2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, mirrors, and a more aggressive chin spoiler, all complemented by bright 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive Volvo elements. The interior, with its Thunder Grey Metallic paint and beige-leather and aluminum accents, exuded luxury. The seats, available in leather, aluminum, or carbon-fiber trim, were designed for comfort and support, with power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage features.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, redesigned in 2019, adopted a tougher, more angular look reminiscent of the 4Runner. Its front fascia featured stacked, trapezoidal apertures and a perforated grille, giving it a rugged appearance. The RAV4 Hybrid was available in four trims: LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited, with wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 18 inches. LED headlights and taillights were standard, with adaptive headlights available on the top trim. Inside, the design was simple and functional, with tasteful trim and comfortable fabric seats. The interior materials were nice, though not as luxurious as some competitors.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune upgrade boosted these numbers to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's mid-range acceleration was good but not exceptional, and the engine noise was unrefined. Fuel economy was unimpressive, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with an 11.6-kWh battery providing up to 18 gas-free miles, but the added weight negated the speed benefits.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's 219 horsepower, combined with an EPA fuel economy rating of 40 mpg, made it a standout in its class. The hybrid system, which included a 2.5-liter, 176-hp four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, provided excellent fuel efficiency and performance. The RAV4 Hybrid's AWD system, which used electric motors to drive the rear wheels, eliminated the need for a heavy driveshaft, improving handling and fuel economy. The hybrid system's regenerative braking was smooth, and the vehicle could tow up to 1,750 pounds. The RAV4 Hybrid's steering was light, and the suspension was soft, making it easy to drive.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous models, with all climate controls integrated into the touchscreen. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The six-seat configuration was available on the T6 and T8 powertrains but not on the R-Design model. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and suitable for small children. Cargo space was up to 85.7 cubic feet with the last two rows folded.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's interior featured excellent ergonomics, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen (an 8-inch screen was optional) and simple, well-thought-out climate controls. The center console had ample storage space, including an optional Qi wireless charging tray. The RAV4 Hybrid's cabin was quieter than the non-hybrid model, though some road noise was still present. The rear seat offered impressive legroom, and the cargo compartment was spacious, with 98.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 37.6 cubic feet of trunk capacity, matching the standard RAV4.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could be reskinned but lacked major reconfiguration options.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard features, along with SiriusXM Radio. The RAV4 Hybrid's infotainment system included a USB-A port on the dash, with additional USB-A charging ports in higher trims. The Predictive Efficient Drive system improved hybrid efficiency by optimizing battery usage. The drive mode selector allowed drivers to choose between Eco, Sport, and Trail modes, with corresponding changes in performance and efficiency.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the latter's headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's history of safety innovations, such as the boron steel roof and curtain airbags, underscored its commitment to passenger protection.

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, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign assist. The RAV4 Hybrid also included a 1-year trial of Safety Connect. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 Hybrid a five-star rating, while the standard RAV4 earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS. Two safety recalls were issued for the RAV4 Hybrid in 2020.