Head-to-head
2026 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 Volvo XC90
The Toyota Highlander wins clearly, 100 to 66.7, on tech & comfort, fuel & range, price.
A
2026 Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas large SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Highlander Hybrid …
vs
B2026 Volvo XC90
The 2026 Volvo XC90 is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid and hybrid large SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the XC90 T8 AWD, i…
Verdict · default weights
2026 Toyota Highlander
Clear winThe Toyota Highlander wins clearly, 100 to 66.7, on tech & comfort, fuel & range, price.
Tech & comfort 2026 Toyota Highlander leads by 68
Fuel & range 2026 Toyota Highlander leads by 39.9
Price 2026 Toyota Highlander leads by 27
| Category · weight | 2026 Toyota Highlanderoverall 100 | 2026 Volvo XC90overall 66.7 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 100 | 73 | |||||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | |||||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 100 | 60.1 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 100 | 79.8 | |||||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||||||||
| Space & cargonot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 100 | 90.1 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 32 | |||||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | |||||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Overall | 100 | 66.7 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 5 of 7 categories compared
Toyota Highlander: base trim XLE AWD · Volvo XC90: base trim Core AWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2026 Toyota Highlander wins
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (2 against 7 filed with NHTSA).
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (25 points against 8 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
- It lists 11 standard driver-assist features against 6.
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
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Specifications side by side
54 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD | Volvo XC90Core AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $45,570 | $62,445 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | twin turbo | twin turbo |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 2,393 cc | 1,969 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged DOHC | In-line 4-cyl. turbocharged |
| Fuel injection system | D-4S | gdi mpi |
| Valve configuration | DOHC 16-Valve | DOHC |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 265 hp | 247 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 21 mpg | — |
| MPG (combined) | 24 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 28 mpg | — |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.329 | 3.329 |
| Transmission speeds | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission type | automatic | automatic hybrid |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 8 in | — |
| Overall height | 68.1 in | — |
| Overall length | 195 in | 195 in |
| Overall width | 76 in | 75.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 112 in | 118 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 84.3 cu-ft | — |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 48.4 cu-ft | — |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | 16 cu-ft | — |
| Total interior volume | 142 cu-ft | — |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 7 | — |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 41.2 in | — |
| Second-row headroom | 39.4 in | — |
| Third-row headroom | 36.1 in | — |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 42 in | — |
| Second-row legroom | 38.7 in | — |
| Third-row legroom | 28 in | — |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 4,376 lbs | 4,442 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 4,199 lbs | 4,442 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 5,970 lbs | 6,151 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar | Double Wishbone, Coil Springs, Hydraulic Shock Absorbers, Stabilizer Bar |
| Rear suspension type | Multi-link with stabilizer bar | Integral Axle with Transverse Composite Leaf Spring, Hydraulic Shock Absorbers, Stabilizer Bar |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Electric Power Steering (EPS) rack-and-pinion | Electric Power Assisted Rack and Pinion |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 18.7 ft | — |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 338 mm | 345 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | epb | — |
| Rear brake diameter | 338 mm | 320 mm |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 18 in | — |
| Wheel material | alloy | — |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | P235/65R18 | — |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 17.9 gal | 18.8 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 95 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Toyota Connected Services | Google built-in |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | 12 months | — |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | 60 months | — |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 59 in | — |
| Second-row shoulder room | 58.7 in | — |
| Third-row shoulder room | 55 in | — |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
64 features · differences first, then sharedSafety13 differ · 15 listed
| Feature | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD | Volvo XC90Core AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 360° camera | — | std |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | std | — |
| Downhill Assist Control (DAC) | std | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | std |
| Backup camera with projected path | std | — |
| Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) | std | — |
| Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) | std | — |
| Park Assist, rear and front | — | std |
| Pilot Assist | — | std |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ — Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) | std | — |
| Traction Control (TRAC) | std | — |
| Anti-theft system with alarm and engine immobilizer | std | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) (individual tires) | std | — |
| Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Brake Assistance (EBA) | std | std |
| BLIS™ (Blind Spot Information System) | std | std |
Infotainment12 differ · 13 listed
| Feature | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD | Volvo XC90Core AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Connect® Emergency Assistance Button (SOS) | std | — |
| Stolen Vehicle Locator | std | — |
| Wi-Fi Connect — includes AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot and Integrated Streaming (Apple Music® and Amazon Music) compatibility. Up to 30-day/3 GB trial subscription | std | — |
| Safety Connect® — includes Emergency Assistance button, enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification and Stolen Vehicle Locator. 5-year minimum trial subscription | std | — |
