2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Volvo XC60

The 2023 Volvo XC60 presented a sophisticated and stylish appearance, with a choice of three powertrains, including the XC60 Recharge with a turbocharged PHEV powertrain. This model combined a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder gas engine with an 18.8-kWh battery pack, offering an estimated 35 miles of electric driving. The XC60's design was a testament to Volvo's longstanding reputation for elegance, featuring a sleek exterior with options for Bright or Dark themes. Inside, the XC60 exuded Scandinavian minimalism, with high-quality materials and a luxurious feel, especially in the Recharge Ultimate trim with its opulent black leather, wood trim, and ambient lighting.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid took a more conservative design approach, reminiscent of the popular RAV4 but on a larger scale. The Grand Highlander offered three powertrains, including the Hybrid Max with 362 horsepower and full-time AWD. The interior focused on functionality, with a touch of luxury in the Platinum trim. Despite some hard plastic surfaces, the cabin was spacious, with seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The Grand Highlander's design was practical, with logically laid-out controls and a straightforward climate system, though the infotainment interface had room for improvement.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge was a powerhouse, combining a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 455 horsepower and 423 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the XC60 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. The vehicle offered multiple driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, and Pure, each catering to different driving preferences. The XC60 Recharge excelled in both performance and efficiency, achieving an average of 54.6 mpg during testing. The one-pedal driving system and regenerative brakes further enhanced its efficiency, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max focused on performance with its turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and two electric motors, delivering 362 horsepower. This setup provided impressive acceleration and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. However, the Hybrid Max's fuel economy was lower, averaging 27 mpg, with observed figures of 26 mpg on a mixed driving route. The Grand Highlander offered a smooth and comfortable ride, though its handling was less agile compared to the XC60. The vehicle's size and weight were noticeable on winding roads, but it remained a capable and confident performer.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, as a compact crossover SUV, was best suited for four passengers, though it could accommodate five if needed. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with Nappa leather upholstery and power adjustments. Rear seat space was limited, but the panoramic sunroof added a sense of openness. The XC60 offered 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Practical storage solutions were available throughout the cabin, though underfloor storage was absent due to the battery pack.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid excelled in interior space, offering comfortable seating across three rows and nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The Platinum trim featured upscale materials, with leather and artificial suede upholstery. The second-row captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row, which was spacious enough for adults. The Grand Highlander offered 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 97.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, some storage areas were unlined, potentially contributing to cabin noise.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 9-inch Google Built-in infotainment system. The system offered access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play, with support for Apple CarPlay. The voice-recognition system was impressive, though it occasionally required specific phrasing. The optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system delivered exceptional audio quality, enhancing the overall experience.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to various music services. The system was user-friendly, though it lacked the ability to display multiple main-menu screens simultaneously. The digital voice assistant was responsive and accurate, and the Platinum trim included advanced features like a head-up display and a premium JBL audio system.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 was synonymous with safety, featuring Pilot Assist, an advanced driver-assistance system that combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering. The system performed well on highways, maintaining smooth and accurate operation. The XC60 also included Oncoming Lane Mitigation for added safety. While the PHEV model had not been crash-tested by NHTSA, the XC60 B5 and B6 received top safety ratings from IIHS.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. The system included lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control, though it lacked hands-free operation. Proactive Driving Assist was standard but could be intrusive. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA but fell short of IIHS's Top Safety Pick due to headlight performance and frontal-impact protection.