2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty appearance with a new front fascia featuring "air blades" and a redesigned rear bumper that concealed the tailpipes. The front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC60 shared its foundation with other Volvo models like the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 maintained its clean design with a new digital instrument cluster, a portrait-oriented touchscreen, and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, while the Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2022 Honda Passport adopted a new styling reminiscent of the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, sharing a platform with the Ridgeline, Odyssey minivan, and Pilot SUV. The Passport's new nose aimed to give it a tougher look, with the updated design applied across all trim levels: EX-L, TrailSport, and Elite. The TrailSport trim, new for 2022, targeted off-road enthusiasts with standard all-wheel drive, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and traction management driving modes. The Passport's prices ranged from $37,870 to $45,430, excluding a $1,225 destination charge. The TrailSport model featured unique 18-inch wheels, a roof rack, and design modifications to enhance its SUV appearance. Inside, the Passport offered a spacious interior with quality materials, orange contrast stitching, and ample storage options.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 versions. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and an integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 powertrain also included an electric supercharger. The B5 delivered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 available in FWD or AWD and the B6 exclusively in AWD. The XC60 B5 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the B6 achieved it in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 emphasized a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. Volvo also offered a plug-in hybrid version, the XC60 Recharge, with 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, and a Polestar Engineered variant with 415 hp and 494 lb-ft.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Passport offered FWD or AWD, with the EX-L available in FWD and the TrailSport and Elite featuring Honda's i-VTM4 AWD system. The V6 engine provided smooth acceleration, and the Passport averaged 21.3 mpg in various driving conditions. The i-VTM4 system delivered up to 70% of the engine's power to a single rear wheel when needed. The Passport excelled on streets and highways, offering firm, communicative ride quality and athletic handling. However, the brakes could heat up and vibrate during mountain descents, affecting confidence. The Passport's 5,000-pound towing capacity was notable, but the brakes' behavior under low-load conditions was a concern.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2022 Honda Passport featured large doors and a low step-in height for easy access. The front seats were comfortable, with adjustable armrests and supportive cushions. Leather upholstery and heated front seats were standard, with the Elite trim adding ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed ample space and a slightly elevated seating position. The Passport offered generous storage options, including a large center console and door panel shelving. Cargo space measured 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 77.7 cubic feet with the seat folded down.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen with Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The XC60 supported over-the-air software updates and promised full iPhone compatibility. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The TrailSport trim added navigation, while the Elite featured a 10-speaker premium sound system and HondaLink connected services. The system had shortcut buttons for easy navigation, but lacked a stereo tuning knob. Apple CarPlay and Siri were preferred over the Passport's navigation system. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, but the Passport's technology was not considered advanced.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2021 model received top safety ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and more. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist driver-assistance system was available as an option.

The 2022 Honda Passport included Honda Sensing, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Passport added a rear-seat reminder and seatbelt reminder system for 2022. However, the lane-departure warning and lane-centering assist functions were less refined, and the adaptive cruise control was not smooth in heavy traffic. The Passport received five-star ratings from NHTSA, except for front passenger protection in frontal impacts and rollover resistance, which received four stars. The IIHS gave the Passport top ratings, except for an Acceptable rating in front-passenger protection in small overlap collisions.