2025 Volvo XC60 vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
The most significant dimensional variance between the 2026 Toyota Highlander and the 2025 Volvo XC60 is length, with the Highlander extending 9.5 inches longer at 194.9 inches compared to the XC60's 185.4 inches. Performance metrics slightly favor the Highlander, which outputs 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the XC60's 247 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy presents a marginal advantage for the Volvo, achieving 26 combined MPG on recommended premium fuel versus the Highlander's 24 combined MPG using regular unleaded. Pricing shows the Highlander starting at $45,270, undercutting the XC60’s MSRP of $47,050. The larger Highlander offers more utility, indicated by its 16 cu ft cargo capacity measurement, contrasting with the XC60 where this metric was not provided. Both utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volvo XC60
The 2025 Volvo XC60 is slightly more fuel-efficient, achieving 26 combined MPG versus the Highlander's 24 MPG.
2026 Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Highlander offers a larger overall footprint and a measured 16 cu ft of cargo capacity, benefiting utility.
2026 Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Highlander provides higher performance figures with 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander commands a lower initial purchase price at $45,270 compared to the XC60's $47,050 MSRP while offering superior torque.
Choose the Volvo XC60 if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the XC60 returns 26 combined MPG versus 24 MPG for the Highlander.
- A slightly smaller exterior profile is desired, with the XC60 measuring 185.4 inches long against the Highlander's 194.9 inches.
- The owner prefers the specified requirement for recommended premium unleaded fuel, which often correlates with higher refinement in powertrain tuning.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- Maximum available output is a priority, highlighted by the Highlander's 310 lb-ft of torque.
- Budget constraints lean toward a lower entry price, as the Highlander starts $1,780 less than the XC60.
- Greater space is needed, confirmed by the Highlander providing a measured 16 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volvo XC60 | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 194.9" |
| Width | 74.9" | 76.0" |
| Height | 65.2" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 112.8" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Volvo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Volvo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 247 hp | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Volvo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Volvo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/30 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 432.4/564.0 mi. | 375.9/501.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Volvo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Volvo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 220W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Volvo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Volvo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.0 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.2 in. | 59.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.4 in. | 57.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Volvo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.3 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.4 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Volvo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | P235/65R V |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Volvo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Volvo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volvo XC60 and 2026 Toyota Highlander.
Which vehicle has the better standard power output?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander offers superior baseline power, delivering 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Volvo XC60 produces 247 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque in its comparable configuration.
How significant is the fuel economy difference between the two crossovers?
The Volvo XC60 holds a slight edge in efficiency, achieving 26 combined MPG versus the Highlander's 24 combined MPG. Buyers should note the XC60 requires recommended premium fuel, while the Highlander runs on regular unleaded.
Is the 2026 Highlander substantially larger than the 2025 XC60?
Yes, the Highlander is dimensionally larger in all provided metrics. It is 9.5 inches longer (194.9 in vs 185.4 in) and 2.9 inches taller (68.1 in vs 65.2 in) than the XC60.
Which crossover has a better starting price point?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander has a more accessible starting MSRP of $45,270. The 2025 Volvo XC60 is priced higher at $47,050 for the base trim level.
Do both AWD crossovers use the same type of transmission?
Both the 2025 Volvo XC60 and the 2026 Toyota Highlander utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission for power delivery to their standard all-wheel-drive systems.
Can I determine the cargo advantage of the larger Highlander?
Based on provided metrics, the Highlander offers 16 cubic feet of cargo capacity, whereas this specific data point was not supplied for the Volvo XC60 to make a direct comparison.
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