2025 Volvo XC90 vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2025 Volvo XC90 maintained its reputation for timeless elegance with a refresh that subtly modernized its design while preserving its classic appeal. The updated "Thor’s Hammer" headlights and the reimagined grille added a contemporary touch without losing the vehicle's established identity. The XC90's exterior, available in Denim Blue and Bright Dusk, showcased Volvo's commitment to old-world elegance, resisting fleeting trends. The interior remained comfortable and understated, with notable updates like a repositioned infotainment screen and a more symmetrical center console. The introduction of new interior materials, including the eco-friendly herringbone weave textile, added a fresh dimension to the XC90's luxurious cabin.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid adopted a conservative design reminiscent of the popular RAV4, resulting in a larger, family-friendly SUV with ample seating and cargo space. The interior prioritized function over form, with a focus on practicality and decent material quality. The Platinum trim added a layer of luxury, but the use of glossy hard plastics and unlined storage areas detracted from the overall refinement. Despite these shortcomings, the Grand Highlander offered a comfortable ride and logical control layout, making it a practical choice for families seeking a spacious and versatile vehicle.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrain options, all with standard AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B5 mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine delivered 247 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, providing improved fuel economy and smoother power delivery. The B6 variant added turbo- and e-supercharging, increasing output to 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined a four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an 18.8-kWh battery, producing a total of 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. The T8 offered up to 33 miles of pure-electric range, making it a powerful and efficient option for those willing to plug in regularly. The XC90's suspension updates, including Frequency Selective Damping technology, enhanced ride comfort and stability.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max focused on performance with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, producing 362 horsepower. This setup provided satisfying acceleration and a traditional six-speed automatic transmission, avoiding the droning common in CVTs. While the Hybrid Max sacrificed some fuel efficiency, achieving 27 mpg compared to the standard hybrid's 36 mpg, it offered a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. During testing, the Hybrid Max averaged 23.3 mpg on a mountainous route, with an expected 24-25 mpg in typical driving conditions. The Grand Highlander's ride quality was soft and isolating, though handling was secure only up to a modest point.

The 2025 Volvo XC90's redesigned center console improved practicality by relocating the wireless charging pad, enhancing small-item storage. The interior offered standard USB-C charge ports for the first and second rows, while third-row occupants had dedicated cupholders and a panoramic roof view. Despite tight third-row space, the XC90 excelled in midsize three-row comparisons, offering competitive headroom and legroom measurements. The XC90's interior remained a comfortable and well-appointed space, with a focus on understated luxury.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable seating across all three rows, with nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding an upscale touch. The second-row captain’s chairs offered flexibility with a removable center console, creating a pass-through to the third row. The Grand Highlander's rearmost seats were reasonably comfortable for adults and tall teens, with ample cargo space behind the third row. However, the lack of underfloor storage and unlined storage locations detracted from its overall refinement.

The 2025 Volvo XC90's infotainment system featured a larger touchscreen with sharper resolution and a new user interface, emphasizing a fewer-taps approach. The Android-based system included Google Built-In and standard Apple CarPlay connectivity. The optional 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system offered exceptional sound quality with four distinct listening modes. The XC90's technology suite provided a seamless and user-friendly experience, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid's infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered access to Toyota Connected Services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and a digital voice assistant. While the infotainment system was easy to use, the inability to view multiple main-menu screens simultaneously and the low-contrast font were minor frustrations. The Platinum trim featured additional technology, such as a head-up display and a JBL premium audio system, delivering better-than-expected sound quality.

The 2025 Volvo XC90, though not yet crash-tested, had a strong safety reputation, with its 2024 predecessor earning top marks from the IIHS and NHTSA. The XC90's standard advanced driver-assistance systems operated smoothly, providing functional safety features without unnecessary interference. However, it lacked a hands-free highway-driving system, which was available in some competitors.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. While the safety tech operated accurately, the Proactive Driving Assist system was found to be irritating in certain situations. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to headlight performance and frontal-impact protection ratings.