2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling. When the current-generation XC90 was introduced in 2016, it retained Volvo's recognizable boxy profile and blunt front end but added softer lines and more chrome detailing. The LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights were a distinctive feature that enhanced its character while maintaining the brand's identity. The XC90 Inscription model, with its optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most visually striking, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. Inside, the XC90 embraced Swedish minimalism with high-quality materials and thoughtful design, featuring options like wool upholstery and a crystal shifter, which added a touch of luxury to the otherwise restrained interior.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid presented a bold and somewhat polarizing design that required an acclimation period for some. Its blunt and bulbous nose, combined with black windshield pillars, created a floating roof effect, while swollen haunches balanced the styling. Despite its funky appearance, the Highlander Hybrid's design could become familiar over time. The Platinum trim level offered a range of features, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a surround-view camera system. The interior featured a two-tone look with leather upholstery, but the dashboard's asymmetrical design and glossy black detailing could suffer from reflections. While the Highlander Hybrid provided a comfortable and quiet ride, its driving dynamics were less engaging compared to previous generations.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centred around a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. All models in Canada came with all-wheel drive as standard. Despite the impressive power figures, the XC90's small engine struggled to provide the flexibility of larger engines found in competitor SUVs. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a quiet cabin. It also had a respectable towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, achieving a combined fuel consumption rating of 6.7 L/100 km. The hybrid system produced a total output of 243 hp, utilizing an "E-CVT" to mimic an automatic transmission. While the Highlander Hybrid improved efficiency compared to its predecessor, it sacrificed driving enjoyment. The powertrain felt strained during hard acceleration or hill climbs, and the steering lacked engagement. The regenerative brakes, however, operated smoothly, and the SUV provided a comfortable ride on smooth roads. The Highlander Hybrid's curb weight of up to 2,075 kilograms contributed to body movement during handling, and the absence of adaptive damping or air suspension was noticeable.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered a choice between six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. While headroom and legroom were average for the segment, the third-row space was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The optional power sunroof and upright roof profile created a spacious feel. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, but the steering wheel was not power-adjustable. Cargo space was limited, with 317 litres behind the third row, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with both rows folded. A hands-free power tailgate was available.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum provided roomy and supportive accommodations for the driver and front passenger, with 10-way power seat adjustment for the driver. The no-cost bench seat option increased seating capacity to eight, but the narrow cabin made it uncomfortable for three adults in the second row. The third-row seat was low and lacked support, with limited legroom. Storage was adequate but not as generous as the previous generation, and the wireless smartphone charger blocked access to the storage area. Cargo space measured 453 litres behind the third row, 1,370 litres with it folded, and 2,387 litres at maximum capacity. A shallow storage tray was provided under the cargo floor.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which emphasized simplicity and functionality. It came standard with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. The system was easy to use, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen that allowed for intuitive navigation. However, the text and typeface made reading menus difficult while driving. The XC90 also offered a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and a head-up display as options.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, 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 stereo volume and tuning knobs and shortcut buttons for quick access. The JBL sound system, however, had mixed audio quality. Toyota's Driver Easy Speak technology projected the driver's voice through the speakers, and a video rearview mirror provided an unobstructed view. The driver information display offered detailed information and settings.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests. It also earned a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle testing and an "Advanced" rating in vehicle-to-pedestrian testing. The NHTSA awarded the XC90 a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), which included automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane departure with steering assist. The system added intersection support and emergency steering assistance for 2021. A blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, and the Platinum trim included a surround-view camera system. The Highlander's TSS 2.5+ was effective, though the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance had some quirks. The Highlander received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.