2023 Toyota 4Runner vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, based on the SR5 trim, offered a nostalgic nod to the past with its retro body stripes and heritage grille design. It featured bronze 17-inch wheels and badges, along with a numbered plaque, adding a unique touch to its rugged appearance. Available in black, white, or red, the 4Runner maintained its classic truck-based SUV stance, appealing to those who appreciated its solid, quality feel and straightforward controls.

In contrast, the 2024 Volvo XC90 exuded a more refined elegance, with a subdued and earthy exterior paint palette. The SUV's design leaned towards practicality and sustainability, offering various wheel designs up to 21 inches. Inside, the XC90's Ultimate trim boasted rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, complemented by an Orrefors crystal shift knob and natural wood trim. The interior design, though dated, provided a luxurious and customizable experience for discerning buyers.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The 4Runner's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like Active Traction Control, a locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select. However, its on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration and heavy steering.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It offered 53 kilometres of electric-only range and averaged 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The XC90's performance was lively, with a five-second sprint to 100 km/h, but its handling was more suited to luxury than sportiness, with a firm ride and less communicative steering.

The Toyota 4Runner's interior featured a unique power-down rear window, providing excellent ventilation. While the seats were comfortable, the third-row option was cramped and reduced cargo space. With five-passenger seating, the 4Runner offered 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it practical for adventures.

The Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 provided a luxurious interior with power-adjustable heated seats, a panoramic roof, and a four-zone climate control system. The SUV seated seven, with a comfortable second-row bench and a tighter third-row. Cargo capacity reached 1,854 litres with the third row folded, expanding to 2,426 litres with the second row down, offering ample space for family needs.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with real knobs and buttons, and offered a JBL premium sound system upgrade.

The 2024 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen used Google Built-in technology, providing navigation, Google Play access, and Google Assistant. It included Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM, with options for a Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The digital instrumentation panel and head-up display added to the tech-savvy experience.

The Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, it received a four-star NHTSA rating, with lower scores for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.

Volvo's XC90 excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. While its ADAS features were not groundbreaking, Pilot Assist provided adaptive cruise control and lane-centring, though it occasionally struggled with accuracy.