2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2019 Toyota 4Runner

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner had a rugged and aggressive design, a product of its off-road capabilities. Its stubby front and rear ends provided steep approach and departure angles, while large tires and flared fenders enhanced its trail performance. The 4Runner's trim levels ranged from the base SR5 to the top-tier TRD Pro, each offering unique features like 17-inch alloy wheels, under-body skid plates, and a power up/down rear window. Inside, the 4Runner's interior was dated, with an 8-way power driver’s seat, cloth upholstery, and a basic infotainment system. The SR5 Premium trim added heated seats and SofTex upholstery, while the TRD Off-Road trims focused on off-road gear.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, redesigned in 2019, featured a tougher and more angular look, reminiscent of the 4Runner. Its front fascia had stacked, trapezoidal apertures and a perforated grille, giving it a mechanical appearance. The RAV4 Hybrid was available in four trims: LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited, with higher trims offering 18-inch wheels and adaptive headlights. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid had a simple and functional design, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and optional 8-inch screen. The interior materials were nice, though not as luxurious as some competitors. The RAV4 Hybrid's cabin was spacious, with ample legroom and cargo space, and the hybrid hardware did not intrude on interior space.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This engine, dating back to 2002, was more akin to a V8 in its characteristics, providing a truck-like driving experience. The 4Runner's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select system, and crawl control. However, its fuel economy was poor, with 4WD models returning just 17 mpg city, 20 highway, and 18 combined. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, but its age showed in its performance and efficiency.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter, 176-horsepower four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. This powertrain delivered exceptional fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Hybrid's AWD system used electric motors to drive the rear wheels, eliminating the need for a heavy driveshaft and improving handling and efficiency. The hybrid system provided smooth and seamless power delivery, making the RAV4 Hybrid quicker to accelerate than the non-hybrid model. It could also tow up to 1,750 pounds and featured regenerative braking for improved efficiency.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious interior with plenty of head- and legroom, even for tall drivers. Its fully enclosed cabin provided more usable space than the Jeep Wrangler, with nearly 90 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The 4Runner's interior was dated, with a small 6.1-inch touchscreen and basic controls, but it was ready for outdoor activities with features like large knobs that were easy to operate while wearing gloves.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid had excellent ergonomics, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and optional 8-inch screen. The center console provided ample storage space, and the cabin was comfortable for long trips. The rear seat offered impressive legroom, and the cargo compartment was spacious, with 37.6 cubic feet of trunk capacity. The hybrid hardware did not intrude on interior space, maintaining the same 98.9 cubic feet of passenger volume as the standard RAV4.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner lacked modern infotainment features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its basic system was straightforward but dated, with small fonts and limited functionality. The SR5 Premium trim offered an upgraded Entune system with navigation and Siri Eyes Free, but the overall tech level was behind the times.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SiriusXM Radio and WiFi Connect. These features provided excellent infotainment technology, surpassing Toyota's proprietary Entune software. The RAV4 Hybrid also featured Predictive Efficient Drive, which optimized the hybrid system's efficiency based on driver inputs and navigation data. The drive mode selector allowed drivers to choose between Eco, Sport, and Trail modes, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner came with basic safety features like airbags, traction control, and a reversing camera. However, it lacked modern driver-assistance features, making it less family-friendly. The 4Runner received a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA, with a 3-star rating in the rollover test.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign assist. Additional safety features like blind spot monitoring and parking assist were optional. The RAV4 Hybrid received a 5-star rating from NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick from IIHS.