2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the XC40 and XC90, was built on Volvo’s SPA platform, showcasing a sophisticated design with short overhangs and an agile form. Its elegant exterior featured an upright grille with the iconic iron mark logo and distinctive Thor’s hammer LED headlights. Inside, the XC60 offered a serene, Scandinavian-inspired cabin with clean lines and authentic materials. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a standout feature, complemented by thoughtful details like elegant HVAC vents and harmonious textures.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid presented a bold design with a blunt, bulbous nose and black windshield pillars creating a floating roof effect. Despite its polarizing appearance, the Highlander’s styling aimed to remain distinctive over time. The interior offered a two-tone look with leather upholstery in higher trims, but some elements, like the instrument-panel shroud, felt cheap. The asymmetrical dashboard housed a 12.3-inch touchscreen, though reflections were an issue on sunny days. Overall, the Highlander’s design was functional but less refined than the XC60.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the T5 model’s 250 hp turbocharged engine, progressing to the T6’s 316 hp turbocharged and supercharged engine, and culminating in the T8 plug-in hybrid with 400 hp. The T8 Polestar Engineered variant pushed output to 415 hp. The XC60’s AWD system and torque vectoring provided agile handling, while the cabin remained quiet and comfortable. Fuel economy varied, with the T8 PHEV achieving 27 mpg combined and 57 MPGe in electric-only mode.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, redesigned with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 243 hp and improved fuel efficiency, achieving 36 mpg combined. While the previous V6 engine offered more power, the new hybrid system prioritized efficiency. The Highlander Hybrid’s performance was adequate but lacked excitement, with a droning engine under load and lifeless steering. Despite its size, the SUV managed to deliver small-car fuel economy, though it was less enjoyable to drive compared to the XC60.

The Volvo XC60 excelled in comfort and practicality, with highly adjustable front seats and a robust heating system ideal for winter conditions. The cabin featured smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, while cargo space ranged from 21.6 to 63.6 cubic feet. The XC60 could tow up to 3,500 pounds, making it versatile for various needs.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered spacious front accommodations with power-adjustable seats and leather upholstery in higher trims. The second-row bench seat increased capacity to eight but felt cramped for three adults. The third row was uncomfortable for adults, with limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet, though storage solutions were less innovative than the XC60’s.

Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system in the XC60 featured a tablet-style interface with intuitive swipe gestures, though it required a learning curve. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Bowers & Wilkins audio system provided exceptional sound quality.

The Highlander Hybrid’s infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The JBL audio system offered 1,200 watts of power but required adjustments for optimal sound. Toyota’s Driver Easy Speak and a video rearview mirror enhanced convenience, while the driver information display provided detailed data.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 boasted a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It featured a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, including collision mitigation, lane-keeping aid, and Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving. Volvo’s commitment to safety was evident in its innovative features and restricted top speed for safety.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, with enhancements like intersection support and emergency steering assistance. While effective, some systems felt uneven in operation. The Highlander earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though frontal-impact ratings were slightly lower.