2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes that enhanced its sporty appearance. The new front fascia featured "air blades" on either side of the grille, while a redesigned rear bumper concealed the tailpipes. All models received new wheel designs, and the front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, ensuring a consistent design language. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, though the interior remained somewhat subdued compared to other Volvo models. The Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant departure in styling, presenting a more assertive and truck-like appearance. It was longer and wider than its predecessor, with a muscular stance accentuated by a longer wheelbase and wider tracks. The classic D-pillar taillights evolved into a modern, aggressive design with three L shapes each. The blockier rear end complemented the bold front fascia, and all lights were upgraded to LED. The Sport Touring trim, driven in deep Canyon River Blue, featured special Sport styling elements like black roof rails, mirrors, and wheels. The interior followed the design direction of the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, with a honeycomb grille spanning the dash. The cabin materials felt high-quality, and contrast stitching added an attractive touch.

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 integrated starter generator, providing an additional 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 (6.6 seconds with FWD), and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 emphasized a calm, relaxed driving experience with a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 4.9-second sprint.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a simplified powertrain lineup, with a focus on hybrid technology for enhanced power and efficiency. The hybrid powertrain combined a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid-electric system, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful CR-V to date. The CR-V Hybrid could reach speeds of up to 115 mph and was rated for towing up to 1,000 lbs. It introduced a fourth drive mode, Snow, alongside Sport, Normal, and Econ, adjusting accelerator response for different conditions. The updated Real Time AWD system could send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels. A new "B" shifter position increased regenerative braking, approximating a one-pedal driving experience. The FWD CR-V Hybrid achieved 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined, offering significant fuel savings.

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. Mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them folded, while plug-in hybrids had slightly less capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid benefited from a larger exterior, translating to increased interior volume. Cargo space grew by 3 cubic feet, offering 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with them folded. This was comparable to the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and more than the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The Sport Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate, and all CR-Vs had wide-opening rear doors for easy access. Rear seat legroom increased to 41 inches, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The reclining rear seats offered eight positions, and headroom measured 38.2 inches in both rows. The cabin included a cubby for two smartphones, eight cupholders, and best-in-class console storage.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Optional features included a head-up display and upgraded audio systems. The new operating system integrated Android-specific features like Google Assistant and Google Maps, with over-the-air updates. The system was compatible with iPhones, though Android users benefited from syncing their profiles. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid catered to preferences for physical controls, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen featuring volume and tuning knobs. The Sport Touring trim had a 9-inch touchscreen with a volume knob and hard Seek buttons. Both Hybrid models included USB ports, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats. The Sport Touring trim added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM, HD radio, Wi-Fi capability, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Honda's smart navigation system optimized fuel efficiency based on the route.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for 2022, but the 2021 model received top 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 system combined adaptive cruise control and lane centering.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies as standard, with improvements for 2023. New safety features included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. A blind-spot information system and cross-traffic monitor were standard, with parking sensors on top trims. The CR-V had earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA. New airbags, dashboard patches, and a stiffer structure enhanced safety.