2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a more traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning it with the rest of the Volvo lineup. Notable features included the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille, with gasoline models offering a white contrasting roof for a retro touch. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and model-specific alloy wheels. It also featured a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a unique rear bumper, and a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a coherent and upscale design.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma pickup, with a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia, giving it a rugged appearance. However, the design introduced some softness with a character line over the rear wheel arch, which added unnecessary visual weight. The rear echoed the trapezoidal grille, resulting in a somewhat disjointed overall design compared to more cohesive competitors. Inside, the asymmetrical dash featured a metallic styling element and a high-mounted infotainment touchscreen. The Bronze Edition introduced 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric seat upholstery, which, while unique, attracted dirt and stains easily. The Softex synthetic leather substitute was less convincing compared to alternatives, and the third row had more hard plastics, making it less comfortable.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine 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 shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for all-wheel drive and a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft. It had a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, with 75 kWh usable capacity, and could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability. It also had a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with an electric motor powering the rear axle. Toyota estimated a zero to 100 km/h time of just over eight seconds. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response initially, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as needed. The CVT resulted in an uninspired drone under heavy acceleration. The ride quality was soft, with the suspension smoothing over bumps, and the cabin remained mostly quiet on the highway. The Highlander Hybrid prioritized comfort over sporty handling.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered no difference in passenger or cargo space between the Recharge and gasoline models, but it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Clever storage solutions included a removable trash bin in the centre console, a bag hook in the glovebox door, and extra-large door bins due to relocated speakers. However, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage options were plentiful, with trays, a large centre armrest bin, and large door pockets. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining captain’s chairs, built-in window shades, and USB charge ports. The third row was less accommodating, with limited headroom and legroom, suitable for occasional use by children. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seats folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, with Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth connectivity, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge also had OTA update capability and lacked a start button, using a key fob for ignition.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for the top trim. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging on Limited and Platinum trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system were also available on higher trims.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. It came with standard safety features like lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model had Volvo’s latest sensor suite, scalable for future driver aids.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a five-star overall score from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The top Platinum trim offered a surround view camera system and head-up display. Some systems required fine-tuning, with abrupt stops from adaptive cruise control and resistance from lane-keep assist.