Highlander I (XU20) vs XC90 I: which is better?
Toyota Highlander I (XU20) (2000–2007) vs Volvo XC90 I (2002–2014): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Toyota Highlander I (XU20)
Volvo XC90 ISpecifications
| Toyota Highlander I (XU20) | Volvo XC90 I | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2000–2007 | 2002–2014 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.0 V6 | 2.5 Turbo (T5) |
| Power, up to | 223 hp | 210 hp |
| Torque, up to | 298 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 685 mm | 4 800 mm |
| Width | 1 825 mm | 1 898 mm |
| Height | 1 735 mm | 1 784 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 715 mm | 2 857 mm |
| Fuel tank | 72 L | 80 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 42 425 ₸ | ≈ 29 450 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Toyota Highlander I (XU20)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 72 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota 1MZ-FE (3.0 V6) engine: piston ring coking and oil consumption
Engine (Toyota 1MZ-FE (3.0 V6)): ring coking and oil consumption; cracked engine mounts.
Volvo XC90 I
Pros
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: generally reliable
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Large tank: 80 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: valve body wear at high mileage
Gearbox (Aisin automatic): generally reliable; at high mileage — valve body wear.
Which one to choose
- Highlander I (XU20) — if you care more about: power.
- XC90 I — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase, fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Highlander I (XU20) or XC90 I?
Highlander I (XU20): up to 223 hp, XC90 I: up to 210 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Highlander I (XU20) — about 42 425 ₸, XC90 I — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.
Other comparisons
Highlander vs X5Toyota Highlander I (XU20) / BMW X5 E53Highlander vs RXToyota Highlander I (XU20) / Lexus RX I (XU10)Highlander vs M-Class / GLEToyota Highlander I (XU20) / Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE W163 (ML)Highlander vs MuranoToyota Highlander I (XU20) / Nissan Murano I (Z50)Highlander vs Santa FeToyota Highlander I (XU20) / Hyundai Santa Fe I (SM)XC90 vs X3Volvo XC90 I / BMW X3 E83XC90 vs MuranoVolvo XC90 I / Nissan Murano I (Z50)