2022 Toyota 4Runner vs 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner harkened back to the significant SUV boom of the 1980s. Retaining its rugged construction and connection to the Toyota Tacoma pickup, the 4Runner stood as one of the few SUVs to maintain a traditional, off-road-oriented design. This was a deliberate choice by Toyota, emphasizing the 4Runner’s niche capability rather than succumbing to the car-based crossover trend embodied by models like the Highlander. Aesthetically, the 4Runner wore its adventurer identity with pride. Its towering ride height, boxy shape, and sharply angled front bumper all highlighted its off-road prowess. Inside, the utilitarian attire continued, but it also showed signs of its 2009 redesign, boasting a dash layout consistent with late-2000s designs. In stark contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid adopted a more contemporary and robust design language following its 2019 restyling. It brandished a more substantial, blocky appearance, inspired by Toyota's truck lineup. The trapezoidal grille, along with beveled and angled bodywork, contributed to its formidable stance. This styling innovation felt refreshingly modern, and by 2023, it had influenced many competitors such as the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid continued this angular design theme with a multi-tiered dashboard adorned with beveled cutouts. Though it featured some hard plastics typical for its class and price, Toyota ensured that all primary touchpoints were lightly padded to enhance comfort. The interior design, while practical, did have some low points; notably, the basic trim levels with their rubbery urethane steering wheel and armrest.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a single engine option: a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This dated yet reliable engine was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, sending power to either the rear wheels or an available 4WD system. While this was robust for off-road adventures, it felt somewhat lethargic in everyday driving scenarios. Highway manners were not its strong suit, with noticeable body roll and a rougher ride compared to many modern SUVs. Off-road, however, these drawbacks turned into strengths as the suspension absorbed rough terrains effortlessly. In comparison, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, generating a combined output of 219 horsepower. This setup, including a continuously variable transmission and an additional electric motor for AWD, allowed for a smooth, responsive drive. The RAV4 Hybrid could accelerate to 60 mph in a respectable 7.5 seconds, making it quicker than its non-hybrid counterpart. Its brakes, particularly the regenerative braking system, provided seamless transition between energy recovery and traditional braking, ensuring a smooth drive. While it wasn't designed to be sporty, the RAV4 Hybrid offered a composed ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections and providing adequate cornering capabilities, making it a satisfactory option for daily commutes and highway travel.

Cargo capacity was one of the strong suits for both these vehicles, albeit with different focuses. The 2022 4Runner offered substantial cargo space with 89.7 cubic feet available in the two-row model and 88.8 cubic feet in the three-row version. Even with the second-row seats up, the 4Runner provided 47.2 cubic feet in the two-row model and 46.3 cubic feet in the three-row setup. The major advantage of the 4Runner was its power-open/close rear window, which facilitated easy access to the cargo area without the need for a power rear liftgate. In contrast, the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid provided 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, slightly less than its non-hybrid counterpart due to the battery pack. With the rear seats folded flat, the RAV4 Hybrid offered ample space, comparable to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage. The RAV4 Hybrid also stood out with its intelligent interior storage solutions, including a wide shelf in the dashboard, a dedicated phone tray, and ample cupholders. However, it had no significant advantage over others in its class in terms of cargo space volume.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system complete with hard buttons and dials, making it user-friendly even for those wearing gloves, a common scenario in off-road conditions. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, alongside standard Bluetooth connectivity and Satellite Radio. Upgrades like navigation and a JBL 15-speaker premium audio system were also available, providing enough tech to satisfy basic needs. On the other hand, the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid introduced a state-of-the-art infotainment system, a significant upgrade from previous years. The graphical interface was modern and intuitive, and the screen placement atop the dashboard reduced driving distractions. While most trims featured an 8.0-inch display, higher trims boasted a larger 10.5-inch touchscreen. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with an optional wireless charging pad. Connectivity was further enhanced with over-the-air updates and remote vehicle monitoring, making the RAV4 Hybrid technologically adept.

Safety was a significant consideration for both models. The 2022 4Runner, despite its vintage characteristics, came standard with Toyota Safety Sense. This suite included forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Optional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system enhanced its safety profile. The 4Runner received four stars from the NHTSA for frontal and side impacts but only three stars for rollover testing. The 2023 RAV4 Hybrid earned higher marks, receiving five stars from the NHTSA for overall and side crash protection and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. IIHS also rated it highly, bestowing its second-highest honor, Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features in the RAV4 Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, featuring forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. Higher trims offered additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and a surround-view camera system.