2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a more traditional SUV styling compared to other small luxury crossovers, featuring a tall, flat roof and an upright rear hatch. It seamlessly integrated with the rest of the Volvo lineup, showcasing familial styling elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a white contrasting roof for a retro touch. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and unique alloy wheels. It also featured a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a modified rear bumper, and a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a coherent and upscale design.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner maintained a design that had aged well over its 12-year run, with a two-box body, flared fenders, and trapezoidal wheel arches that emphasized utility and timeless styling. While not conventionally attractive, the 4Runner's design was likened to a reliable tool, requiring no frequent redesigns. The 4Runner was available in various trims and packages, with pricing starting at $46,200 for the Trail model and reaching $62,430 for the SR5 with the TRD Pro package. The interior was utilitarian, featuring hard plastic materials, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and manual air conditioning, aligning with its rugged mission. Despite its simplicity, the 4Runner's design endeared it to owners who valued durability and functionality.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for all-wheel drive, generating a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft. It housed a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, with 75 kWh usable capacity, enabling a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds. The T5 and T4 models achieved 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 and 8.5 seconds, respectively. All versions were electronically limited to 180 km/h. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability in the Recharge model. It also offered a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine, produced 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive as standard and part-time 4WD available. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with features like A-Trac, a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control enhancing its capabilities. It had a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt slow, heavy, and clunky, with challenging steering and braking. Its truck-like driving characteristics were part of its charm, but frequent fuel stops were necessary, with an average consumption of 14.0 L/100 km during testing.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in gasoline and Recharge variants, offered no difference in passenger or cargo space. However, it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E, with limited legroom and headroom. The cargo area was also smaller, and the frunk was minimal due to powertrain components. Despite this, Volvo incorporated clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and a bag hook in the glovebox door. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. A wireless charging pad was optional, but second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a high seating position, which could be challenging for shorter individuals without running boards. Once inside, the 4Runner provided comfortable seating with ample legroom and good visibility. The back seat featured air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The 4Runner's back bumper served as a convenient seating area for various activities. Cargo space was generous, with up to 1,337 litres behind the back seat and 2,540 litres with the rear seat folded. The big roof rack added to its utility, making it suitable for adventures.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. Gasoline models retained the previous system. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge model offered OTA update capability, enhancing vehicle functions. It lacked a start button, relying on a key fob for operation. The Polestar 2's Digital Key feature was anticipated but not confirmed for the XC40.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's entry-level Trail grade offered basic technology, including a windshield wiper de-icer and a 120-volt AC power outlet. The standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and five USB ports. Higher packages upgraded the audio system and added dynamic navigation. The system featured physical shortcut buttons and knobs for easy operation, even with gloves. The 8-inch screen was small, but the system's functionality compensated for it.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 gasoline model received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. The electric XC40 Recharge was expected to perform well in crash tests due to its safety cage and redesigned front crash structure. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Recharge model featured Volvo’s latest sensor suite, scalable for future driver aids.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" roof crush strength rating from the IIHS. Its protection in small overlap frontal-impact collisions was rated as Marginal by the IIHS, reflecting its age.