2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Toyota Highlander presented a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window that gave it a compact appearance despite its spacious interior. Inside, the Highlander offered ample cabin space and clever storage solutions, making it ideal for families. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior, navy blue exterior, unique styling, ambient lighting, and sport-tuned suspension. The Highlander lineup in Canada included trims such as LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum, each offering a range of features from standard AWD and 18-inch alloy wheels to premium audio systems and panoramic moonroofs.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a purposeful yet understated design, moving away from the boxy aesthetics of its predecessors. Its front end was solid and assertive, complemented by the iconic "Thor’s Hammer" headlights. The XC90's Ultimate trim featured 21-inch wheels and a sophisticated Platinum Grey paint with brown undertones. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather steering, metal speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior design included wood deco inlays and a focus on clean lines, though it lacked ample storage space for smaller items.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission with a tap-shift function and standard AWD in Canada. The Highlander offered drive modes such as Sport, Normal, and Eco, along with AWD modes like Mud/Sand and Rock. While the V6 provided better pickup at higher speeds, 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.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This setup aimed to enhance fuel efficiency and smooth operation, though the gains were minimal. The B6 powertrain combined a supercharger, turbo, and mild-hybrid tech, with a lithium-ion battery powering a 13-volt starter generator. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its size, the XC90 handled corners well, and its brakes provided a confident feel. The XC90 focused on simplicity, lacking extensive customizable driving dynamics.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered up to 2,387 litres of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. With the second row in use, it provided 1,370 litres, and 453 litres with all seats deployed. The Highlander featured quick-release latches for easy seat adjustments and a power liftgate on higher trims. The front cabin was versatile, with deep cargo pockets and various storage compartments. The XSE trim included second-row captain’s chairs, enhancing accessibility and comfort, though the third row was less suitable for adults on long trips.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was marked by Scandinavian minimalism, which led to limited storage space for smaller items. The second row was comfortable but adjusting the seats was challenging. The XC90 offered a standard second-row bench for seven-passenger seating, with an option for captain’s chairs. Cargo space was 356 litres with the third row in place, 1,183 litres with it folded, and 1,856 litres with all rear seats down. The XC90 drove like a smaller vehicle, reflecting its compact dimensions compared to typical three-row SUVs.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came with an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, complemented by Bluetooth connectivity and five USB ports. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with hard buttons for easy navigation. The XSE trim featured a wireless charging pad and additional USB ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo were available on higher trims.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertical touchscreen running Google OS, integrating Android Auto and Google Assistant. The system included Google Maps and Spotify, displayed on a 12.3-inch driver information display. While Google OS offered advanced natural-language recognition, many functions were embedded in the touchscreen, which could be frustrating. Keyless entry was standard, with a head-up display as an option.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander included the Toyota Safety Sense suite, featuring forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and more. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and eight airbags. Optional features included parking sensors and a surround-view monitor. The Highlander was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, with a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It came standard with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist technology supported maintaining distance and speed, enhancing safety on the road.