Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group. Built on the SPA platform, the XC60 shared its architecture with other Volvo models, showcasing a sophisticated and agile design. Its exterior featured an elegant two-box design with short overhangs, a proud upright grille, and distinctive Thor’s hammer LED headlights. The interior was a serene space, characterized by clean lines, authentic materials, and a large portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen. The attention to detail, such as the elegant HVAC vents and harmonious textures, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status, making it a delightful place to spend time.

The 2021 Honda Passport, essentially a shortened version of the Pilot, offered a spacious and high-quality interior with a similar dash layout. Despite sharing Honda's awkward button shifter design, the Passport provided ample room and comfort. Trim levels ranged from Sport to Elite, with features like leather upholstery, a power moonroof, and a hands-free liftgate available in higher trims. The Passport's interior was practical, with deep door pockets and a center console for storage. The rear seats offered generous headroom and legroom, making the Passport a comfortable choice for passengers.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 models increased output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft with the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, being plug-in hybrids, combined a gasoline engine with an electric motor to deliver 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with the Polestar Engineered variant pushing it to 415 hp. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided a smooth and secure driving experience, with fuel economy ranging from 22 mpg city to 57 MPGe in electric-only mode.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Available in both FWD and AWD, the Passport offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride. The AWD model featured Intelligent Traction Management with Snow, Sand, and Mud modes, and could tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Passport's ride was optimized for comfort and handling, making it suitable for both commuting and light off-road adventures.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system capable of handling harsh winter conditions. The interior featured smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, with 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 63.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The XC60 was rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 Honda Passport offered a generous 100.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 50.5 cubic feet with the second row in use. The EX-L trim and above featured a power liftgate, with the Touring and Elite trims offering a hands-free option. The upright seating position provided excellent visibility, and the interior was equipped with practical storage solutions, including deep door pockets and a spacious center console.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface. While it required a learning curve, it offered intuitive controls for those familiar with touchscreen gestures. The system included smartphone integration, a WiFi hotspot, and the exceptional Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system. Volvo's On Call app added vehicle-specific functionality, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Honda Passport made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard, along with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the inclusion of these features was a positive move, the system's dated graphics and confusing menu layout left room for improvement. The audio interface included a volume dial, but lacked a tuning dial, which could be frustrating for users.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision mitigation, lane-keeping aid, and a semi-autonomous driving system called Pilot Assist. Volvo's decision to limit the top speed to 112 mph further emphasized their focus on safety.

The 2021 Honda Passport was well-equipped with safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests. However, it received "Acceptable" ratings for headlights and child-seat anchor ease of use, and an "Advanced" rating for front crash prevention tech.