2026 Volvo XC90 vs. Toyota Highlander Comparison with Price, Specs, & Photos

The XC90 is much loved in the world of three-row SUVs, earning critical praise and endless appreciation from owners. But it’s hardly the only three-row SUV out there, and one of the other most popular models is the Toyota Highlander. While the two aren’t exactly in the same market segment, they are close enough that it’s worth taking a look at how the two actually compare. So, we put together this detailed guide to how these popular SUVs stack up to each other.

Volvo XC90 VS Toyota Highlander

Both vehicles here come with four-cylinder engines, 8-speed automatic transmissions, all-wheel drive, and seating for seven as standard. There is a bit of a price difference, though, and as you would expect, this means that the XC90 comes better equipped. For some of the equipment that’s standard on the XC90, things like a heated steering wheel or a panoramic glass roof, upgrading to a higher trim of the Highlander will get you that same equipment. But the XC90 has quite a few advantages over the Highlander that spending more money at the Toyota dealership won’t get you. To start with, the standard drivetrain in the XC90 has a mild hybrid system, and the result is better fuel economy. You can opt for a conventional hybrid system in the Highlander, and it certainly improves fuel economy, but it is also less powerful than the standard engine. This brings us to our next point: the XC90 is available with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that not only massively improves fuel economy but also gives you tremendous power. The XC90 Plug-In Hybrid comes with a system total output of 455 horsepower, putting it in a completely different performance league than the Highlander. Even for those who don’t go for the more powerful drivetrain, the XC90 is more enjoyable to drive, thanks to the precision handling of the double wishbone front suspension configuration. The Highlander uses a strut setup, which saves space and production costs, but isn’t nearly so precise.

Toyota offers wheels for the Highlander up to 20 inches, with each trim getting a specific set of wheels and no optional offerings. Volvo gives you a choice of several wheel designs for each trim, and in sizes up to 22 inches. You can also opt for a 6-seat configuration in the XC90, with roomier second-row captain seats, for when you regularly have adults riding in the back. There is no such option on the Highlander. Music fans can choose an optional 11-speaker JBL stereo in the Highlander, one more than the standard 10-speaker system in the XC90. But Volvo offers a choice of two different premium stereos in the XC90, a 14-speaker Harmon Kardon system or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system that turns the interior of the SUV into a concert hall. The wood trim in the XC90 is genuine wood, and a gear shifter made of genuine crystal by Orrefors® comes standard as well. Neither of these things is likely to sway a buyer on their own, but it’s important to note, as it is indicative of Volvo’s overall commitment to high-quality materials, and these are the only areas where you’ll notice it. Lastly, the XC90 comes with more warranty coverage, and that extra peace of mind is always appreciated.

*Starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) includes destination fee of $1,295. Images may reflect a more expensive trim level with optional equipment and accessories. Taxes, title, registration, license, insurance, maintenance, and other retailer fees are excluded from starting MSRP. Retailer sets actual price. See authorized Volvo Cars retailer for details.

**Source: https://www.fueleconomy.gov/