2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while stepping into the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, leading to the current XC90, which launched as a 2016 model. This flagship SUV, built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, showcased a sleek and athletic design with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian Modern and Swedish Luxury, featuring natural wood and metal trim, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, boasted a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window. Inside, it offered ample cabin space and clever storage solutions, making it ideal for families. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior and sport-tuned suspension. The Highlander came in various trims, each adding more features, from the base L with its 8-inch touchscreen and three-zone climate control to the top-tier Platinum with adaptive headlights and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was practical, with deep cargo pockets and a center console that provided plenty of storage.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a choice of three powertrains. The T5 model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The T6 model enhanced this with a supercharged and turbocharged version, delivering 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, exclusively in AWD. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined the supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, achieving a combined 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. The T8's electric motor powered the rear wheels, and all models used an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency varied, with the T5 FWD achieving up to 25 mpg combined, while the T8 offered 55 MPGe with an 18-mile electric range. The XC90's driving experience was praised for its minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in both FWD and AWD. The Highlander featured a drive-mode button with Sport, Normal, and Eco modes, and an AWD system with Mud/Sand, Rock, and Normal modes. While the V6 provided adequate pickup, it excelled at highway speeds, offering a throaty exhaust note during overtakes. The Highlander's handling was commendable, with the XSE trim's sport-tuned suspension reducing body roll while maintaining comfort. The Highlander could tow up to 5,000 pounds, with a max payload of 1,685 pounds in the FWD L and LE trims.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults might find it lacking in legroom. The XC90 provided 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with it folded, and up to 85.7 cubic feet with both rear rows down. Towing capacity ranged from 4,000 to 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior was spacious and airy, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof, and the air-conditioning system performed well even in high heat and humidity.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, 48.4 cubic feet with the second row in use, and 16 cubic feet behind the third row. The seats were easy to lower and raise, aided by quick-release latches and pull-straps. The Highlander's interior was practical, with deep front door pockets and a center console with ample storage. The XSE trim featured second-row captain's chairs, providing a center aisle to the third row, which was more suitable for children than adults.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, offering smartphone-like gestures. However, it was occasionally glitchy and slow, performing better with Apple CarPlay. The system included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display. The XC90 came with a standard Harman Kardon sound system, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins upgrade. It also included USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care app for remote vehicle control.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system was straightforward, with hard buttons complementing the touchscreen. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and USB ports, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen and JBL premium stereo system available.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, featuring blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The XC90 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander included the Toyota Safety Sense suite, with features like forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and a surround-view monitor. The lane-departure system was noted for being overly sensitive.