2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 Honda CR-V

2021 Volvo XC40
2021 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda CR-V
2021 Honda CR-V
$25,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda CR-V
$25,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$33,700

MSRP

$25,350

Average price

$34,322

Average price

$31,246

Listings

47

Listings

316
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

2021 Volvo XC40 Reviews Summary

Introduced for the 2019 model year, the Volvo XC40 enters 2021 with one major change—the addition of an all-electric powertrain option. The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge is the Scandinavian automaker’s first mass-market pure electric vehicle, in fact.

The Recharge will be sold alongside gasoline versions of the XC40, which carry over largely unchanged, and compete against small luxury crossovers like the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and Lexus UX. With its electric powertrain, the Recharge is a de facto Tesla Model Y competitor. It’s also priced similar to high-end versions of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, although the two electric crossovers have somewhat different philosophies.

In addition to that zero-emission powertrain, the Recharge gets an Android-based operating system, over-the-air (OTA) software update capability for all vehicle systems, and some updates to driver-assist tech. These changes don’t apply to gasoline 2021 XC40 models, but Volvo does plan to add the Android operating system to more vehicles in the future.

Since the Recharge is the main new thing for the 2021 XC40, that’s what we focused on for this review. While the gasoline XC40 is available in three trim levels—Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription—with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) in Canada, the Recharge is only offered in a single trim level.

2021 Honda CR-V Reviews Summary

Even in a grim year, Honda is selling a staggering number of CR-Vs. The CR-V is the best-selling Honda in Canada, edging out the home-built Honda Civic. The CR-V is also the second best-selling compact SUV, just behind the Toyota RAV4. And it was the sixth best-selling vehicle in Canada in 2021.

So, it’s hard to argue against the CR-V formula. Honda’s been at this almost as long as crossovers have been a thing, launching the CR-V in 1997—a year after the RAV4 debuted.

The funny thing is, aside from sales volume, there’s only one thing the CR-V particularly excels at. Aesthetics are subjective, but it would be hard to argue the CR-V is the best-looking vehicle in its class. It’s not the cheapest. It’s not the best equipped, especially at the middle to lower trim levels. It’s not the fastest, nor is it the quietest, or the most fuel efficient. It’s not even the most reliable, showing up nowhere in J.D. Power's Most Reliable list.

So, what makes it so appealing to Canadian consumers? Let’s see if we can figure that out.

No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 187 hp I4

Engine

1.5L 190 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

187 hp @ 4700 rpm

Horsepower

190 hp @ 5600 rpm

MPG City

23

MPG City

28

MPG Highway

32

MPG Highway

34
2021 Volvo XC40
2021 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda CR-V
2021 Honda CR-V
$25,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda CR-V
$25,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$33,700
$25,350
Average price
$34,322
$31,246
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.5
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

7.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Summary

Introduced for the 2019 model year, the Volvo XC40 enters 2021 with one major change—the addition of an all-electric powertrain option. The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge is the Scandinavian automaker’s first mass-market pure electric vehicle, in fact.

The Recharge will be sold alongside gasoline versions of the XC40, which carry over largely unchanged, and compete against small luxury crossovers like the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and Lexus UX. With its electric powertrain, the Recharge is a de facto Tesla Model Y competitor. It’s also priced similar to high-end versions of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, although the two electric crossovers have somewhat different philosophies.

In addition to that zero-emission powertrain, the Recharge gets an Android-based operating system, over-the-air (OTA) software update capability for all vehicle systems, and some updates to driver-assist tech. These changes don’t apply to gasoline 2021 XC40 models, but Volvo does plan to add the Android operating system to more vehicles in the future.

Since the Recharge is the main new thing for the 2021 XC40, that’s what we focused on for this review. While the gasoline XC40 is available in three trim levels—Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription—with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) in Canada, the Recharge is only offered in a single trim level.

Even in a grim year, Honda is selling a staggering number of CR-Vs. The CR-V is the best-selling Honda in Canada, edging out the home-built Honda Civic. The CR-V is also the second best-selling compact SUV, just behind the Toyota RAV4. And it was the sixth best-selling vehicle in Canada in 2021.

So, it’s hard to argue against the CR-V formula. Honda’s been at this almost as long as crossovers have been a thing, launching the CR-V in 1997—a year after the RAV4 debuted.

The funny thing is, aside from sales volume, there’s only one thing the CR-V particularly excels at. Aesthetics are subjective, but it would be hard to argue the CR-V is the best-looking vehicle in its class. It’s not the cheapest. It’s not the best equipped, especially at the middle to lower trim levels. It’s not the fastest, nor is it the quietest, or the most fuel efficient. It’s not even the most reliable, showing up nowhere in J.D. Power's Most Reliable list.

So, what makes it so appealing to Canadian consumers? Let’s see if we can figure that out.

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 187 hp I4
1.5L 190 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
187 hp @ 4700 rpm
190 hp @ 5600 rpm
MPG City
23
28
MPG Highway
32
34
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