2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The distinction in aesthetic appeal between the 2021 Volvo XC60 and 2021 Toyota Highlander was marked by each vehicle's unique design language and attention to detail.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 epitomized Scandinavian minimalism, accentuating a near-luxury feel with clean, tailored lines and athletic contours. Despite Volvo's acquisition history—from Ford's ownership starting in 1999 to Geely Holding Group's takeover in 2010—this crossover retained its hallmark Swedish design. Its upright grille, adorned with the iron mark logo, and "Thor's Hammer" LED daytime running lights provided a distinctly Nordic touch. The craftsmanship extended to the paint quality, chrome finishes, and trim, all of which were precise and premium. Interior aesthetics were equally impressive, with clean lines and harmonious textures creating a serene, comfortable environment. A standout feature inside was the 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen, flanked by elegant HVAC vents with intuitive, one-knob controls for airflow direction and intensity.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Toyota Highlander aimed to stand out with its bold, assertive styling. It wasn’t just another midsize SUV but rather a distinctive presence in the three-row crossover market. The Highlander's front end, styled less dramatically than the Sienna minivan, featured wide headlights, a long hood, and a trapezoidal grille, mimicking the sporty character of the Supra. The rear end displayed taillights reminiscent of Lexus models. The addition of the XSE trim brought a sportier appearance with black-accented 20-inch wheels and a unique front fascia, albeit more for show than performance. Interior craftsmanship in the Limited trim made a noteworthy impression, with tan leather seats, dark brown accents, and faux wood trim, delivering a luxurious feel. However, the placement of rear-seat climate controls on the ceiling detracted somewhat from the interior balance.

When it came to performance, the 2021 Volvo XC60 and 2021 Toyota Highlander catered to different priorities but each brought their own strengths to the forefront.

The XC60 featured a versatile 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine across its lineup, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models, with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, offered 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variants added a supercharger to the mix, boosting performance to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The top-tier T8 models, all plug-in hybrids, merged an 87-horsepower electric motor with the gasoline engine to produce a combined 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, increasing to 415 horsepower in the T8 Polestar Engineered version. The hybrid system allowed for about 19 miles of electric-only driving. Additionally, its AWD system and torque vectoring facilitated graceful, confident handling, while its fuel economy ranged from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined (T5 FWD) to 27 mpg combined for the T8 PHEV.

The Highlander’s 3.5-liter V6 engine was known for its reliability. With 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, it paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission available in front- or all-wheel drive. While the Highlander Hybrid was addressed separately, the V6 model didn’t disappoint with its smooth, predictable operation. It kept pace with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, offering competent merging capabilities and acceptable acceleration. The XSE trim brought some suspension tuning for a slightly sportier feel, adding higher-rated springs, retuned shocks, and a rear stabilizer bar. However, despite these tweaks, the Highlander’s crossover nature often led to a lumbering performance in corners, indicative of its comfort-oriented design.

Functionality and interior space were essential for daily usability, and both the XC60 and Highlander presented compelling offerings, though in different measures.

The 2021 Volvo XC60, masterfully designed to ensure passengers were transported safely and comfortably, stood out with its stellar front-row seats known for their adjustability and swift heating in cold conditions. The rear accommodations provided extensive and intuitive storage options for passengers. Cargo capacity was practical, offering 21.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and expanding to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Additionally, each XC60 model could tow up to 3,500 pounds, adding to its utility for small families or adventurers needing extra gear.

Conversely, the 2021 Toyota Highlander, though primarily tailored as a family hauler, excelled by providing copious space across three rows of seats. The second row allowed adjustments for added third-row legroom at the cost of some middle-row comfort. Cargo space, while respectable, was somewhat constrained in the rear-most position at 16 cubic feet. With the third row stowed, space increased to 48.4 cubic feet, and a fully folded second and third row expanded the capacity to a substantial 84.3 cubic feet. While it couldn’t match the XC60 in towing, it remained highly practical for family use, with multifaceted storage solutions and an intuitive layout.

Both vehicles embraced advanced infotainment systems, though they catered to different user preferences.

The Volvo XC60’s Sensus system revolved around a 9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, reminiscent of an iPad with its swipe, pinch, and pull gestures. The interface segmented screen functions into quadrants for intuitive navigation—provided users were patient enough to learn its nuances away from the road. Integrated smartphone functions included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot with a free trial. The On Call app added vehicle-specific remote and maintenance features. Audio quality reached new heights with the available Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system, enhancing the in-car experience.

In the Highlander, trim determined screen size: an 8-inch display was standard on lower trims, while higher trims like the Limited and Platinum boasted an optional or standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. This crisp, bright screen proved pleasant for daily use, though it faced limitations when full-screen apps, like navigation, were confined to smaller segments of the display. Nonetheless, the standard inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay ensured compatibility with a wide range of apps. The JBL audio system in higher trims, while satisfactory, didn’t quite match the premium appeal of Volvo’s offerings.

Volvo’s safety pedigree manifested robustly in the XC60, reinforcing its reputation through extensive safety technologies and accolades.

Volvo equipped the 2021 XC60 with a multitude of standard safety features, earning it an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and top ratings from the NHTSA. Standard safety equipment included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance, run-off road protection, and multiple airbags, among other advanced systems. The semi-autonomous Pilot Assist feature combined adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist, adding a layer of convenience and safety. Volvo’s commitment to speed regulation further differentiated it, capping the top speed at 112 mph for safety reasons.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander, with an upgraded Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite, also prioritized safety with features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The intersection support feature showcased advanced recognition capabilities. Road-sign assist and automatic high beams added to the comprehensive safety package. Both the NHTSA and IIHS endorsed its safety performance, with top ratings highlighting the Highlander’s family-friendly design.