2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling updates, enhancing its sporty appeal with a new front fascia featuring "air blades" and a redesigned rear bumper that concealed the tailpipes. The front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind the heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC60 shared its foundation with other Volvo models like the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design, highlighted by a new digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented touchscreen. While the B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, the overall interior remained somewhat subdued compared to other Volvo models.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid drew styling inspiration from the Tacoma pickup, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia for a rugged look. However, its side profile introduced a character line that added unnecessary visual weight, making it appear bloated. The rear design echoed the trapezoidal grille, resulting in a disjointed overall appearance compared to more cohesive designs from competitors like the Kia Telluride. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's asymmetrical dash was interrupted by a metallic styling element, creating a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned high on the dash for easy visibility. The Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition featured unique elements like 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric seat upholstery, though the latter attracted dirt and stains easily. The Softex synthetic leather substitute was less convincing compared to alternatives, and the third row had more hard plastics, making it less comfortable.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 versions. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 powertrain also included an electric supercharger. The XC60 B5 delivered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission and came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The XC60 B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60's standout features were its quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

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 in Canada. The Highlander Hybrid reached 100 km/h in just over eight seconds. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as speed increased. The CVT's lack of gear shifts resulted in an uninspired drone during acceleration, especially on hills. Braking was traditional, with regenerative braking seamlessly transitioning to physical brakes. The Highlander Hybrid offered a soft ride quality, with a suspension that smoothed over road bumps. The cabin remained quiet on highways, making it one of the quieter midsize SUVs.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but tied with the Audi Q5 for the worst rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. Mild-hybrid models offered 611 litres of cargo space with rear seats up and 1,410 litres with them folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well-cushioned, with ample adjustments for drivers of all sizes. However, the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. The interior offered plenty of storage, including a deep tray under the infotainment screen and a large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs. A second-row bench was available, increasing passenger capacity to eight. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or smaller adults on short trips. Cargo space was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with seats folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system. It included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Android-specific features like Google Assistant and Google Maps were integrated, with over-the-air software updates enabled. The system was compatible with iPhones, though without Google profile syncing. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

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

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2021 model received top safety ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. An optional driver assistance system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring.

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 with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. A surround view camera system and head-up display were available on the top Platinum trim.