2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a more traditional SUV aesthetic compared to other small luxury crossovers, featuring a tall, flat roof and an upright rear hatch. It seamlessly integrated into the Volvo family with signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with a white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and unique alloy wheels. It also featured a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a distinct rear bumper, and a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour. The interior boasted a minimalist design with high-quality materials, including real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a premium feel.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially appeared polarizing with its blunt and bulbous nose, but over time, its design became familiar. The SUV's styling was characterized by black windshield pillars that created a floating roof effect and swollen haunches that balanced its appearance. Despite its 20-inch alloy wheels, the flared quarter panels seemed overwhelming. The Highlander Hybrid was available in LE, XLE, Limited, or Platinum trims, with Canadian pricing ranging from $45,950 to $56,450, plus a destination charge. The Platinum trim offered features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a surround-view camera system, and a cargo liner. While the interior featured upscale two-tone leather for higher trims, the dashboard's asymmetrical design and mixed illumination at night could be distracting.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 model delivered 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 variant offered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for all-wheel drive, producing a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft. It housed a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, with 75 kWh usable capacity, enabling a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds. The XC40 emphasized luxury with a quiet and comfortable ride, even on rough roads, and offered one-pedal driving through regenerative braking. The Recharge model also had a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, achieving a combined fuel consumption rating of 6.7 L/100 km. The total output was 243 hp, with an "E-CVT" mimicking an automatic transmission. Compared to its predecessor, the new Highlander Hybrid improved efficiency, averaging 7.4 L/100 km during testing. However, the driving experience was less engaging, with adequate power but a strained engine sound during acceleration. The steering felt lifeless, and the ride exhibited unwanted body movement. On smooth roads, the Highlander Hybrid handled well, but on uneven surfaces, it became less composed. The SUV excelled in urban environments with its electric motor torque and quiet freeway cruising, but overall, it lacked driving enjoyment.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge offered no difference in passenger or cargo space compared to its gasoline counterparts. However, it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E, with limited legroom and a smaller cargo area. The frunk was also minimal due to powertrain components. Despite this, Volvo compensated with clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and a bag hook in the glovebox door. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were relocated to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. A wireless charging pad was optional, but second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum provided roomy and supportive accommodations for the driver and front passenger, with features like a heated steering wheel and leather upholstery. The test vehicle included a no-cost bench seat option, increasing seating capacity to eight, though the second row felt narrow for three adults. The third-row seat was uncomfortable, with limited legroom and headroom. Storage was ample but not as generous as the previous generation, with a smaller dashboard shelf and a wireless charger blocking access to the centre storage area. Cargo space measured 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 2,387 litres. However, the lack of storage wells for securing items was a drawback.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, offering Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. The system boasted a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with top-notch graphics and menu layouts. Recharge models also had OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. The absence of a start button meant drivers simply shifted out of park to start the vehicle.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Platinum trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and a navigation system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons for easy access. The JBL sound system offered 1,200 watts of power but had mixed audio quality. Toyota's Driver Easy Speak projected the driver's voice through the speakers, and a video rearview mirror provided an unobstructed view. The driver information display offered detailed data and driver-assist settings.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA for gasoline models. The electric Recharge model was expected to perform well in crash tests due to its safety cage around the battery and redesigned front crash structure. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Recharge model also featured Volvo’s latest sensor suite, allowing for future driver aid advancements.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering features like automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. New additions included intersection support and emergency steering assistance. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance were effective but had some quirks. The Highlander received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings in frontal-impact crash tests.