Compare the2022 Volvo XC60VS 2021 Tesla Model Y

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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The XC60’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Model Y doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The Volvo XC60 offers optional built in child booster seats. They’re more crash worthy than an added child seat because of their direct attachment to the seat. Tesla doesn’t offer the convenience and security of a built-in child booster seat in the Model Y. Their owners must carry a heavy booster seat in and out of the vehicle; XC60 owners can just fold their built-in child seat up or down.

The XC60 has a standard Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the WHIPS allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. At the same time the pretensioning seatbelts fire, removing slack from the belts. The Model Y doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The XC60 has standard Automatic Braking After Collision, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Model Y doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the XC60’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The Model Y doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

The XC60 offers an optional 360-Degree Surround View Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Model Y only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the XC60’s standard rear cross-path warning system uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The Model Y doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

The XC60’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Model Y doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

The XC60 has standard Volvo On Call, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Model Y doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the XC60 and the Model Y have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and available all wheel drive.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Volvo XC60 is safer than the Tesla Model Y:

	XC60	Model Y
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	22%	25%
Neck Stress	198 lbs.	210 lbs.
Neck Compression	15 lbs.	68 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	178	211
Neck Injury Risk	28%	28%
Neck Compression	55 lbs.	189 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Volvo XC60 is safer than the Tesla Model Y:

	XC60	Model Y
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Abdominal Force	126 lbs.	145 lbs.
Hip Force	190 lbs.	216 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	185	358
Spine Acceleration	45 G’s	45 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	237	283
Spine Acceleration	29 G’s	39 G’s
Hip Force	410 lbs.	682 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Warranty

The XC60’s corrosion warranty is 8 years and unlimited miles longer than the Model Y’s (12/unlimited vs. 4/50,000).

Volvo pays for scheduled maintenance on the XC60 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. Volvo will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Tesla doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Model Y.

There are over 2 times as many Volvo dealers as there are Tesla dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the XC60’s warranty.

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the XC60’s reliability 43 points higher than the Model Y.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Volvo vehicles are better in initial quality than Tesla vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Volvo 29th in initial quality. With 21 more problems per 100 vehicles, Tesla is ranked 31st.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Volvo vehicles are more reliable than Tesla vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Volvo 25th in reliability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles, Tesla is ranked 30th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Volvo vehicles are more reliable than Tesla vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Volvo 7 places higher in reliability than Tesla.

Engine

The XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered’s 2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cylinder hybrid produces 7 lbs.-ft. more torque (494 vs. 487) than the Model Y Performance’s optional electric motors.

Fuel Economy and Range

The XC60 B5’s maximum EPA estimated driving range on a full tank of fuel and a full charge is 564 miles, after which it can be refueled at any gas station in minutes. The Model Y’s range is only 326 miles, after which the minimum recharge time is 30 minutes for only a 50% charge at a specially configured quick charge station not available in most areas. A full recharge at a conventional charging station can take up to 8 hours and 30 minutes.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Model Y:

	XC60 B5	XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered	Model Y	Model Y Performance
Front Rotors	12.7 inches	15.7 inches	12.6 inches	14 inches

The XC60 stops shorter than the Model Y:

	XC60	Model Y
60 to 0 MPH	115 feet	118 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Model Y (265/35R22 vs. 255/35R21).

The XC60 T5/T6 has a standard space-saver spare (not available on Recharge) so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Model Y; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

Suspension and Handling

The XC60 offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Model Y’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The XC60 T6/T8 has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The XC60’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The Model Y doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The XC60 B5 AWD Momentum handles at .87 G’s, while the Model Y Long Range pulls only .86 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the XC60’s turning circle is 2.4 feet tighter than the Model Y’s (37.4 feet vs. 39.8 feet).

For greater off-road capability the XC60 w/Air Suspension has a 1.7 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Model Y (8.3 vs. 6.6 inches), allowing the XC60 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The XC60’s minimum ground clearance is 1.9 inches higher than on the Model Y (8.5 vs. 6.6 inches).

Chassis

The Volvo XC60 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 to 450 pounds less than the Tesla Model Y.

Passenger Space

The XC60 has 2.6 inches more front hip room, 1.8 inches more front shoulder room, 4.8 inches more rear hip room and 2.3 inches more rear shoulder room than the Model Y.

Cargo Capacity

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the XC60’s liftgate can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Model Y doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Towing

The XC60’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Model Y’s (3500 vs. 0 pounds).

Optional Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) on the XC60 uses the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Model Y doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

A maintenance reminder system is standard on the XC60 to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals based on odometer mileage. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Tesla doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the Model Y.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the Model Y, the XC60 R-Design/Inscription has a passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The XC60 offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Model Y doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the XC60 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Model Y doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the XC60 has a standard rear wiper. The Model Y doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

Consumer Reports rated the XC60’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the Model Y’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The XC60 offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Model Y doesn’t offer headlight washers.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the XC60 has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Model Y doesn’t offer cornering lights. The XC60 also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The XC60’s standard side window demisters help clear frost or condensation from the side windows in the winter. The Model Y doesn’t even offer side window demisters, so the driver may have to wipe the windows from the outside to gain side vision.

The XC60’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The Model Y’s power mirror controls are embedded in the infotainment system, seriously distracting drivers who have to adjust them while driving.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the XC60 Inscription keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Model Y doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the XC60’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Model Y doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The XC60 Inscription offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Model Y.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Volvo XC60 offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Model Y doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the XC60 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the XC60 will cost $2225 less than the Model Y over a five-year period.

The XC60 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the XC60 will retain 48.51% to 51.28% of its original price after five years, while the Model Y only retains 43.54% to 45.06%.

Recommendations

The Volvo XC60 outsold the Tesla Model Y by 778 units during 2020.

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