2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from Toyota's Tacoma pickup, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that gave it a rugged appearance. However, the design introduced some softness with a character line swooping over the rear wheel arch, which added unnecessary visual weight. The rear echoed the trapezoidal grille, but the overall design felt disjointed compared to more cohesive competitors like the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's asymmetrical dash was interrupted by a metallic styling element, creating a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was mounted high, reducing driver distraction. The Bronze Edition featured 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric upholstery, which attracted dirt and stains, raising durability concerns. Other trims offered more conventional materials, but genuine leather was only available in the top trims.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, on the other hand, maintained its reputation for style and design leadership. Despite its aging theme, the XC60 aged gracefully, both inside and out. The interior showcased classic Scandinavian minimalism with Nappa leather upholstery, wood trim, metal accents, and ambient lighting. The panoramic sunroof added to the sense of space, while the Orrefors crystal gear selector knob added a touch of opulence. The XC60's controls became intuitive with driving experience, and the cabin exuded a sense of luxury. The exterior, with its Thunder Grey paint and blacked-out trim, looked terrific, and the XC60's overall design was a testament to Volvo's commitment to aesthetics.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD) in Canada. Toyota estimated it could reach 100 km/h in just over eight seconds. The electric motors provided initial acceleration, while the gasoline engine supplied more power. The ride quality was soft, and the suspension smoothed over bumps, making it a comfortable family vehicle. The cabin remained quiet on highways, except when the engine was pushed hard.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge boasted a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 455 horsepower and 423 lb-ft of torque. It offered an estimated 58 km of electric driving range. The XC60 featured multiple driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, and Pure, allowing drivers to tailor the experience. Volvo claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The XC60's drivetrain refresh in 2022 made it the most powerful in Volvo's history. The XC60 Recharge excelled in both performance and efficiency, with a fuel economy of 4.3 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage was abundant, with trays and bins for personal items. The second-row seats were spacious, accommodating tall passengers comfortably, and offered sliding and reclining options. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seats folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, being a compact SUV, was best suited for four passengers, though it could accommodate five. The front seats provided outstanding comfort with Nappa leather upholstery and power cushion extensions. The back seats were comfortable but offered limited legroom. Storage was decent, with practical spots in the centre console and door bins. The XC60 offered 730 litres of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 1,792 litres with the seats folded. The air suspension allowed for easier loading, and a ski pass-through panel added versatility.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for top trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging available on higher trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system were standard on Limited and Platinum trims.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 came with a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 9-inch Google Built-in infotainment system. It offered four years of complimentary access to Google services and supported both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system was intuitive, with excellent graphics and a simple interface. The voice-recognition system impressed, handling various commands effectively. The optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system was sensational, though expensive.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and more. However, some systems required fine-tuning, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, synonymous with safety, featured Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and lane-centring. It excelled on highways, providing smooth and accurate assistance. Oncoming Lane Mitigation helped avoid collisions with oncoming vehicles. The XC60 B5 and B6 mild-hybrids received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.