| 12.3-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, USB media port, four USB charge ports, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology, SiriusXM® with 3-month trial subscription | opt | — |
| 6-speaker audio system | std | — |
| 8.0-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, SiriusXM® with 3-month trial subscription | std | — |
| Drive Connect — includes Cloud Navigation with Google Points of Interest (POI) data, Intelligent Assistant with Hey, Toyota, and Destination Assist. 1-year trial on Limited/Platinum; capable with subscription on XLE/XSE | std | — |
| Google built-in | — | std |
| Over-the-Air (OTA) updates (with active Drive Connect subscription) | std | — |
| Remote Connect — remotely interact with your vehicle through the Toyota app. 1-year trial subscription | std | — |
| Service Connect — receive personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports. 5-year minimum trial subscription | std | — |
| Wireless phone charging | std | std |
Convenience5 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD | Volvo XC90Core AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Height-adjustable hands-free power liftgate with jam protection | std | — |
| Smart Key System on front doors and liftgate with Push Button Start, remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, panic and liftgate functions; and remote illuminated entry | std | — |
| Five USB ports (one USB-A media port and four USB-C charging ports) and two 12V outlets | std | — |
| Keyless Entry | — | std |
| Power windows with auto up/down in all positions and jam protection | std | — |
Climate3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD | Volvo XC90Core AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Three-zone automatic climate control with air filter, separate second-row control panel, individual temperature settings for driver, front passenger and rear-seat passengers, and second- and third-row vents | std | — |
| Air purifier and remote cabin pre-cleaning | — | std |
| Four-zone climate system | — | std |
Seating5 differ · 6 listed
| Feature | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD | Volvo XC90Core AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat including power lumbar support | std | — |
| 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat | std | — |
| 8-passenger seating with 60/40 split, sliding and reclining fold-flat second-row bench seats; 60/40 split, fold-flat third-row seats with sliding headrests and recline function | opt | — |
| 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat | std | — |
| SofTex®-trimmed front- and second-row seats; heated front seats; 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat including power lumbar support; 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat | std | — |
| Heated front seats | std | std |
Interior5 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD | Volvo XC90Core AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® universal garage door opener | std | — |
| 7-in. color LCD Multi-Information Display (MID) with odometer, trip/average fuel economy, cruising range, average speed, AWD torque distribution (AWD models only), cruise control guide, audio details, hands-free incoming call notices, telephone information | std | — |
| Crystal gear selector knob by Orrefors® | — | std |
| Interior illumination, high level | — | std |
| Second-row sunshades | std | — |
Exterior11 differ · 11 listed
| Feature | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD | Volvo XC90Core AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade and one-touch open/close | std | — |
| Heated power outside mirrors | std | — |
| LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | std | — |
| LED fog lights | std | — |
| LED taillights | std | — |
| Panoramic roof | — | std |
| Silver-painted roof rails | std | — |
| Privacy glass on rear side, quarter and liftgate windows | std | — |
| Rear liftgate windshield defogger | std | — |
| Front and rear mudguards | std | — |
| Temporary spare tire/wheel | std | — |
Powertrain3 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD | Volvo XC90Core AWD |
|---|---|---|
| B6 AWD mild hybrid powertrain (220 kW / 300 hp, 420 Nm) | — | std |
| Selectable drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow) | std | — |
| T8 AWD Plug-in Hybrid powertrain (~455 hp, ~709 Nm, 71-63 km electric range) | — | std |
| All-wheel drive (AWD, Automatic) | std | std |
Chassis2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD | Volvo XC90Core AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Power Assisted Rack and Pinion Steering | — | std |
| Optional Air Suspension (front and rear) | — | opt |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
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Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPToyota Highlander
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 0
Owner complaints 2 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Back Over Prevention (1), Visibility/Wiper (1), Power Train (1)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Volvo XC90
Safety Signal 85 B
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 1 · 1 critical
Owner complaints 7 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Engine (3), Electrical System (2), Back Over Prevention (2)
Top recalls
- critical Service Brakes, Hydraulic 25V392000 · 11,469 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD | Volvo XC90Core AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $45,570 (base trim) | $62,445 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $45,570 – $54,975 7 trims | $62,445 – $84,795 9 trims |
| Powertrains | HEV, GAS | PHEV, HEV |
| EPA configuration compared | Highlander Hybrid AWD | XC90 B5 AWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 35 | 24 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1,900 | $3,400 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | — |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | — |
| Roadside assistance | 2 yr | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 Toyota Highlander or the 2026 Volvo XC90?
The Toyota Highlander wins clearly, 100 to 66.7, on tech & comfort, fuel & range, price. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Toyota Highlander scores 100 and the 2026 Volvo XC90 66.7. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2026 Toyota Highlander or the 2026 Volvo XC90?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander starts lower — $45,570 against $62,445, a gap of $16,875 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Toyota Highlander or the 2026 Volvo XC90?
2026 Toyota Highlander: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 0 recalls. 2026 Volvo XC90: 5 NHTSA stars, grade B, 1 recall. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2026 Toyota Highlander and the 2026 Volvo XC90?
Where the 2026 Toyota Highlander wins: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (2 against 7 filed with NHTSA), lists more comfort and tech equipment (25 points against 8 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½), and lists 11 standard driver-assist features against 6. What they share: 5 NHTSA stars.