2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was a testament to Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture platform, the XC60 shared its elegant, tailored design with other Volvo models, featuring short overhangs and a distinctive upright grille adorned with the iconic iron mark logo. The Thor's hammer-shaped LED daytime running lights added a touch of Swedish flair. Inside, the XC60's cabin was a serene space defined by clean lines and authentic materials, with a 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen that had become more accepted since its introduction. The attention to detail, from the HVAC vents to the harmonious textures and colours, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander boasted a modern, somewhat aggressive front-end design with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window. The spacious interior offered clever storage solutions, making it ideal for families. The XSE trim, with its bold red leather interior and sport-tuned suspension, stood out with unique exterior styling and ambient interior lighting. The Highlander lineup included trims like LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum, each offering a range of features from standard AWD and an 8-inch touchscreen to premium options like a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a JBL audio system. The Highlander's interior was practical, with deep cargo pockets, multiple cupholders, and second-row captain's chairs for added comfort.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 model increased output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft with the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, including the Polestar Engineered variant, combined a turbocharged engine with an electric motor for a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with the Polestar version reaching 415 hp. The XC60's plug-in hybrid capability allowed for up to 31 kilometres of electric-only driving. Fuel consumption ranged from 11.1 L/100 km city to 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T8 PHEV, with premium gasoline recommended.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Highlander's drive-mode button offered Sport, Normal, and Eco modes, while the AWD system included Mud/Sand and Rock modes. The V6 engine provided ample power for highway cruising and overtaking, though it was less lively from a standstill. The XSE trim's sport-tuned suspension improved handling, reducing body roll while maintaining comfort. The Highlander could tow up to 2,268 kilograms and had a max payload of 775 kilograms, making it versatile for various needs.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 excelled in providing comfort and style, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system well-suited for winter conditions. The cabin offered smart storage solutions, with intuitive controls and glove-friendly features. The XC60 provided 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. It was rated to tow up to 1,587 kilograms, making it a practical choice for small families.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered impressive cargo space, with up to 2,387 litres available with the second- and third-row seats folded. With the second-row seats in use, there was 1,370 litres of space, and 453 litres with all seats deployed. The Highlander's interior was designed for convenience, with deep cargo pockets, multiple storage compartments, and second-row captain's chairs for added comfort. The third row, however, was best suited for short trips.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface with familiar swipe, pinch, and pull gestures. The system's portrait orientation and function quadrants made it intuitive for some users, though it required a learning curve. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with the Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system providing exceptional audio quality.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was straightforward, with hard buttons complementing the touchscreen. A wireless charging pad and USB ports were available, along with a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL stereo system on higher trims.

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 equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance, and lane-keeping aid. Volvo's semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system was available, and the XC60's top speed was limited to 180 km/h for safety.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and dynamic radar cruise control. Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were complemented by optional features like parking sensors and a surround-view monitor. The Highlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though its lane-keeping systems could be overly sensitive.