2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2023 Volvo XC40

The 2022 Volvo XC60 featured subtle yet impactful styling updates. A revamped front fascia included “air blades” on either side of the grille, giving the XC60 a slightly sportier demeanor. A new rear bumper cleverly concealed the tailpipes, and a variety of new wheel designs freshened up the overall look. Key to these updates was a reworked front grille, which housed the sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality even in colder weather. Built on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), the XC60 shared its platform with the larger XC90 as well as Volvo’s sedan and wagon siblings, including the S90, S60, V90 Cross Country, and V60 Cross Country. Inside, the XC60 largely maintained its clean design, dominated by a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The new digital instrument cluster added a modern touch. Despite a somewhat subdued appearance, trims like the B6 R-Design sported aluminum mesh speaker grilles and elaborately textured seats, while the Inscription trim level upgraded to Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. For the 2023 Volvo XC40, Volvo made several tweaks to an already distinctive design that balanced the brand’s current design language with a flat-roofed, SUV-like profile. The XC40 maintained a sleek exterior devoid of unnecessary detailing, and gasoline engine models featured hidden tailpipes, aligning with Volvo’s pro-electrification philosophy. Standard fog lights were a noteworthy detail on Plus and Ultimate models. New for 2023 were pixelated “Thor’s Hammer” headlights and a more angular front bumper. With updated wheel options, identifying these modest changes became a fun exercise for XC40 aficionados. The XC40 Recharge, however, was instantly recognizable due to its new sealed-off grille inspired by the C40 Recharge. Sharing the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform with the Volvo C40 and Polestar 2 electric vehicles, the XC40 stood out as the sole CMA-based model in the U.S. featuring a combustion engine. Inside, the XC40 retained its minimalist yet stylish design with elements like thin air vents flanking the central touchscreen and scalloped door panel details. Dual-zone automatic climate control was standard, with an optional air purifier available. Leather was an option, replaced by vegan leather in Recharge models. Our Ultimate test vehicle boasted a panoramic moonroof and an Orrefors crystal shift knob, lending a touch of luxury, though the all-black interior felt rather austere.

For 2022, the Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 configurations. Both variants paired a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and an integrated starter generator, offering an additional 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 version also included an electric supercharger alongside the turbo. The XC60 B5 produced a combined output of 258 hp and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 reached 295 hp and 310-pound feet. Both powertrains utilized an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B5 was offered with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD), whereas the B6 was AWD-only. In terms of performance, the XC60 B5 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds with FWD), while the B6 managed the same in 5.9 seconds. The B6 powertrain, particularly in the R-Design trim, delivered a refined power delivery. A plug-in hybrid version, the XC60 Recharge, combined a 2.0-liter engine (both turbocharged and supercharged) with a rear electric motor, resulting in 400 hp and 472 pound-feet of torque, capable of reaching 60 mph in 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version of the Recharge upped the ante to 415 hp and 494 pound-feet, trimming the zero to 60 mph time to 4.9 seconds while adding performance enhancements like Öhlins adjustable dampers and Akebono brakes. The 2023 Volvo XC40 also saw significant changes under the hood, ushering in mild-hybrid powertrains. These incorporated a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator, enhancing the gasoline engine's efficiency and smoothness. The base B4 variant featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 197 hp and 221 pound-feet of torque. The B5 variant increased these figures to 247 hp and 258 pound-feet. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B4 being FWD-only and the B5 AWD-only. The B4 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, while the B5 did so in 6.1 seconds, providing competitive performance when compared to rivals like the Audi Q3. The B5 felt adequately quick, though the accelerator pedal required extra pressure, affecting smooth start-ups. The XC40’s refinement was its standout feature. This SUV managed corners with grace and cushioned occupants from bumps comfortably, offering a driving experience a cut above many mainstream crossovers. The XC40 Recharge significantly boosted performance with its two electric motors, delivering 402 hp and 486 pound-feet of torque, and sprinted to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Its range stood at an EPA-rated 223 miles, and it out-towed gasoline models with a capacity of 4,409 pounds as compared to 3,500 pounds for the B5 AWD.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 retained its interior dimensions, offering competitive passenger space within its market segment. While front-seat headroom was above average, rear-seat headroom was less generous, matching the Audi Q5 for the least in class. Legroom in both front and rear rows was average. Standard and mild-hybrid models provided 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up, expanding to 49.8 cubic feet when folded. Plug-in hybrid models offered slightly less, with 21.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49.3 cubic feet when folded. Despite these figures, the XC60 did not lead its segment in cargo space. The driving position afforded good forward visibility, and the minimized roofline didn’t compromise rear visibility. In comparison, the 2023 Volvo XC40, while a smaller vehicle, offered respectable space within its class. With the most rear-seat headroom tied with the BMW X1 and nearly leading front-seat headroom, except behind Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class by a fraction of an inch, the XC40 maximized perceived space with generous shoulder room. However, in terms of cargo capacity, it fell short of some competitors like the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, providing 20 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 46.9 cubic feet when folded. Practical touches included standard power tailgate and keyless entry on Plus and Ultimate models, with scalloped door panels enhancing storage flexibility by accommodating bottles or handbags.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a significant tech update, introducing an Android Automotive operating system on its 9-inch touchscreen, marking a departure from more generic setups. This system came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, and a built-in WiFi hotspot, with optional head-up display and Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins premium audio systems. Integrated Google features like Google Assistant for voice control and Google Maps for navigation streamlined the infotainment experience, while the Google Play Store allowed access to third-party apps. The setup promised full iPhone compatibility, though the Google-centric interface might not appeal to Apple users. For 2023, gasoline XC40 models also adopted this Android-based infotainment system. The system utilized Google apps extensively, with Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth support included. Standard features encompassed a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. The Ultimate trim enhanced the package with a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system featuring an air-ventilated subwoofer and included USB-C ports for both seating rows. While graphics were visually appealing, the heavy reliance on touchscreen controls for various functions, including heating elements and driver-assist features, could be less intuitive for some users.

The 2022 Volvo XC60’s commitment to safety mirrored its predecessors, though official ratings for this model year were still pending. The 2021 model received IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and performed well in NHTSA tests with a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features were robust, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. New additions for 2022 were the Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. The optional Pilot Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, an advanced but now common feature among competitors. Similarly, the 2023 Volvo XC40 maintained Volvo’s strong safety reputation. Standard safety features included lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, and more. Advancing from the Core to Plus trim level added front parking sensors, while the Ultimate added adaptive cruise control, side parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, and Pilot Assist. IIHS awarded the XC40 top “Good” ratings in most crash tests, though it dropped to “Acceptable” in the updated side-impact test. NHTSA awarded the gasoline models a five-star overall rating, consistent with Volvo’s high safety benchmarks.