2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

Volvo had executed some subtle styling changes for the 2022 XC60 model year. The new front fascia incorporated “air blades” – vertical elements on either side of the grille that imparted the XC60 a slightly sportier stance. The rear bumper design was reworked to hide the tailpipes, giving it a cleaner look, and all models received new wheel designs. The front grille was also redesigned, embedding sensors for driver-assist systems behind the heated Volvo logo to ensure functionality in cold weather.

The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with models like the XC90, S90, S60, V90 Cross Country, and V60 Cross Country, providing a consistent design language across these vehicles.

Inside, the XC60 retained its clean interior design dominated by a large portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter, save for the new digital instrument cluster. Specific trims like the B6 R-Design featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats that added a bit of flair, although overall, the interior remained somewhat subdued compared to other Volvo models. The Inscription trim included Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, adding a touch of luxury.

Toyota had been offering the RAV4 to American consumers since 1996 as a compact SUV alternative to larger SUVs. Over the years, the RAV4 matured through five generations into a well-rounded crossover SUV, making it a best-seller. The 2022 RAV4, an update from the 2019 redesign, often found itself leading the SUV sales charts in the U.S.

Despite its historical distinctiveness, the 2022 RAV4's exterior followed the general trend in modern crossover design. Close inspection revealed its unique styling cues – angular wheel arches, crisp lines, expressive headlights, and a snub-nosed grille that, together with the lower fascia, formed a playful yet aggressive face. Toyota’s customary fit-and-finish gave the exterior an elevated quality.

Inside, the RAV4 presented a layered dashboard with contrasting textures and colors, centered around a touchscreen interface. The geometric patterns mimicking circuit boards tied the cabin's design together, while the Adventure-trim featured 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels.

Volvo replaced its previous T5 and T6 powertrains in the 2022 XC60 with new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid systems. Both setups combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and an integrated starter generator capable of delivering 13 hp bursts. The B6 added an electric supercharger to the mix.

The B5 powertrain produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B5 featured standard FWD with an AWD option, whereas the B6 came with AWD only.

The transition to these powertrains came with a slight dip in output and acceleration. The XC60 B5 could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds for FWD), with the B6 achieving the same in 5.9 seconds. When test-driven, the B6 R-Design provided smooth power delivery and a pleasant driving experience, focusing on comfort and luxury rather than sporty performance. However, the XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid reached up to 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered variant increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

The Toyota RAV4 provided three powertrain choices. The gasoline model featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, available with an 8-speed automatic transmission and FWD, with AWD as an option. Fuel economy ranged from 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined for FWD, and 25-27 mpg city/32-34 mpg highway/28-30 mpg combined for AWD.

The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor for 219 hp, achieving 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid, the performance standout, had a total output of 302 hp, achieving 40 mpg city/36 mpg highway/38 mpg combined and an electric-only range of 42 miles with an efficiency of 94 MPGe combined.

The gasoline Adventure AWD model was a solid performer for daily driving, providing immediate power delivery without turbo lag and a smooth eight-speed transmission. For both hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, their performance and fuel efficiency left little room for criticism. All RAV4 models featured car-like handling, making them appealing to a broad range of drivers. AWD models came with enhanced features for road condition adaptations, ensuring a comfortable and controlled ride.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 retained its competitive passenger space dimensions within its market segment. The front seats boasted above-average headroom, though rear-seat headroom was tied for the worst in the segment with the Audi Q5. Both rows offered average legroom.

In terms of cargo capacity, the mild-hybrid XC60 variants provided 21.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them folded. The plug-in hybrid models were slightly reduced to 21.1 and 49.3 cubic feet, respectively. This cargo space puts the XC60 below many of its similarly-sized luxury counterparts.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4’s practical design allowed it to fit up to 37.5 cubic feet of cargo behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded flat, providing a significant advantage over the XC60. Its payload capacity ranged from 1,050 to 1,230 pounds depending on the configuration. RAV4 towing capacities varied: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited trims could tow up to 1,500 pounds, while Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims could tow up to 3,500 pounds. The RAV4 Hybrid could tow up to 1,750 pounds, and the RAV4 Prime could manage up to 2,500 pounds.

The RAV4’s interior was roomy, comfortably seating four adults, and occasionally five. Multiple storage solutions throughout the cabin provided practical usability, including door pockets, cup holders, and large storage compartments.

The 2022 XC60 received a technology overhaul. The 9-inch touchscreen now ran on the Android Automotive operating system, complemented by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Additional tech options included a head-up display and upgraded audio systems from Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins.

Volvo's new infotainment system featured Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and the ability for Android users to sync their profiles with the car. The setup allowed for over-the-air software updates, making it future-proof. However, while iPhone compatibility was assured, the enhanced functionality benefited Google-centric users more.

Toyota's RAV4 technology varied by trim. Base models offered a 7-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio, and compatibility with Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay, supported by Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Wi-Fi Connect trials. Bluetooth was also standard.

Upgraded trims featured a 9-inch touchscreen (with Audio Plus), an 11-speaker JBL system, and navigation on Limited and RAV4 Prime XSE models. Notably, the RAV4 Prime came with numerous USB ports, power outlets, ambient lighting, a wireless charging pad, and additional safety visibility options like the bird’s-eye view camera.

The 2022 XC60’s safety credentials were anticipated based on the 2021 model, which earned top marks. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. New features for 2022 included the Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Optional was the Pilot Assist system for advanced cruise control and lane-keeping.

Toyota’s 2022 RAV4 also boasted comprehensive safety equipment. Standard safety included the Star Safety System, Safety Connect, and eight airbags. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 provided further driver assists like adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and road sign assist. Higher trims additionally included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking assist. The 2022 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid achieved top safety scores from the IIHS and NHTSA, while the RAV4 Prime earned the IIHS' highest distinction.

The 2022 XC60’s safety credentials were anticipated based on the 2021 model, which earned top marks. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. New features for 2022 included the Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Optional was the Pilot Assist system for advanced cruise control and lane-keeping.

Toyota’s 2022 RAV4 also boasted comprehensive safety equipment. Standard safety included the Star Safety System, Safety Connect, and eight airbags. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 provided further driver assists like adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and road sign assist. Higher trims additionally included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking assist. The 2022 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid achieved top safety scores from the IIHS and NHTSA, while the RAV4 Prime earned the IIHS' highest distinction.