2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

In the past, the 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that, while uncontroversial, didn't particularly stand out. This iteration featured a slanted tailgate glass and more pronounced body creases that traced arcs around the front and rear fenders. The prevailing Toyota trapezoidal theme was evident across several elements: the tailgate's license plate cutout, rear bumper (especially with the optional silver-painted section), slimmer headlights, grille, and lower front bumper. Projector-beam LED headlights and fog lights were standard on every trim except the base L, while higher trims like the Limited and Platinum boasted LED running lamps. The Limited and Platinum trims also introduced new 20-inch wheels. Some new paint colors, notably the Blueprint, were aesthetically pleasing. Although not exactly dull, the Highlander's exterior didn't excite enthusiasm.

Attention to detail was more apparent in the Highlander’s cabin, where quality fit and finish dominated. Silver-painted accents adorned the armrests, three-spoke steering wheel, and gear selector, highlighting the vehicle's curves and angles. An 8-inch touchscreen and climate controls finished in polished black plastic floated above a multi-layered dash. The color palettes were pleasant, even on the L trim's fabric seats. For instance, the Limited trim sported a three-tone interior with brown on the upper dash, lower dash, and door panels; beige on the seats, center console, and middle dash; and black on the steering wheel and footwells. Rich textures and padded surfaces were prevalent except for the middle portions of the door panels. This level of detail outshone competitors like the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot, with only the Kia Telluride offering a comparable interior experience. The Platinum trim offered additional luxury features like diamond-quilted leatherette seat backrests. Despite the interior’s inviting nature, the exterior styling held the Highlander back slightly.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC60 was celebrated for its elegant, tailored design. Although Volvo transitioned to Chinese ownership under Geely Holding Group, the brand preserved and revitalized its Scandinavian aesthetic. Volvo's crossovers, including the XC60, were known for their sophisticated two-box design with short overhangs and an athletic stance complemented by crisp detailing. The upright grille with the iron mark logo and Thor’s hammer-shaped LED daytime running lights were standout features. Paint quality, chrome, and trim were beautifully executed, and the available large alloy wheels (up to 21 inches on top trims) were fashionable.

Inside, the XC60 epitomized Scandinavian design with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene ambiance. Volvo's early adoption of large, portrait-oriented touchscreens seemed more intuitive by 2021, with a 9-inch display gracing the top of the XC60’s center stack. Small details like the elegantly designed HVAC vents added to the near-luxury experience, making the XC60’s cabin a rewarding place to spend time.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine available in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Unlike competitors boasting turbochargers and smaller four-cylinder engines, this V6 offered brisk acceleration without strain, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The engine, shared with the Lexus RX, provided a smooth and virtually silent idle. The eight-speed automatic transmission effectively utilized the engine's power, although initiating a kickdown required a heavy foot. Despite its strengths, the Highlander had loose steering that necessitated adjustments at highway speeds and a soft suspension with excessive rebound, making it feel akin to an older Buick at high speeds. However, this cushy ride could be seen as advantageous for those seeking a relaxing driving experience.

Advanced trims like the Limited and Platinum included features such as torque vectoring on the rear axle for AWD models and selectable driving modes. Despite these enhancements, the steering remained too vague to make Sport mode the default choice. Fuel economy figures were commendable, with the Highlander FWD rated at 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The AWD variant achieved 20/27/23 mpg, while the hybrid version (reviewed separately) could reach up to 36 mpg combined. The Highlander also featured an effective auto stop-start system, enhancing fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque with a turbocharger, available in FWD or AWD. The T6 models utilized both a turbocharger and a supercharger to generate 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The top-tier T8 models combined a gasoline engine with an electric motor to produce 400 horsepower (combined) and 472 lb-ft of torque (combined), with the Polestar Engineered variant pushing this to 415 hp.

The XC60 T8 models were plug-in hybrids (PHEV), allowing up to 19 miles of electric-only driving and smartly switching between electric and gasoline power for optimal efficiency. The vehicle benefited from a balanced size and weight, delivering a solid yet agile driving experience. The quiet cabin and smooth suspension made the XC60 an excellent option for road trips. Fuel economy ranged from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined (T5 FWD) to 27 mpg combined for the T8 PHEV, with an impressive 57 MPGe combined in electric-only mode. Premium gasoline was recommended for all models.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was designed to seat eight, or seven with second-row captain's chairs available on higher trims. The versatility of the second-row seats was highlighted by their generous legroom and fore/aft and reclining adjustments. The third row was accessible via levers on the second-row seats. Though comfortable, third-row space was tighter for taller passengers. The Highlander excelled in ergonomics, with wide-opening doors facilitating easy ingress and egress, making it a family-friendly option.

The Highlander featured three-zone climate control, with higher trims offering additional amenities like a 120-volt outlet, side window shades, and heated second-row seats. The Platinum trim exclusively offered a large panoramic moonroof. Cargo space was ample, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second, and 84 cubic feet when both rows were folded, along with six tie-down hooks and additional 120-volt outlet in the hybrid variant. Storage was abundant with eight cupholders, four bottle holders, and two dash-integrated shelves. The only noted downside was the wireless charging pad obstructing the cubby under the center armrest when utilized.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 focused on providing comfort and elegance for its occupants. The front seats earned praise for their adjustability and quick heating capabilities, essential for harsh winters. The HVAC system was effective at dealing with ice and snow buildup, contributing to a comfortable driving experience. Interior storage was smart and plentiful, with secure storage options in the center console, dashboard, and door panels for the front row, and seatback, lower center console, and armrest storage for the second row.

The XC60’s cargo capacity was somewhat less than the Highlander’s, offering 21.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 63.6 cubic feet when the first row was folded. Nonetheless, the XC60 could tow up to 3,500 pounds, catering to additional versatility for users with towing needs.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander’s infotainment system felt outdated. The maps lacked detail, onboard apps required a connected phone via a slow process, and the screen resolution was low, even on the 12.3-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. The system partitioned the screen in a way that limited the usable display area. However, standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration were appreciated. The Highlander redeemed itself with a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display on upper trims. The semi-automated driving system performed well, and other tech features included adaptive cruise control, road sign detection, and automatic high beams.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 employed the Sensus infotainment system, which was divisive in execution. Users familiar with tablet interfaces found it intuitive, but there was a learning curve. The system’s home screen segmented functions into quadrants, with touch inputs navigating between functions. Smartphone integration was robust, with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. Volvo’s On Call app offered vehicle-specific functionalities like maintenance reminders and remote actions. Audio systems in the XC60 were exceptional, particularly the Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system available on higher trims.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander featured the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite as standard, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and rear emergency braking. The vehicle had additional airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and a front passenger cushion airbag. The Highlander earned a 2020Top Safety Pick from the IIHS but awaited NHTSA ratings.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 built on Volvo’s long-standing safety tradition. Awarded a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and five-star ratings for the T5/T6 AWD models from NHTSA, the XC60 featured an extensive list of standard safety features. These included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, collision mitigation systems, and more. The semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system was available, integrating adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. A unique feature was Volvo’s commitment to capping the top speed at 112 mph for safety.