2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid had a complete redesign in 2019, moving away from its previous soft-roader styling to a tougher, more angular look. Its front fascia, reminiscent of the Toyota 4Runner, featured stacked, trapezoidal apertures and a perforated grille, giving it a mean and mechanical appearance. Dark trim around the wheel wells and doorsills suggested that the RAV4 Hybrid was not just a fuel-efficient grocery-getter but also a capable off-road adventure machine. Inside, the design was simple and functional, with tasteful shiny trim. While leather upholstery was unavailable, the Softex seats and other materials were of good quality, though not quite as luxurious as some competitors.

The 2021 Volvo XC90, on the other hand, successfully reshaped Volvo's image with its design, maintaining traditional styling features like a boxy profile and a blunt front end with a rectangular grille. The details made the difference, with softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights. The Inscription trim level, with extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design went for a sportier look. Inside, the XC90 embraced Swedish minimalism with nice-looking materials and thoughtfully arranged features. The matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery added a unique touch, and the Orrefors crystal shifter provided a high-end feel.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter, 176-horsepower four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors, delivering a total of 219 horsepower. Its most impressive specification was a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 40 miles per gallon, which was consistently achievable in real-world driving. The hybrid system provided plenty of instantaneous electric power, making it quicker to accelerate than the non-hybrid model. The RAV4 Hybrid also featured regenerative braking and could tow up to 1,750 pounds. The steering was light, and the suspension was soft, ensuring an easy and comfortable driving experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all built around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower, while the T6 engine was both turbocharged and supercharged, delivering 316 horsepower. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain combined the T6 engine with electric assist, producing a total of 400 horsepower. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a quiet cabin. However, the T8 struggled to accelerate on electric power alone, and drivers often had to choose between efficiency and power. The XC90 also had a respectable 5,000-pound towing capacity for most models.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured excellent ergonomics with a standard 7-inch touchscreen (an 8-inch screen was optional) positioned prominently atop the center dashboard. The center console provided ample storage space, and the rear seat offered impressive legroom, accommodating three adults comfortably. The cargo area was capacious, with 37.6 cubic feet of trunk capacity and 98.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, matching the non-hybrid model.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with headroom and legroom in all three rows being about average for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats in both the second and third rows lacked support. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but storage space was limited. Cargo space was near the bottom of the segment, with 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for the first time, along with SiriusXM Radio and WiFi Connect. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a USB-A port on the dash and additional USB-A charging ports in higher trims. The RAV4 Hybrid also featured Predictive Efficient Drive, which improved the hybrid system’s efficiency by calculating when to discharge and charge the battery. Drivers could choose between Eco, Sport, Trail, and Normal drive modes.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was easy to use, though the amount of text and typeface made reading some menus difficult while driving. The XC90 also had a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and a head-up display available. However, the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the front USB ports were limited to USB-A.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included a pre-collision system with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, dynamic radar adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign assist. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS for the standard RAV4. However, it had two safety recalls in 2020.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, providing smooth and quick reactions to other vehicles.