2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 stood out for its skillful blend of recognizable Volvo aesthetics with a touch of modern flair. When Volvo first introduced the current-generation XC90 in 2016, it signaled a significant shift in the brand's design philosophy. Known for its conservative styling, Volvo successfully added character to the XC90 without losing the brand's inherent design language. Retaining the boxy profile and blunt front end with a rectangular grille, the XC90 introduced softer lines, generous chrome accents, and distinctive LED headlights with “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights.

The XC90's trim levels showcased different styles. The Inscription trim, which featured chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design with a new gloss-black grille surround focused on sportiness, and the base Momentum trim maintained a simple aesthetic without additional embellishment. As a modern SUV, the XC90 was built on Volvo’s versatile Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, shared with other ’90’ and '60' series models.

Inside, the XC90 espoused the "Swedish minimalism" ethos with clean lines, high-quality materials, and a restrained, thoughtful design. Matte-finish wood trim gave the interior a natural look, and options like wool upholstery and a crystal shifter by Orrefors added a high-end yet understated touch.

Conversely, the 2022 Volvo XC60 received subtle styling updates for a sportier appearance. The front fascia featured new “air blades” on either side of the grille, giving it a dynamic look. A redesigned rear bumper concealed the tailpipes, contributing to a cleaner design, and new wheel designs were introduced across the board. Volvo also cleverly integrated sensors for driver-assist systems behind the logo.

The XC60 shared its SPA platform with the XC90, ensuring a common architectural foundation. Inside, the XC60 maintained a familiar functional design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimalist layout. Our B6 R-Design test car had aluminum speaker grilles and textured seats that added flair to an otherwise subdued interior.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 was turbocharged, delivering 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 added a supercharger, upping the output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist for a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T5 came standard with FWD, while AWD was optional for the T5 and standard for the T6 and T8.

While the T8’s 400 hp was impressive, the small engine size meant it wasn't as flexible as the six-cylinder or V8 engines found in competitors. This was evident during acceleration, particularly at low speeds where the gasoline engine had to kick in to assist. The XC90 offered three drive modes—Pure (all-electric), Hybrid, and Power, but Pure mode was challenging to use at higher speeds or under harder acceleration.

Despite its performance constraints, the XC90 excelled in luxury, with smooth ride quality aided by an optional air-suspension system. It handled well without excessive body roll, and the cabin remained impressively quiet, sealing out most road noise. With a respectable 5,000-pound towing capacity for most models, and 4,000 pounds for the FWD T5, it was a practical SUV for family outings.

For 2022, the XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 versions. Both engines paired a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a 48-volt electrical system, capable of adding 13 hp in short bursts. The B6 also featured an electric supercharger alongside the turbo.

The B5 delivered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 produced 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 offering FWD and optional AWD, and the B6 exclusively AWD. Performance metrics, compared to previous versions, were slightly down, with the B5 doing 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 for FWD) and the B6 in 5.9 seconds.

Volvo also offered the XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid, with a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter engine supplemented by electric motors for a combined 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The sportier XC60 Polestar Engineered enhanced this to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, and featured performance enhancements such as Öhlins adjustable dampers and Akebono brakes.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 provided a spacious cabin with both six-seat and seven-seat configurations, offering third-row seating, which many competitors like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE did not. While the headroom and legroom in all three rows were average for the segment, the third row was a bit tight for adults, and the seats felt firm and lacking support.

Our test car, in the Inscription trim, had luxury features such as 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, although it lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Practicality was somewhat hampered by limited storage options and a shallow center console storage bin. Cargo space was modest at 11.2 cubic feet with all seats up, expanding to 34.1 cubic feet with the third row folded and 64.1 cubic feet with both second and third rows folded. A hands-free power tailgate was a useful feature for loading and unloading.

In comparison, the 2022 Volvo XC60 remained competitive on passenger space, albeit with rear-seat headroom trailing behind some rivals. Cargo capacity for mild-hybrid models was 21.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 49.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, while plug-in hybrids slightly less at 21.1 cubic feet and 49.3 cubic feet, respectively. This left the XC60 with less cargo space than many competitors.

However, the XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility from both front and rear. The design was user-friendly, making it easy to maneuver without relying heavily on driver aids.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, known for its simplicity and functionality. It came with a 9-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and an integrated WiFi hotspot. Additional options included a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display. The touchscreen was user-friendly, resembling a tablet interface. However, the text and typeface could be hard to read while driving, and the newly added wireless charging pad wasn't accommodating many phone sizes.

For 2022, the XC60 underwent a tech overhaul, introducing an Android Automotive operating system on the same 9-inch touchscreen. This system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play store. It also provided over-the-air software updates.

The new layout, which featured sideways swiping, made efficient use of screen space. The digital instrument cluster could display maps, though a "Calm" setting reduced distractions by removing the map. While Android users found the new system seamlessly integrated into the vehicle, Apple users might have found it of limited functionality.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was rated highly for safety. The non-hybrid models earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS, achieving top scores in all crash tests and high marks for front-crash prevention technology. NHTSA awarded the XC90 a five-star overall rating. The vehicle came standard with numerous safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Pilot Assist which combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane-centering. While Pilot Assist was effective, it still required an attentive human driver.

For the 2022 Volvo XC60, exact ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were pending at the time of review, but the similar 2021 model had received top safety marks. Standard safety features remained comprehensive and were bolstered by new functionalities like the Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Pilot Assist continued as an option, integrating advanced cruise control and lane centering effectively.