2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 Toyota Venza

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 LED headlights 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 elegant HVAC vents to the harmonious textures and colours, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced on the TGNA-K platform, boasted a modern exterior design with excellent proportions, fitting seamlessly into the Lexus lineup. Its standout features included a deeply scalloped body side and a horizontally bisected tailgate with LED lighting. The Venza's interior was equally impressive, offering an elegant layout with high-quality materials. The layered dash and well-placed touchscreen display added to the cabin's appeal. The Venza's seats were supportive, and the cabin felt spacious, especially with the available Star Gaze panoramic sunroof. Toyota's focus on creating a quiet oasis was evident, with sound-blocking materials ensuring a serene ride.

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 all-wheel drive. 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 of torque with the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, including the Polestar Engineered variant, combined a turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering up to 415 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The XC60's plug-in hybrid capability allowed for limited electric-only driving, and its AWD system and torque vectoring ensured agile handling. Fuel consumption ranged from 11.1 L/100 km city to 4.0 Le/100 km in electric-only mode.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine combined with three electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. The hybrid system seamlessly balanced electric and gas power, with the rear axle motors providing AWD capability. Drivers could choose from EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport modes to optimize performance. The Venza's regenerative braking system helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, while the Predicted Efficient Drive program used navigation data to enhance efficiency. The Venza offered a smooth and agile driving experience, with a focus on comfort and practicality rather than aggressive cornering.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 excelled in providing comfort and functionality. Its front seats were highly adjustable and praised for their comfort, especially in winter conditions. The heating system, including heated seats and an effective defroster, performed admirably in cold weather. The XC60's interior featured smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, with 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. The XC60 was also capable of towing up to 1,587 kilograms.

The 2022 Toyota Venza offered a spacious cabin with two rows of seating, accommodating five passengers comfortably. The second row provided ample headroom and legroom, with 114.8 cm of hip room. The Venza's interior featured numerous convenience features, including power-adjustable seats, an electric parking brake, and ample storage options. The cabin was equipped with cupholders and bottle holders, ensuring convenience for all passengers. The Venza's cargo capacity was impressive, with 816 litres of space behind the second row and up to 1,560 litres with the seats folded.

The 2021 Volvo XC60's infotainment system, Sensus, featured a tablet-style touchpad interface with familiar swipe and pinch gestures. The system's portrait orientation and segmented screen design allowed for intuitive navigation, though it required a learning curve. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system provided exceptional audio quality.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid powertrain required no special attention, offering a seamless driving experience without the need for charging infrastructure. The Venza's infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Higher trims featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio system, and additional features like a head-up display and digital rearview mirror. Toyota Connected Services provided safety and convenience features, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was renowned for its safety features, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance, and a comprehensive airbag system. Volvo's Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system was available, integrating adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came equipped with the Toyota Star Safety System, featuring stability control, traction control, and a rearview camera. The Venza also included eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, offering forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.