2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning seamlessly with Volvo's design language, including the distinctive “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with an optional white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and unique alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. Its design changes were subtle, making it an appealing choice for those seeking an electric vehicle without overtly showcasing it. Inside, the XC40 boasted a minimalist yet premium interior, featuring real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery. The cohesive design extended to the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents, offering a sophisticated feel uncommon in its segment.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander stood out with its bold design, featuring wide headlights, a long hood, and an assertive trapezoidal grille. Its side profile was accentuated by a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car, while the rear taillights borrowed elements from Lexus models. The Highlander appeared longer and lower than its predecessor without compromising size. The introduction of the XSE trim added a sportier appearance with a restyled front end and 20-inch alloy wheels. The Limited trim, just below the Platinum, exuded an upscale vibe with chrome accents. Inside, the Highlander leaned towards luxury, with near-flawless fit and finish, tan leather seats, and dark brown trim. The wood details, though not real, added to the upscale feel, making it a comfortable choice for families prioritizing luxury over sportiness.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a versatile powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline variants featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, boasting dual electric motors for all-wheel drive, generating 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 sprint in 4.9 seconds. The T5 and T4 achieved the same in 6.4 and 8.5 seconds, respectively. All models were electronically limited to 180 km/h. The XC40 Recharge emphasized luxury with a quiet, comfortable ride, even on rough roads, and offered one-pedal driving for regenerative braking. It also had a towing capacity of 900 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander, powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered 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 designed for high-speed thrills, the Highlander provided smooth and reliable performance, suitable for family needs. It compared well with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride in terms of power, though it lagged behind the Ford Explorer ST. The Highlander’s suspension prioritized comfort, with the XSE trim offering a slightly sportier feel through retuned shock absorbers and a rear stabilizer bar. Despite its size, the Highlander handled predictably, making it a practical choice for families seeking comfort and reliability.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its Recharge and gasoline variants, offered similar passenger and cargo space, though it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The Recharge’s frunk was small, with much of the space occupied by powertrain components. The gasoline XC40 was more competitive in interior space compared to rivals like the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. Volvo compensated for limited space with clever storage solutions, including a removable trash bin in the centre console and a bag hook in the glovebox door. The Harman Kardon audio system’s speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. A wireless charging pad was optional, with a single USB-C port standard, though second-row passengers lacked charging options.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior space, crucial for a three-row crossover. It featured shelves ahead of the front seats for easy access to phones, with a pass-through for charging cords. A wireless charging pad was standard on XSE and above, located within the centre console. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with seats that could move to optimize space for the third row. The third row, while accommodating adults, required some compromise from second-row occupants. The Highlander offered 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,150 litres with the third row folded, and 2,245 litres with both rear rows down. However, rear-seat climate control vents were only ceiling-mounted, potentially uncomfortable for middle-row passengers.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. Gasoline models retained the previous system. The setup included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with top-notch graphics and menu layouts. The Recharge model introduced OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without dealership visits. It also lacked a start button, requiring only a key fob to shift out of park. The Polestar 2’s Digital Key feature was anticipated for the XC40, though not confirmed.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch screen available on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, though navigation was only available from the Limited grade. While effective for specific addresses, the system struggled with points of interest, making Android Auto and Apple CarPlay essential. The 12.3-inch screen was visually impressive but limited in app display. A JBL audio system was standard from the Limited grade, providing good sound quality. The system included a volume and tuning knob, though navigation was restricted to an 8-inch display area.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, with the gasoline model earning a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The electric Recharge model was expected to perform well in crash tests due to its safety cage and redesigned front structure. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more. Optional features included a 360-degree camera and Volvo’s Pilot Assist system. The Recharge model featured an advanced sensor suite, scalable for future driver aids.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander upgraded to Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support. It also featured adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring was standard, with LED headlights and fog lights available from the XLE grade. The Highlander received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.