2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander had a design that was more about function than flair. Its exterior featured a trapezoidal theme that defined various elements like the tailgate's license plate cutout, rear bumper, headlights, grille, and lower front bumper. The body panels had exaggerated creases, and the tailgate glass was slanted a few more degrees compared to the previous model. Higher trims like the Limited and Platinum boasted projector-beam LED headlights, fog lights, and big 20-inch wheels. The interior was where the Highlander truly shined, with quality fit and finish, silver-painted accents, and a multi-layered dash. The Limited trim offered a three-tone interior with padded surfaces and rich textures, making it one of the nicest interiors in its class.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 managed to reshape Volvo's conservative image with a design that added character while retaining traditional styling features like a boxy profile and a blunt front end. The details made the difference, with softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim of our test car featured extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, making it the flashiest of the XC90 trims. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism" with thoughtfully arranged, high-quality materials. The matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery added a unique touch, while the Orrefors crystal shifter provided a high-end feel.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). This engine delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, providing brisk acceleration and a smooth, quiet ride. The eight-speed automatic transmission made full use of the engine's power, although it required a heavy foot to initiate a kickdown. The Highlander's steering was loose, and the suspension was soft, leading to a ride that felt more like an older Buick. However, this cushy setup made for a relaxing driving experience, especially on long road trips. Fuel economy was impressive for a vehicle of its size, with the FWD model achieving 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all built around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 engine added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. While the T8 provided ample power, the small engine struggled to accelerate away from stops on electric power alone. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a quiet cabin. Most models had a 5,000-pound towing capacity, with the base FWD T5 rated at 4,000 pounds.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander could seat eight or seven with second-row captain's chairs, which were standard on Limited and Platinum trims. The second-row seats were versatile, offering generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The Highlander featured three-zone climate control, a 120-volt outlet for the rear, and a large panoramic moonroof on the Platinum trim. Cargo space was generous, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second, and 84 cubic feet with both rows folded. The interior also included eight cupholders, four bottle holders, and two shelves integrated into the dash for additional storage.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Headroom and legroom were average for the segment, with the third row being tight for adults. The interior featured a power moonroof, four-zone climate control, and an optional filtration system. The front seats in the Inscription trim were 10-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated, with backrest massage. However, storage space was limited, with a shallow center console and few storage options on the console itself. Cargo space was 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander featured an outdated infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen that was optional on the Limited and standard on the Platinum. The system lacked detailed maps, onboard apps, and had low-resolution screens. However, it did include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The Highlander also offered a 10-inch head-up display, a 7-inch display in the instrument cluster, and a semi-automated driving system. The optional JBL audio system had 11 speakers, and standard features included SiriusXM, HD radio, WiFi, and four USB-A ports.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 came with a 9-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was easy to use, allowing for swipe gestures like a tablet. The XC90 also offered a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and a head-up display. However, the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the second-row USB-C ports might not be compatible with newer phones.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and rear emergency braking. The Highlander received a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS for its top ratings in all six crash tests and its emergency braking performance.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in all crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. The NHTSA gave all XC90 models a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid.