Volvo XC60 vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Volvo XC60 T5 Ultra, with its Forest Lake paint and 22-inch wheels, presented a striking visual appeal. The nearly decade-old design of the XC60 continued to age gracefully, exuding a timeless elegance. Inside, the XC60 Ultra's interior was a testament to Scandinavian minimalism, featuring plush Nappa leather, premium wood trim, and classy metal speaker grilles. The attention to detail, such as the Orrefors crystal shift knob and Bowers & Wilkins audio system, created a serene and luxurious environment. However, the minimalist approach to controls required some acclimatization, especially during a family road trip.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum embraced a more conservative design, reminiscent of the popular RAV4 but on a grander scale. The Storm Cloud paint added a touch of sophistication to its exterior. Inside, the Grand Highlander prioritized function over form, with a focus on practicality. The Platinum trim added a layer of luxury, but the presence of glossy hard plastics and unlined storage surfaces hinted at its value-oriented roots. The climate system was user-friendly, but the infotainment interface left room for improvement with its small volume knob and lack of a tuning knob.

Under the hood of the 2026 Volvo XC60 T5 was a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain included a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, contributing to a claimed 6.5-second sprint to 60 mph. However, the XC60's performance was marred by turbo lag and transmission hesitation, resulting in uneven power delivery. Fuel efficiency fell short of expectations, with real-world figures of 24.7 mpg in combined driving. The 22-inch wheels impacted ride quality, but the air suspension in Comfort mode mitigated most road imperfections. The XC60 excelled on highways, offering a comfortable and composed ride, though its steering lacked feedback.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max, powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, delivered an impressive 362 horsepower. The Hybrid Max's acceleration was brisk, aided by the absence of turbo lag, and its six-speed automatic transmission avoided the droning typical of CVTs. While the Hybrid Max sacrificed some fuel efficiency, achieving 27 mpg combined, it offered a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The ride quality was soft and isolating, though road undulations could cause some vertical and lateral movement. Handling was secure but limited, with early tire squeal and understeer in corners.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 excelled in long-distance comfort, thanks to its top-shelf front seats with heating, cooling, and massage functions. However, the rear seats were less accommodating, with firm cushions and limited legroom. The XC60 offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. In-cabin storage was adequate, with thoughtful touches like tamboured covers for cupholders and large door bins.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid provided ample space for passengers and cargo. Its three rows of seats offered comfort, with the Platinum trim adding leather and artificial suede upholstery. The second-row captain's chairs allowed easy access to the third row, which accommodated adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. However, unlined storage areas could contribute to cabin noise.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 featured an updated infotainment system with an 11.2-inch touchscreen display. Powered by Volvo Car UX, it included a four-year subscription to Digital Services, offering access to Google built-in apps. While the system functioned well, navigating saved favorite stations proved cumbersome. The optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system delivered exceptional sound quality, though at a premium price. Apple CarPlay required a wired connection, reflecting the XC60's aging design.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, though limited by the inability to display multiple main-menu screens simultaneously. The digital voice assistant responded accurately to commands, enhancing the user experience. The Platinum trim included advanced features like a head-up display and a surround-view camera system, while the JBL audio system exceeded expectations.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 fell short of earning a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS due to an Acceptable rating in the side-impact crash test. Despite this, it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning with large animal detection and intersection braking assist. However, the real-world performance of its driver-assistance tech was lacking, with issues in lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control. The XC60 received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a range of standard safety features. While the Proactive Driving Assist system was found to be irritating, the overall safety tech operated with accuracy. The Grand Highlander earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but missed the Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS due to headlight performance and small overlap frontal-impact protection.