2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

Volvo made subtle styling changes to the 2022 XC60, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier look, a rear bumper that hides the tailpipes, and new wheel designs. The front grille was reworked to move sensors behind the heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models like the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design with a new digital instrument cluster, a portrait-oriented touchscreen, and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, while the Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) was based on the SR5 Premium trim and added $4,505 to its price, including a standard 4WD system. The 40 ASE featured retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, bronze 17-inch wheels, and various bronze badges and stitching. It was available in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior. The 4Runner lineup included multiple trims, with prices ranging from $39,555 to $54,020. The 40 ASE had a SoCal vibe with its retro design elements and was well-suited for off-roading, thanks to its truck-based SUV stance and purposeful interior. Despite its plastic-heavy cabin, the 4Runner felt solid and of quality, with easy-to-use controls.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and an integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 also featured an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 available in FWD or AWD and the B6 in AWD only. The B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds with FWD), and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid delivered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 hp at 5,600 rpm and 278 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Two 4WD systems were available: a part-time 4WD system and a full-time 4WD system on the Limited trim. The 4Runner had an EPA fuel economy rating of 17 mpg combined, with our test vehicle averaging 16.9 mpg. It boasted a minimum of nine inches of ground clearance, Hill-Start Assist Control, and additional off-roading technologies like locking differentials, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions but had flaws as a daily driver, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a brake pedal that lacked finesse. It performed well in inclement weather and on suburban errands but showed its limitations on twisty roads.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's interior space remained unchanged, offering competitive passenger space within its segment. Front-seat headroom was above average, but rear-seat headroom was tied with the Audi Q5 for the worst in the segment. Legroom in both rows was about average. Mild-hybrid models provided 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity at 21.1 cubic feet and 49.3 cubic feet, respectively. The XC60 offered a commanding driving position with good forward and rear visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a power-down rear window, sunroof, and automatic windows for excellent ventilation. Climbing in and out required effort for shorter individuals, but the seats were comfortable. The 40 ASE had SofTex artificial leather and heated front seats. The second-row seating area was roomy, with good legroom, headroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. A third-row seat was available but uncomfortable and reduced cargo space. The cargo area offered 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 89.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The tailgate bumper doubled as a seat, and the cargo area included storage cubbies, trays, and a 120-volt AC power outlet.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Optional features included a head-up display and upgraded audio systems from Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins. The new system integrated Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The system supported over-the-air updates and was compatible with iPhones, though without the added functionality of syncing Google profiles. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner had traditional analog gauges with a narrow digital driver information center and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Connected services plans were available with complimentary trial subscriptions, and the 4Runner could be transformed into a Wi-Fi hotspot. Upgrades included a navigation system, additional connected services, and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system's home screen displayed multiple functions simultaneously, and voice recognition performed well, though it couldn't control the manual heating and air conditioning.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for the 2022 model year, but the 2021 model received the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. The optional Pilot Assist system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims. The adaptive cruise control provided smooth braking, but the lane-departure warning could be irritating. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with three stars for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.