2021 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's ability to evolve its design language while maintaining its core identity. Known for its conservative styling, Volvo managed to infuse the XC90 with more character, retaining its boxy profile and blunt front end, yet softening the lines and adding chrome accents. The LED headlights with "Thor's Hammer" daytime running lights were a distinctive feature that blended seamlessly with the overall design. The XC90's interior embraced "Swedish minimalism," offering high-quality materials and thoughtful arrangements. The matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery added a unique touch, while the Orrefors crystal shifter provided a high-end, albeit slightly out-of-place, element in the otherwise restrained cabin.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's exterior was more traditional, with a basic two-box shape adorned with giant headlights, taillights, and chrome accents. The Heritage Edition, with its bronze BBS wheels and Yakima Megawarrior roof storage basket, added a touch of nostalgia. Inside, the Land Cruiser mixed Toyota parts-bin switchgear with high-quality materials, offering a plush and comfortable environment. The presence of a traditional hand-operated parking brake and a CD player added to its old-school charm. Despite its dated appearance, the Land Cruiser's interior was swanky, with premium leather upholstery and a commanding view from the tall seats.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. While the XC90's power was impressive, the small engine struggled to provide flexibility compared to competitors with larger engines. The XC90 excelled in luxury, offering a smooth ride with its optional air-suspension system and maintaining a quiet cabin. It had a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, though it fell short of some competitors.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. With 401 pound-feet of torque available at 2,200 rpm, the Land Cruiser delivered unexpected thrust, especially in first gear. Its legendary off-road capability was supported by features like a Torsen limited-slip differential, mud-and-snow tires, and a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. The Land Cruiser's off-road prowess was complemented by Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select, making it a formidable vehicle on challenging terrain. On pavement, the Land Cruiser offered a refined driving experience, though its nearly 3-ton weight affected handling. It boasted an impressive towing capacity of 8,100 pounds, making it suitable for heavy-duty tasks.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered a choice between six-seat and seven-seat configurations, with headroom and legroom being average for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The interior felt spacious, thanks to the optional power moonroof and upright roof profile. The Inscription model featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, but the steering wheel was not power-adjustable. Cargo space was limited, with 11.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with both rows down. A hands-free power tailgate was a convenient feature.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was luxurious, with plush leather upholstery and supportive seats. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the steering wheel was heated. The second-row bench seat offered ample space and comfort, with heated cushions and a four-zone climate control system. The third-row seat could accommodate adults if the second row was adjusted, though leg support was lacking. Cargo space was more generous, with 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 82.8 cubic feet with the second row down. The split clamshell-style liftgate and tailgate provided easy access to the cargo area.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which emphasized simplicity and functionality. It came with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. The touchscreen was user-friendly, though the text and typeface could be challenging to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was a welcome addition, but its size limited compatibility with some phones. The XC90 also offered a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was more dated, with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that required tapping rather than swiping. It lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the voice-recognition system was basic. The dashboard featured large buttons and knobs, making it easy to use. The rear-seat entertainment system was also dated, with 11.6-inch displays that weren't touchscreens. The Land Cruiser included a 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system, though it didn't match the quality of some competitors' systems.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings, with the non-hybrid models earning the "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Volvo's Pilot Assist driver aid was praised for its smoothness and quick reactions, though it wasn't a substitute for an attentive driver.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked more advanced driving assistance systems, such as stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and automated lane-keeping, which were available in other vehicles in its price range.