In partnership with Auto Trader
New Honda e:Ny1 vs used Volvo XC40 Recharge interiors
For the eco-conscious family, an electric SUV can be an enticing prospect, but should they splash out on a new e:Ny1 or go for a used, similarly priced XC40 Recharge?...
Interiors
Driving position, visibility, build quality
You sit slightly higher in the Honda e:Ny1 than you do in a regular hatchback, but the Volvo XC40 Recharge feels taller and more reminiscent of a proper SUV. It also has marginally thinner front window pillars and a larger windscreen. Seeing out the back is easier in the e:Ny1, though, because its rear pillars aren’t as chunky as the XC40’s.
You’re unlikely to have any trouble getting comfortable behind the wheel of either car, even if the e:Ny1 isn’t available with adjustable lumbar support. The only complaint we have in the XC40 is that, if you’re a slim build, you might find that the driver’s seat doesn’t offer enough side support when cornering.
Both cars feel sturdily built, but the XC40’s interior is significantly classier, with chrome details dotted around, plus suede on the seats, while any hard plastics aren’t obvious. The e:Ny1 features some plush materials on the main touchpoints – the armrests and seats have squishy synthetic leather, for example – but for the most part the interior is very grey and filled with scratchy plastics.
Infotainment
Honda e:Ny1
The e:Ny1’s 15.1in infotainment touchscreen is much larger than the 9.0in one in the XC40, plus its icons are bigger and therefore easier to press as you’re driving. The climate controls are always on display on the screen, too, whereas the XC40 requires you to tap a tiny panel to bring them up. The screens in both cars are of a high quality, plus you have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay phone mirroring.
Volvo XC40 Recharge
The 9.0in tablet-style touchscreen is the same one you'll find in other XC40s. Unless you're using CarPlay, you’ll find sat-nav and voice control is taken care of by Google Maps and Google Assistant – that's high-quality software at your disposal. However, as we touched upon, the system's dinky icons can be fiddly to use. Take the settings menu, which is used to adjust the one-pedal driving and the steering mode: it has a list with small text and small slide icons, making it very difficult to aim for while driving.
