2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, including destination charges and fees. In Canada, all-wheel drive was standard, with the option to upgrade to the Highlander Hybrid XLE AWD or Limited with a Platinum package. The Limited trim with the Platinum package had an MSRP of $61,800. The exterior saw minimal changes, with a new Cypress Green paint colour. The design was considered over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety. Inside, the cabin featured large elements like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and oversized controls, but the quality was questionable, with mismatched textures and inexpensive-feeling controls.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in B6 and Recharge T8 models, both with standard all-wheel drive. The Recharge T8, a plug-in hybrid, offered 53 kilometres of electric-only range. Prices ranged from $71,550 to $94,500, excluding destination charges. The Ultimate trim included features like massaging front seats and a premium audio system. The exterior had a subdued, earthy palette, contrasting with the blacked-out trend. Inside, the design was dated but luxurious, with options for wool-blend or ventilated Nappa leather upholstery. The cabin allowed for customization of paint, wheels, and upholstery, catering to discerning buyers.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with electric motor-generators, producing 243 horsepower. It weighed 2,060 kilograms in Limited trim and offered standard all-wheel drive. The electric motors assisted with acceleration and allowed for low-speed electric-only driving. However, the gas engine's torque was limited, affecting high-speed performance and towing capacity. The Highlander Hybrid featured Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with a Trail mode for light off-road use. Fuel economy was a focus, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system, but real-world efficiency was lower than expected at 8.2 L/100 km. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a noisy CVT.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor, delivering 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It offered 53 kilometres of electric-only range and averaged 8.9 L/100 km in hybrid mode. The SUV featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, and Hybrid, with a Constant AWD mode and Off-Road mode providing up to 25 centimetres of ground clearance. The XC90 Recharge T8 was quick, with a five-second 0-100 km/h time, but handling was not its strong suit. The ride was firm, and the cabin was not as quiet as expected for a luxury SUV.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, with most models featuring second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was best for occasional use. Standard features included three-zone climate control and heated front seats, with additional comforts in the Platinum package. The interior had a useful dashboard shelf and rubber-lined cupholders, but storage areas were unlined, leading to noise. Cargo space was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,387 litres with the second-row seats folded.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 offered power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims included features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats. The front seats had adjustable bolsters, but entry could be awkward. The XC90 seated seven, with a comfortable second-row bench and adequate third-row space. Cargo capacity was 1,854 litres with the third row folded, expanding to 2,426 litres with the second row down.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a new 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. The Limited trim had a 12.3-inch touchscreen with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Remote Connect allowed remote access via a smartphone app. The Drive Connect service plan offered an Intelligent Assistant and cloud-based navigation. The JBL sound system provided decent audio quality, but the graphics could be improved for better visibility.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard. The XC90 offered a Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a stereo volume knob and tuning buttons. The digital voice assistant was generally effective, though sometimes required rephrasing. The XC90 included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with additional parking sensors and a surround-view camera on higher trims. The Highlander received excellent crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was known for its safety, with a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It included standard safety features and unique systems like large-animal detection. However, its ADAS was not as advanced as some competitors, lacking a hands-free driving system. Pilot Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist but had limitations, particularly on curves and rural roads.