2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

2020 Toyota Highlander
2020 Toyota Highlander
$34,600MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volvo XC90
2021 Volvo XC90
$49,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Toyota Highlander
$34,600MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volvo XC90
$49,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$34,600

MSRP

$49,000

Average price

$38,654

Average price

$45,980

Listings

67

Listings

61
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10
Pros
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Poor handling
  • Uninspired styling

2020 Toyota Highlander Reviews Summary

Midsize three-row SUVs are all spacious and powerful, but only the Toyota Highlander reaches the premium threshold for passenger comfort. Redesigned for 2020, the Highlander's revised styling and technology are secondary to its silent operation, soft ride, and cosseting interior. The upper trims feel and drive just like a Lexus, without the upcharge. There is nothing exciting about a Highlander, and yet, there is no other SUV in the $40,000 to $55,000 range that feels so effortless and tranquil.

2021 Volvo XC90 Reviews Summary

Volvo may be known for sensible station wagons, but the XC90 SUV is the Swedish automaker’s de facto flagship. The current generation debuted design features, technology, and powertrains that have since found their way into most other Volvo models. Several years into the current-generation model’s lifecycle, the XC90 is no longer a trendsetter, but remains Volvo’s contender in the competitive midsize luxury SUV segment, with the automaker’s typical emphasis on safety features.

The current-generation XC90 launched for the 2016 model year, so most competitors—including the Audi Q7, Acura MDX, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE—have been updated or redesigned since then. The Cadillac XT6 and Lincoln Aviator didn’t even exist when this generation of XC90 launched.

A redesigned version is expected to arrive soon, so changes to the 2021 XC90 are minimal. All 2021 Volvo models are now limited to 180 kilometres per hour for safety reasons. The XC90 also gets a handful of newly standard tech features, and some small cosmetic changes.

Volvo offers the XC90 in three trim levels—Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription—with three powertrain options: T5 and T6 gasoline engines, and the T8 plug-in hybrid. Our test car was a range-topping T8 Recharge Inscription, combining the top Inscription trim level with the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which has the highest output of the three.

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 295 hp V6

Engine

2.0L 250 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

8

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

295 hp @ 6600 rpm

Horsepower

250 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

20

MPG City

21

MPG Highway

28

MPG Highway

30
2020 Toyota Highlander
2020 Toyota Highlander
$34,600MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volvo XC90
2021 Volvo XC90
$49,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Toyota Highlander
$34,600MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volvo XC90
$49,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$34,600
$49,000
Average price
$38,654
$45,980
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.7
Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10

Read full review

7.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Poor handling
  • Uninspired styling
Summary
Midsize three-row SUVs are all spacious and powerful, but only the Toyota Highlander reaches the premium threshold for passenger comfort. Redesigned for 2020, the Highlander's revised styling and technology are secondary to its silent operation, soft ride, and cosseting interior. The upper trims feel and drive just like a Lexus, without the upcharge. There is nothing exciting about a Highlander, and yet, there is no other SUV in the $40,000 to $55,000 range that feels so effortless and tranquil.

Volvo may be known for sensible station wagons, but the XC90 SUV is the Swedish automaker’s de facto flagship. The current generation debuted design features, technology, and powertrains that have since found their way into most other Volvo models. Several years into the current-generation model’s lifecycle, the XC90 is no longer a trendsetter, but remains Volvo’s contender in the competitive midsize luxury SUV segment, with the automaker’s typical emphasis on safety features.

The current-generation XC90 launched for the 2016 model year, so most competitors—including the Audi Q7, Acura MDX, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE—have been updated or redesigned since then. The Cadillac XT6 and Lincoln Aviator didn’t even exist when this generation of XC90 launched.

A redesigned version is expected to arrive soon, so changes to the 2021 XC90 are minimal. All 2021 Volvo models are now limited to 180 kilometres per hour for safety reasons. The XC90 also gets a handful of newly standard tech features, and some small cosmetic changes.

Volvo offers the XC90 in three trim levels—Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription—with three powertrain options: T5 and T6 gasoline engines, and the T8 plug-in hybrid. Our test car was a range-topping T8 Recharge Inscription, combining the top Inscription trim level with the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which has the highest output of the three.

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.5L 295 hp V6
2.0L 250 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
8
7
Horsepower
295 hp @ 6600 rpm
250 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
20
21
MPG Highway
28
30
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