2020 Volvo XC90 vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's evolution in design, showcasing a modern aesthetic that was both elegant and commanding. The R-Design trim added a sporty flair with its blacked-out grille, aggressive chin spoiler, and striking 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and curving LED taillights were distinctive features that highlighted Volvo's attention to detail. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious experience with options like wool fabric seats and matte wood trim, while the Thunder Grey Metallic exterior paired beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior. The cabin was a blend of simplicity and quality, with thoughtful touches like the Swedish flag tag and a twist-action ignition knob.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a more understated exterior design, with trapezoidal themes and subtle body panel creases. The Limited and Platinum trims featured projector-beam LED headlights and 20-inch wheels, adding a touch of sophistication. Inside, the Highlander excelled with its quality fit and finish, offering a three-tone interior on the Limited trim and a spacious cabin with versatile seating arrangements. The dashboard's multi-layered design and the inclusion of practical features like a 120-volt outlet and side window shades on upper trims made the Highlander a comfortable and functional choice for families.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 added a supercharger for a total of 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Polestar tune further enhanced the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. Despite these figures, the XC90's performance was not particularly sporty, with mid-range acceleration being adequate but not thrilling. The T8 plug-in hybrid variant provided 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but its added weight diminished the expected speed advantage. Fuel economy was a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, and the T8 offering limited improvement.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided smooth and brisk acceleration, aided by an 8-speed automatic transmission. However, the Highlander's steering was loose, and its suspension was soft, leading to a less controlled driving experience. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander offered a comfortable and quiet ride, with selectable driving modes and torque vectoring on AWD models enhancing its handling. Fuel economy was commendable, with the FWD model achieving 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, and the hybrid variant reaching up to 36 mpg combined.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured a well-organized cabin with a Sensus infotainment system that was faster and more responsive than previous iterations. The system integrated climate controls within the touchscreen, which could be cumbersome for some users. The XC90 offered seven seats as standard, with an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows provided ample legroom and comfort, while the third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was generous, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander accommodated up to eight passengers, with versatile seating configurations that included second-row captain's chairs on higher trims. The second row offered generous legroom and easy access to the third row, although the latter was more suitable for shorter passengers. The Highlander excelled in ergonomics, with wide-opening rear doors and a comfortable seating height. Cargo space was ample, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 84 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Practical features like multiple cupholders, bottle holders, and dash-integrated shelves added to the Highlander's functionality.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system that combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, delivering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and intuitive, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors, and the tire pressure monitoring system lacked individual tire readings.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system felt outdated, with low-resolution maps and screens. The 12.3-inch touchscreen, optional on the Limited and standard on the Platinum, did not fully utilize its size for navigation or vehicle settings. However, the Highlander included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Upper trims featured a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display, both providing clear and useful information. The semi-automated driving system was effective, and the optional JBL audio system offered decent sound quality.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight performance prevented it from achieving the highest IIHS designation. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and innovative airbag systems, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear emergency braking enhanced its safety profile. The Highlander earned a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, thanks to its strong crash test performance and effective emergency braking system.