2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and distinctive design, characterized by its blunt and bulbous nose, which gave it an aggressive appearance. Over time, however, this design became more familiar and less striking. The SUV's styling was further accentuated by black windshield pillars that created a floating roof effect and swollen haunches that attempted to balance the overall look. Despite these efforts, the design was somewhat overwhelmed by the cartoonishly-flared quarter panels, even when equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid offered a two-tone interior with soft leather for the Limited and Platinum trims, though the dashboard's asymmetrical design and glossy black detailing could suffer from reflections. The controls were sensibly laid out, but the mix of illumination colours in the gauges created a busy appearance.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 showcased a refined and upscale design, moving away from the boxy shapes of its predecessors. The SUV's sleek roofline and pronounced wheel arches emphasized its athletic stance, while the "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights paid homage to its Swedish heritage. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian luxury, featuring natural wood and metal trim, along with exquisite details like a sliding wood tambour cover and a crystal gear selector handle. Volvo's commitment to sustainability was evident in its leather-free options, though Nappa leather was available for those seeking ventilated seats. The XC90's cabin was spacious and airy, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof, and the climate control system proved effective even in extreme weather conditions.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, resulting in improved fuel efficiency with a combined rating of 6.7 L/100 km. However, this came at the cost of reduced power, with total output dropping to 243 horsepower. The hybrid system used an "E-CVT" to mimic an automatic transmission, but the driving experience was less than thrilling. The Highlander Hybrid struggled with hills and freeway speeds, and the engine sounded strained during acceleration. The steering was lifeless, and the ride was marred by unwanted body movement, though regenerative brakes were an improvement. On smooth roads, the SUV handled well, but on uneven surfaces, it quickly became a sloppy mess. The Highlander Hybrid excelled in urban environments with its electric motor torque and EV Mode, but overall, it lacked driving enjoyment.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a choice of three powertrains, with the T5 model producing 250 horsepower, the T6 model delivering 316 horsepower, and the Recharge model combining gasoline and electric sources for a total of 455 horsepower. All models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90's driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the Recharge Inscription extended range model. The electric motor provided early torque, smoothing out power delivery and eliminating turbo lag. While not a high-performance vehicle, the XC90 was enjoyable to drive, offering a balance of power and efficiency.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum provided comfortable accommodations for the driver and front passenger, with features like a heated steering wheel and leather upholstery. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight, but the narrow cabin made it uncomfortable for three adults. The third-row seat was cramped and lacked support, making it unsuitable for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 453 litres behind the third row and a maximum capacity of 2,387 litres. However, storage solutions were limited, and the wireless smartphone charger blocked access to the storage area.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults would find it lacking in legroom and support. The XC90 provided 357 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 1,855 litres with the second and third rows folded. The SUV could tow up to 2,250 kilograms, making it versatile for various needs. The interior was spacious and well-appointed, with ample storage options and a climate control system that performed admirably in extreme conditions.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Platinum trim offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and connected services like Remote Connect and Destination Assist. The system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons for easy access. However, the JBL sound system's performance varied depending on music type, and the voice recognition system did not control climate settings. Additional features included Driver Easy Speak and a video rearview mirror for improved visibility.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, known for its tablet-like functionality and intuitive gestures. The nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen was positioned for easy access, while a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel offered customization options. The Advanced package included a head-up display, a 360-degree camera system, and an advanced air cleaner. The Harman-Kardon audio system was standard on higher trims, and the XC90 provided multiple USB ports for device connectivity. While the system was generally user-friendly, it occasionally experienced glitches and slow response times.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included features like automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. New additions for 2021 included intersection support and emergency steering assistance. The Highlander received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars in frontal-impact crash tests.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for a semi-autonomous driving experience. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, reinforcing its reputation as a safe and reliable vehicle.