2023 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

Toyota introduced the RAV4 to North America in 1996 as a compact alternative to the larger SUVs dominating the market. Young buyers quickly embraced the RAV4, which stood for "Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-Wheel Drive." This model sparked a wave of similar car-based SUVs, including the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Hyundai Tucson, collectively nicknamed "cute-utes." Despite the dismissive nickname, the RAV4 and its competitors thrived. Over five generations, the RAV4 grew in size and sophistication, evolving from a cute-ute to a mature crossover SUV and a sales leader. The 2022 RAV4, the latest iteration of a 2019 redesign, often topped the SUV sales charts in the United States.

The 2022 RAV4 blended seamlessly with the current crossover vehicle design trends. Its exterior styling, while not immediately distinctive, featured angular flourishes in the wheel arches and crisp lines contrasting with the organic shapes in the body-side bends. The expressive headlights, snub-nosed grille, and grinning lower fascia openings created a playful yet aggressive Kabuki-like face. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by an uncomplicated center stack. The touchscreen interface was positioned for minimal driver distraction, and the interior design included distinctive circuit-board-inspired geometric patterns.

Volvo's design evolution was evident in the 2023 XC90, a far cry from the boxy cars of the past like the 240dl and 700 series. The 2023 XC90 presented a purposeful yet understated look. Its front end was stout and solid without being overly flashy, and the grille was assertive without being too large. The recognizable "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch missing from older Volvos. The XC90's dimensions and shape leaned toward rectilinear but were far from the toaster-like designs of the past. Our test vehicle, an AWD Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels with low-profile Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires, adding drama to the otherwise stoic XC90. The Platinum Gray paint had brown undertones, giving it richness and depth.

Inside, the XC90's design was elegant, with a gorgeous two-tone leather steering wheel and a blend of luxurious materials. The metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, Orrefors crystal shift knob, and Nappa leather upholstery added to the luxurious feel. The interior featured wood deco inlays across the dash and center console, contributing to a clean and beautiful look. However, the minimalist design meant fewer physical controls, which could be frustrating for some users.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains. The gasoline-only model featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with Toyota direct injection and variable valve timing, producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Fuel economy for FWD models was 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined, while AWD models achieved 25-27 mpg city/32-34 mpg highway/28-30 mpg combined.

The RAV4 Hybrid used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, producing 217 combined net hp. It featured an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) and achieved an EPA fuel-economy rating of 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid, with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gas engine and an 18.1-kilowatt-hour battery pack, produced 302 hp. It had standard AWD and an eCVT setup, with EPA ratings of 40 mpg city/36 mpg highway/38 mpg combined and an electric-only range of up to 42 miles.

Our test vehicle, a gasoline Adventure AWD model, delivered smooth and immediate power without turbo lag. The eight-speed transmission provided familiar sensations and quick kickdowns during demanding acceleration. The RAV4's car-like handling, MacPherson struts in the front, multi-link suspension in the rear, and stabilizer bars at both ends contributed to its popularity. AWD models featured Multi-Terrain Select tuning and dynamic torque vectoring, enhancing handling and fuel efficiency.

For the 2023 model year, Volvo replaced its older turbocharged 2.0-liter engines (T5 and T6) with the new B5 and B6 engines, featuring mild-hybrid technology. The B5 engine, with a turbocharger and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The B6 powertrain, with a supercharger and turbo, produced 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness, though the benefits were minimal.

The XC90's mild-hybrid powertrains used a lithium-ion battery pack to power a 13-volt starter generator, reducing the engine's load. This setup improved fuel-saving auto stop-start technology, making it almost imperceptible. The XC90 delivered a reserved yet enjoyable driving experience, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90's brakes inspired confidence, and its big wheels and thin tires minimized body roll through corners. The XC90's simplicity in driving dynamics, with limited customizable options, appealed to some drivers but might have been underwhelming for others.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV by the EPA, offered 37.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. It had a payload capacity of 1,050-1,230 pounds, depending on configuration. Towing capacity varied by model, with LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited grades towing up to 1,500 pounds, Adventure and TRD Off-Road models towing up to 3,500 pounds, RAV4 Hybrid models towing up to 1,750 pounds, and RAV4 Prime models towing up to 2,500 pounds.

Inside, the RAV4 was roomy and comfortable for four, with the front row offering ample legroom, hip room, shoulder room, and headroom. The middle seating position in the second row was less comfortable but manageable. The cabin featured numerous cupholders, bottle holders, a roomy glove compartment, and covered storage beneath the center armrest.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's front seats provided a peaceful and pleasant experience, but the minimalist design led to storage frustrations. There was limited cubby space for smaller items, and the USB port for phone charging was inconveniently located in the small center console bin. The second row was comfortable and spacious, but adjusting the seats was challenging. The XC90 came standard with a second-row bench seat for seven-passenger seating, with an option to remove the middle seat for captain's chairs and six-passenger seating, though this required an upgrade to the B6 engine.

Accessing the third row was difficult with the middle seat in place, and space in the third row was limited. The XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in position, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. This cargo capacity fell short compared to competitors like the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, Genesis GV80, and Acura MDX.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Wi-Fi Connect. Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and streaming audio were standard. XLE models and above upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen, while Premium Audio setups on Limited models and the RAV4 Prime XSE included an 11-speaker JBL audio system and navigation.

The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced technology with five USB ports, two 12-volt/120-watt auxiliary power outlets, an available 120-volt/1,500-watt AC power outlet, blue ambient illumination, a Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging pad, an available bird’s-eye view camera system, and a 10-inch color head-up display.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, with Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant as standard features. The 12.3-inch driver information display also showed Google Maps. Natural-language recognition via Google Assistant enhanced the user experience, and owners could issue commands to the XC90 via Google Home devices.

However, Volvo's reliance on the touchscreen interface for key functions could be frustrating. The minimalist design meant fewer physical controls, requiring users to interact with the screen for tasks like adjusting the heated steering wheel or driver’s seat position. While these frustrations might fade with daily use, they could be a challenge during a test drive.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota’s Star Safety System, including enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. It also featured LATCH child-seat anchors, child-guard locks, Safety Connect, and eight airbags. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, standard on all RAV4 models, included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road sign assist. Higher grades added a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking assist. The 2022 RAV4 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick and received a five-star rating from NHTSA.

The 2023 Volvo XC90, known for its safety, carried a five-star rating from NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS. It featured adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which maintained distance from the car ahead and supported lane-keeping from a standstill to highway speed. These safety technologies were standard on the 2023 XC90.