Volvo XC90 vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2025 Volvo XC90 maintained its reputation for timeless elegance, earning a perfect score for its design in previous years. The refresh for 2025 subtly modernized its classic elements, such as the "Thor’s Hammer" headlights, which appeared more robust with a precise outline. The grille, while retaining its shape, adopted a woven-like design with diagonal slats, adding sophistication. The XC90's exterior theme resisted fleeting trends, opting for enduring elegance with chrome trim and large wheels that filled the arches beautifully. Inside, the XC90 offered a comfortable, understated space with updates like a more spacious centre console and a standout Orrefors crystal shift knob. The interior materials included quilted Nordico, perforated Nappa leather, and a new herringbone weave textile made from recycled polyester, providing both style and sustainability.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, took a conservative approach to design, drawing inspiration from the popular RAV4. This resulted in a larger version with seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The interior prioritized function over form, with a layer of luxury in the Platinum trim. While the glossy hard plastic and unlined storage surfaces detracted from the overall quality, the controls were logically laid out. The climate system was user-friendly, but the infotainment interface had its quirks, such as a small volume knob and the absence of a tuning knob. Despite these drawbacks, the Grand Highlander offered a practical and spacious interior, making it a strong contender in the three-row SUV segment.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 offered two powertrains in Canada, both with standard AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B6 mild hybrid, a turbo- and e-supercharged four-cylinder engine, delivered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The T8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) combined a four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an 18.8-kWh battery, producing a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The PHEV offered up to 53 kilometres of pure electric range on a full charge. The XC90's suspension featured Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology, enhancing ride comfort and stability. The optional air suspension provided an even more comfortable ride, making the XC90 a well-rounded performer.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max emphasized performance with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, producing 362 net horsepower. Its six-speed automatic transmission avoided the droning common in CVTs. The Hybrid Max traded some fuel efficiency for power, achieving 8.8 L/100 km combined, compared to the regular hybrid's 7.0 L/100 km. It could tow up to 2,268 kilograms, making it a versatile choice. During testing, it averaged 9.1 L/100 km on a balanced city and highway route. The Hybrid Max's acceleration was impressive, with electric motors eliminating turbo lag. The ride quality was soft and isolating, though undulations could cause some vertical and lateral movement. Handling was secure, but the tires scrubbed early when pushed hard.

The 2025 Volvo XC90's redesigned centre console improved practicality by relocating the wireless charging pad below the centre stack, freeing up space for cupholders. This change kept phones out of sunlight and secure during motion. First- and second-row USB-C ports were standard, but third-row occupants had limited access. The panoramic roof provided a shared view for all passengers. The XC90's third-row space was tight, with 922 mm of headroom and 810 mm of legroom, but it outperformed competitors like the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Infiniti QX60 in this regard. The front and second rows offered ample space, with 987 mm of headroom and 1,038 mm of legroom in the front, and 979 mm of headroom and 940 mm of legroom in the second row.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered comfortable seating in all three rows, with more than 2,700 litres of maximum cargo space. However, unlined storage locations contributed to noise and vibration. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding a touch of luxury. The front and second-row seats were heated and ventilated, providing comfort for long journeys. The second-row captain's chairs with a removable centre console allowed for easy access to the third row. The third-row seats were reasonably comfortable for adults and tall teens, with ample space between the head restraint and backrest. The Grand Highlander offered 586 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,640 litres with the third row folded, and 2,761 litres with the second row down.

The 2025 Volvo XC90's infotainment system featured a larger touchscreen with sharper resolution and a new user interface. The fewer-taps approach surfaced key functions on the homescreen, with a fixed menu bar at the bottom for easy access to climate controls. The system was Android-based with Google Built-In, but Apple CarPlay was also standard. The 12.3-inch driver information display allowed navigation directions to be displayed while managing playlists on the centre screen. The Ultra package added a head-up display. The optional 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system offered four distinct listening modes, providing an exceptional audio experience.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid's infotainment system featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts. Toyota Connected Services plans offered features like automatic collision notification and a digital voice assistant. The system was easy to use, but the inability to view two main-menu screens simultaneously and the low-contrast font were drawbacks. The digital voice assistant responded accurately to commands, enhancing the user experience. The Platinum trim included a colour head-up display, a camera-based digital rear-view mirror, and a JBL premium audio system, delivering better sound quality than expected.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and scored five stars overall from the NHTSA for the 2024 model. Volvo's reputation for safety was evident in the XC90's standard advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), which operated smoothly without interfering with driving. Features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping aid, and blind-spot information worked effectively. The XC90 lacked a hands-free highway-driving system, unlike some competitors.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features and driver assistance technologies. The Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) system, while standard, was found to be irritating and often turned off. The Grand Highlander's safety tech operated accurately, though the lane keep assist system occasionally strayed too close to lane markers. The Grand Highlander earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to "Acceptable" ratings for headlight performance and small overlap frontal-impact protection.