2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was anything but dull, standing out among midsize SUVs with its distinctive design. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille made a bold statement, while the character line along the side echoed the sporty profile of the Supra. The rear taillights, reminiscent of a Lexus, added a touch of elegance. The Highlander XSE trim introduced a sportier front end and suspension tuning, but the Limited trim, with its chrome accents and luxurious interior, truly shone. The interior boasted near-flawless fit and finish, with tan leather seats and wood details enhancing its upscale feel. The Highlander prioritized comfort and convenience, making it an ideal family vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC60 featured subtle styling updates, including a new front fascia with "air blades" and a reworked grille. The interior retained its clean design, with a new digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented touchscreen. The B6 R-Design test car added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, though the overall interior felt subdued compared to other Volvo models. The XC60 Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The XC60's design emphasized luxury over sportiness, providing a calm and relaxed driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. While not a powerhouse, the Highlander provided smooth and reliable performance, comparable to competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, but the Highlander remained a family-focused vehicle with a comfortable ride.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 options. The B6 powertrain, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and electric supercharger, produced 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The XC60 B6 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, offering a smooth power delivery. The XC60's standout features were its quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 horsepower and 494 pound-feet, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior space, with shelves ahead of the front seats for storage and a wireless charging pad in the centre console. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with seats that moved to maximize space. The third row accommodated adults with some compromise. Cargo space was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,150 litres with the third row folded, and 2,245 litres with both rows down.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Cargo capacity was 611 litres with the rear seats up and 1,410 litres with them folded for mild-hybrid models, while plug-in hybrids offered slightly less. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, despite its pinched roofline.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 12.3-inch screen was bright and crisp, though navigation was limited to an 8-inch display. A JBL audio system was available from the Limited grade up.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Google Assistant provided voice control, and Google Maps handled navigation. The system supported over-the-air updates and offered full iPhone compatibility. The digital cluster could display a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distraction.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2021 model received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Volvo's driver assistance system combined adaptive cruise control and lane centring.