2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was a testament to Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group's ownership. This mid-size crossover, built on Volvo's SPA platform, showcased a sophisticated design with its elegant two-box form, short overhangs, and athletic body lines. The front grille, adorned with Volvo's iron mark logo, and the Thor's hammer-shaped LED headlights were distinctively Swedish. Inside, the XC60's cabin exuded Scandinavian charm with its clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen, initially a novelty, had become a user-friendly feature by 2021. The interior's attention to detail, from the elegant HVAC vents to the harmonious textures and colors, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status, making it a delightful space for occupants.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a mature crossover SUV, had evolved significantly since its introduction in 1996. While its exterior design blended with the current crossover trends, closer inspection revealed angular wheel arches and expressive headlights that gave it a playful yet aggressive look. The RAV4's fit-and-finish was a testament to Toyota's commitment to quality. Inside, the RAV4 featured a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by a straightforward center stack. The touchscreen interface was conveniently positioned for minimal driver distraction. Unique design elements, like the circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern, tied the cabin together, creating a cohesive and modern interior. The RAV4's interior was spacious and comfortable, accommodating four adults with ease and offering ample storage options throughout the cabin.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models, available in FWD or AWD, delivered 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 models, with AWD, upped the ante with 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, thanks to the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, plug-in hybrids, combined a gasoline engine with an 87-hp electric motor, producing a total of 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered variant further enhanced performance to 415 horsepower. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring ensured agile handling, while the cabin remained quiet and comfortable. Fuel economy varied from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the T5 FWD to 57 MPGe in electric-only mode for the T8 PHEV.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains, starting with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. FWD was standard, with AWD available. The RAV4 Hybrid combined the same engine with an electric motor, delivering 217 horsepower and achieving 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway. The RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid, boasted 302 horsepower and could run up to 42 miles on electricity alone, with an efficiency rating of 94 MPGe. Our test vehicle, a gasoline Adventure AWD model, provided smooth power delivery and responsive handling. The RAV4's suspension setup, with MacPherson struts and a multi-link rear, ensured car-like handling, while AWD models featured Multi-Terrain Select and dynamic torque vectoring for improved performance.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with a focus on safety and functionality. The front seats were highly adjustable and praised for their comfort, especially during winter testing. The heating system, including heated seats and an effective defroster, excelled in cold conditions. The cabin offered smart storage solutions, with intuitive controls for passengers. The XC60 provided 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It was also capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds, making it versatile for various needs.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 had grown over the years, offering 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. It had a payload capacity of 1,050-1,230 pounds, depending on the configuration. Towing capacity varied, with Adventure and TRD Off-Road models capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds. Inside, the RAV4 was spacious and comfortable for four adults, with ample legroom and storage options. The front row featured individual bucket seats, while the second row offered a split-folding bench seat. The RAV4's interior was practical and well-suited for everyday use.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, a tablet-style interface that divided the screen into function quadrants. While it required a learning curve, frequent iPad users found it intuitive. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system provided exceptional sound quality. Volvo's On Call app offered remote functionality, enhancing the XC60's tech offerings.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, and smartphone integration. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The RAV4 Prime featured advanced tech, including five USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a head-up display. Safety Connect and Service Connect were standard, providing emergency assistance and vehicle diagnostics.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping aid, and a semi-autonomous driving system called Pilot Assist. The XC60's top speed was limited to 112 mph for safety reasons.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 featured Toyota's Star Safety System and Safety Sense 2.0, offering a range of driver-assist technologies. It received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. The RAV4 Prime earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic emergency braking.