2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Volvo XC40 had a distinctive design that combined Volvo’s current design language with a flat-roofed, SUV-like profile. It featured a clean exterior without unnecessary detailing, and models with gasoline engines had hidden tailpipes in line with Volvo’s pro-electrification ethos. Updates for 2023 included new pixelated “Thor’s Hammer” headlights, a more angular front bumper, and new wheel designs. The XC40 Recharge was easier to identify due to its new sealed-off grille. Inside, the XC40 maintained a minimalist design with thin air vents framing the central touchscreen and scalloped elements housing the door handles and speaker grilles. The interior offered dual-zone automatic climate control, optional air purifier, and leather or vegan leather upholstery. The Ultimate test vehicle included a panoramic moonroof and an Orrefors crystal shift knob, though the all-black interior felt somewhat utilitarian.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant departure in styling from its predecessors, presenting a more assertive and truck-like appearance. It was longer and wider, with a more muscular stance, and retained the classic D-pillar taillights, now featuring three L shapes for a modern look. The rear end was blockier, matching the bold front fascia, and all lights were LED. The Sport Touring trim in deep Canyon River Blue included black roof rails, mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and 19-inch black wheels. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid followed the design direction of the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, with a honeycomb grille surrounding the climate control vents. The materials felt high-quality, and the contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel added an attractive touch.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, adding a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator to assist the gasoline engine. The base B4 powertrain combined the mild-hybrid system with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 197 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, while the B5 model offered a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo-four rated at 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B4 being FWD-only and the B5 AWD-only. The B4 and B5 models could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds and 6.1 seconds, respectively. The XC40 Recharge, with its two electric motors producing a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, could achieve zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and had an EPA-rated 223-mile range. The Recharge also had a higher towing capacity of 4,409 pounds compared to the B5 AWD model’s 3,500 pounds.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a new hybrid powertrain combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid-electric system, producing 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date, capable of traveling at up to 115 mph. The CR-V Hybrid introduced a fourth drive mode, Snow, joining Sport, Normal, and Econ. The updated Real Time AWD system could now send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels. The CR-V Hybrid also included a new “B” shifter position for increased regenerative braking, allowing for a one-pedal driving experience. The FWD CR-V Hybrid achieved 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined, making it more fuel-efficient than the AWD version and the FWD turbocharged model.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while marketed as an SUV, was better suited for solo commuting than carpooling. It offered reasonable space among its competitors, with ample rear-seat headroom and front-seat headroom just slightly behind the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Legroom was average, but generous shoulder room contributed to a feeling of spaciousness. The XC40 provided 20 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 46.9 cubic feet with them folded, less than the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. Interior storage was good, with large carve-outs in the door panels and a sizable center console storage bin and phone tray.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid’s larger exterior translated to more interior volume, with 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with them folded. This was comparable to the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and more than the 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 cubby ahead of the shifter could hold two smartphones side by side, and the console provided best-in-class storage.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 featured an Android-based infotainment system with Google apps, including Google Maps for navigation and Google Assistant for voice recognition. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 9-inch touchscreen were standard, with a 13-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system available on the Ultimate trim. The infotainment system lacked analog controls, requiring the touchscreen for most functions, which could be less convenient for some users.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid included physical buttons for important functions, with a 7-inch touchscreen display featuring volume and tuning knobs, and a 9-inch touchscreen on the Sport Touring trim with a volume knob. Standard features included dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, and heated front seats. The Sport Touring trim added driver’s seat memory, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, heated steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM, HD radio, Wi-Fi capability, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system. The smart navigation system optimized fuel efficiency based on the route.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, traffic sign recognition, rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. Upgrading to the Plus trim added front parking sensors, while the Ultimate trim included side parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist. The XC40 received top “Good” ratings in most IIHS crash tests but dropped to “Acceptable” in the updated side-impact test. The NHTSA awarded the gasoline XC40 a five-star overall safety rating.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid included the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies as standard, with improved collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. New safety features included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, low-speed braking control, blind-spot information system, cross-traffic monitor, parking sensor system, rear-seat reminder, and rear seatbelt reminder. The CR-V Hybrid also featured new airbags, dashboard patches, and a stiffer structure for additional protection. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.