2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was a testament to Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group. This mid-size crossover, built on Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, shared its elegant design with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles. The XC60's exterior featured a sophisticated two-box design with short overhangs and an upright grille adorned with Volvo's iron mark logo. The Thor's hammer-shaped LED daytime running lights added a distinct Swedish touch. 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, complemented by elegant HVAC vents and harmonious textures and colours throughout the interior.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander made a bold statement with its distinctive design. Its wide headlights, long hood, and trapezoidal grille gave it a commanding presence. The character line along the side, reminiscent of the Supra sports car, added a sporty touch. The Highlander's interior, especially in the Limited trim, boasted near-flawless fit and finish, with tan leather seats and dark brown trim. The wood details, though not real, looked fabulous. The Highlander prioritized comfort and convenience, making it an ideal choice for families. The XSE trim added a sportier appearance with aggressive styling and suspension tuning, appealing to those seeking a blend of practicality and sportiness.

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 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, combined an 87-hp electric motor with the gasoline engine, resulting in a total 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 ensured a smooth and agile driving experience, making it a great choice for road trips. Fuel consumption figures ranged from 11.1 L/100 km city to 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T8 PHEV.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. While not designed for high-performance driving, the Highlander provided smooth and predictable operation, making it suitable for family use. The Highlander's powertrain compared favourably with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, enhancing driving excitement for those seeking a bit more thrill. However, the Highlander's focus remained on comfort and reliability.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 excelled in providing comfort and functionality. Its front seats were highly adjustable, and the heating system performed admirably in cold weather. The XC60's interior featured smart storage solutions, including secure storage in the second row. With 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded, the XC60 offered ample room for luggage. It could tow up to 1,587 kilograms, making it versatile for various needs.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander prioritized passenger comfort and practicality. Its interior featured shelves ahead of the front seats for convenient storage, and a wireless charging pad was standard on higher trims. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with seats that could be adjusted for more space. The third row, while accommodating, required some compromise from middle-row passengers. Cargo space measured 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,150 litres with the third row folded, and 2,245 litres with both rows down, providing flexibility for various cargo needs.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, known for its tablet-style touchpad interface. While it required a learning curve, frequent iPad users found it intuitive. The system divided the screen into function quadrants, allowing easy access to audio, navigation, and other features. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system on the test model delivered exceptional audio quality.

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 struggled with points of interest. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. The JBL audio system, available on higher trims, provided good sound quality, though not overly impressive. The 12.3-inch screen looked great but limited certain apps to smaller sections, raising questions about its value.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 continued Volvo's tradition of safety excellence. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, collision avoidance, and more. Volvo's semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system was available, integrating adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The XC60's top speed was limited to 180 km/h for safety reasons.

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