2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was characterized by its tall slab sides, high beltline, and short overhangs, contributing to its timeless design. Its utilitarian attitude was reminiscent of an XJ Jeep Cherokee, with flared wheel wells designed to accommodate off-road tires. The short overhangs allowed it to tackle steep pitches and sharp declines, while the hood scoop, a non-functional element, denoted the off-road-focused TRD trim. The front end featured small, angular headlights, with grille accents varying by package. The Limited package, aimed at comfort, included leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen, though the utilitarian DNA was evident in the plastic materials and trail-oriented seating position.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC60 showcased a sophisticated design, benefiting from Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group. Built on the SPA platform, the XC60 featured an elegant, tailored crossover design with short overhangs and crisp body details. The upright grille displayed Volvo's iron mark logo, and the headlights boasted LED daytime running lights in the shape of Thor's hammer. The interior exuded Scandinavian style with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene aura. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a standout feature, complemented by elegant HVAC vents and harmonious textures and colours throughout the cabin.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4-litre V6 engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed for a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds), though it was not known for fuel efficiency, with consumption figures of 14.8 L/100 km city, 12.5 hwy, and 13.8 combined. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like crawl control and Multi-Terrain Select. However, on-road performance was marked by significant body roll and vague steering.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower, while the T6 delivered 316 hp. The T8 models, including the Polestar Engineered variant, combined a gasoline engine with an electric motor for up to 415 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided agile handling, and the cabin was quiet and comfortable. Fuel consumption ranged from 11.1 L/100 km city to 9.3 combined for the T8 PHEV, with electric-only mode achieving 4.0 Le/100 km.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility and a relatively tight turning radius of 5.6 metres. The interior featured large, chunky knobs for HVAC and stereo controls, with an 8-inch touchscreen and various steering wheel controls. The tall front seat position provided a commanding view, though entry and exit could be challenging without power-retractable running boards. The optional third row of seats was best suited for short and occasional use, with limited legroom and comfort.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system well-suited for winter conditions. The cabin featured smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, with 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres behind the first row. The XC60 was rated to tow up to 1,587 kilograms (3,500 pounds), making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. While the system was user-friendly, the onboard navigation was less efficient than smartphone apps. The 4Runner also offered Bluetooth connectivity, a single USB port, and subscription services like Sirius XM. However, it lagged behind competitors in terms of total features and usability, with advanced features focused on off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Volvo XC60's infotainment system, Sensus, used a tablet-style touchpad interface with familiar gestures for iPad users. The system divided the screen into function quadrants, allowing for intuitive operation, though it required a learning curve. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with the Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system providing exceptional audio quality.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. It featured eight standard airbags and received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it scored three stars in the rollover test. The IIHS awarded it a Good rating in most crash tests, with a Marginal score in the small overlap front: driver-side test.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 benefited from Volvo's safety heritage, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance, and various airbags. Volvo's semi-autonomous driving system, Pilot Assist, integrated adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The XC60's top speed was limited to 180 km/h for safety.