What To Know
- The Highlander hybrid is rated at 36 mpg combined, while the XC90 is rated at 25 mpg combined with the base engine and 23 mpg combined with the more powerful engines.
- The Toyota Highlander and the Volvo XC90 are both excellent SUVs that offer a blend of space, luxury, and performance.
- The XC90 is a more luxurious option with a more powerful engine and a more extensive list of features.
The Toyota Highlander and the Volvo XC90 are two popular midsize SUVs that offer a blend of space, luxury, and performance. But which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive deep into the key features of both vehicles to help you make an informed decision.
Exterior Design and Dimensions
The Toyota Highlander and Volvo XC90 have distinct exterior designs. The Highlander features a rugged and muscular stance with sharp lines and a prominent grille. The XC90, on the other hand, exudes a more refined and sophisticated look with sleek curves and a distinctive Thor‘s Hammer headlight design.
In terms of dimensions, the XC90 is slightly larger than the Highlander. It measures 194.3 inches in length, 78.3 inches in width, and 69.7 inches in height. The Highlander is 192.5 inches long, 75.8 inches wide, and 68.1 inches tall.
Interior Space and Comfort
Both the Highlander and the XC90 offer spacious and well-appointed interiors. The Highlander has seating for up to eight passengers in three rows, while the XC90 offers seating for seven in two rows. The XC90’s interior is particularly impressive, with premium materials and a clean, Scandinavian-inspired design.
In terms of cargo space, the Highlander has a slight advantage over the XC90. With the third row of seats folded down, the Highlander offers 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space, while the XC90 offers 47.2 cubic feet.
Powertrain and Performance
The Toyota Highlander offers two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter hybrid engine with 243 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. The Volvo XC90 is available with three powertrain options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged inline-four engine with 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged inline-four engine with 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque.
The Highlander’s V6 engine provides ample power for everyday driving and towing. The hybrid engine offers improved fuel economy without sacrificing performance. The XC90’s turbocharged and supercharged engines offer impressive acceleration and towing capabilities.
Fuel Economy
The Toyota Highlander hybrid has a significant advantage in fuel economy over the Volvo XC90. The Highlander hybrid is rated at 36 mpg combined, while the XC90 is rated at 25 mpg combined with the base engine and 23 mpg combined with the more powerful engines.
Safety Features
Both the Toyota Highlander and the Volvo XC90 have excellent safety ratings. The Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The XC90 also received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS.
Both vehicles come standard with a wide range of safety features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The XC90 offers additional safety features such as blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system.
Technology and Features
The Toyota Highlander and the Volvo XC90 offer a variety of technology features. The Highlander comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The XC90 comes standard with a larger 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a more user-friendly interface.
Both vehicles offer a variety of optional features, such as a premium audio system, navigation, and a panoramic sunroof. The XC90 offers a more extensive list of optional features, including a head-up display, massaging seats, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
Price and Value
The Toyota Highlander has a lower starting price than the Volvo XC90. The base Highlander starts at $36,420, while the base XC90 starts at $49,000. However, the XC90 offers a more luxurious and feature-rich experience.
Which SUV is Right for You?
The Toyota Highlander and the Volvo XC90 are both excellent SUVs that offer a blend of space, luxury, and performance. The Highlander is a more affordable option with a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain. The XC90 is a more luxurious option with a more powerful engine and a more extensive list of features.
Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a spacious and fuel-efficient SUV, the Toyota Highlander is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more luxurious and feature-rich SUV, the Volvo XC90 is a better option.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Which SUV has a higher towing capacity?
The Volvo XC90 has a higher towing capacity than the Toyota Highlander. The XC90 can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the Highlander can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
2. Which SUV has a better infotainment system?
The Volvo XC90 has a better infotainment system than the Toyota Highlander. The XC90’s infotainment system is more user-friendly and offers a wider range of features.
3. Which SUV has a more comfortable interior?
The Volvo XC90 has a more comfortable interior than the Toyota Highlander. The XC90’s interior is more spacious and offers more premium materials.