2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was a testament to Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group's ownership. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC60 shared its elegant, tailored design with other Volvo models, featuring short overhangs and crisp body details that emphasized agility. The front grille proudly displayed Volvo's iron mark logo, complemented by Thor's hammer-shaped LED daytime running lights. Inside, the XC60's cabin exuded Scandinavian style with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a standout feature, and the attention to detail in elements like the HVAC vents elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid presented a bold and distinctive design that required an acclimation period for some. Its blunt and bulbous nose, along with black windshield pillars, created a floating roof effect, while swollen haunches balanced the styling. The Highlander Hybrid was available in LE, XLE, Limited, or Platinum trims, with Canadian pricing ranging from $45,950 to $56,450. The Platinum trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a surround-view camera, and a host of other amenities. However, some interior details, like the instrument-panel shroud, felt cheap. The cabin offered a two-tone look with leather upholstery, but the mix of illumination colours at night gave the gauges a busy appearance.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, all models came with all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 model delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 models, being plug-in hybrids, added an 87-hp electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered variant further increased power to 415 hp. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided a smooth and secure driving experience, with fuel consumption figures ranging from 11.1 L/100 km city to 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T8 PHEV.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a total output of 243 hp. It used an "E-CVT" to mimic an automatic transmission. The Highlander Hybrid's fuel efficiency was rated at 6.7 L/100 km combined, a significant improvement over the previous generation. However, the driving experience was less engaging, with the drivetrain sounding strained during hard acceleration or hill climbs. The steering felt lifeless, and the ride exhibited unwanted body movement. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for those prioritizing economy over driving excitement.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system that excelled in winter conditions. The cabin featured smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, making it a pleasant environment for passengers. The XC60 offered 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. It was also capable of towing up to 1,587 kilograms.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum provided roomy accommodations for the driver and front passenger, with features like a heated steering wheel and leather upholstery. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight, but the narrow cabin made it uncomfortable for three adults. The third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space behind the third row measured 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,387 litres. However, storage solutions were less generous compared to the previous generation.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface. While it offered intuitive swipe, pinch, and pull gestures, there was a learning curve for users. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with the Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system providing exceptional audio quality.

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 display, an 11-speaker JBL premium 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, however, had mixed audio quality depending on the music genre.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. Volvo also limited the XC60's top speed to 180 km/h for safety reasons.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure with steering assist. The system added intersection support and emergency steering assistance for 2021. The Highlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although it earned four-star ratings in frontal-impact crash tests.