2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

Volvo had come a long way from its boxy cars and wagons of the past decades. The brand maintained its family-friendly, safety-oriented image while moving upscale, nearing the luxury class. After Ford sold Volvo to China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new vehicle platforms, leading to today's lineup of sedans and crossover SUVs. The original XC90, launched in 2003, received updates until 2015. The 2016 model marked the debut of the current XC90, Volvo's flagship SUV, built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform.

The 2022 XC90 had a striking stance and sleek profile, with a body seemingly tilted forward, ready to launch. Its long roofline and pronounced wheel arches emphasized athleticism, while the snub nose recalled the classic 245 wagon's upright grille. The interior, described as "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featured natural wood and metal trim, a sliding wood tambor cover on the center console, and a clear crystal gear selector handle. Volvo offered both Nappa leather and a "tailored wool blend" upholstery, with our test car featuring leather seats, which proved comfortable during a week of high temperatures and humidity.

The Toyota RAV4, launched in North America for the 1996 model year, quickly became a favorite among young buyers as a small alternative to larger SUVs. Over five generations, the RAV4 grew in size and sophistication, evolving from a "cute-ute" to a mature crossover SUV and sales leader. The 2022 RAV4, a continuation of the 2019 redesign, often topped the SUV sales charts in the United States.

The 2022 RAV4's exterior design blended with current crossover trends, but closer inspection revealed angular flourishes in the wheel arches and crisp lines contrasting with organic body-side shapes. The expressive headlights, snub-nosed grille, and grinning lower fascia openings created a playful yet aggressive look. Inside, the RAV4 featured a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by an uncomplicated center stack. The touchscreen interface was positioned for minimal driver distraction, and distinctive design cues, like a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern, tied the cabin together.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains. The T5 model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model had a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined the supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, achieving a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. T5 models were front-wheel drive (FWD) with optional all-wheel drive (AWD), while T6 and T8 models were AWD only. All XC90 models used an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The XC90 required Premium (91-octane) gasoline. The EPA estimated T5 FWD models at 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/25 mpg combined, and T5 AWD models at 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway/23 mpg combined. T6 AWD models were rated at 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway/22 mpg combined. The T8 achieved 27 mpg combined on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range. The extended-range variant had a 26 mpg combined gasoline rating, a 66 MPGe rating, and an EV range of up to 36 miles. Charging the battery from empty to full took about five hours at 240 volts (Level 2).

The XC90's driving experience was superb, handling like a smaller SUV despite its size. Body roll was minimal and controlled. Our test vehicle, a T8 Inscription extended range, offered spirited acceleration, with the electric motor providing early torque and smoothing power delivery. The XC90 was fun to drive, though not a hot rod.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains. The gasoline-only model used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with Toyota direct injection and variable valve timing, producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard, with FWD and optional AWD. 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 and a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, producing 217 combined net hp. The hybrid system included an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) and AWD. The RAV4 Hybrid's EPA fuel economy was 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined.

The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid, the most powerful option, combined a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gas engine with an 18.1-kilowatt-hour battery pack, producing 302 hp. It featured standard AWD and an eCVT. The Prime's EPA ratings were 40 mpg city/36 mpg highway/38 mpg combined, with an electric-only range of up to 42 miles and an efficiency rating of 94 MPGe combined. The Prime's battery could be recharged in 12 hours at 120 volts (Level 1), 4.5 hours at 240 volts (Level 2), or 2.5 hours at Level 2 with the optional 6.6-kW charger.

Our test vehicle, a gasoline Adventure AWD model, delivered adequate power for everyday driving and good highway performance. The naturally aspirated engine provided smooth and immediate power delivery, without turbo lag. The eight-speed transmission offered 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 for improved handling.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with captain's chairs or three-across seating in the second row. The third row was accessible with a one-handed slide and fold of the second row, suitable for kids but cramped for adults. The XC90 could carry up to 15.9 cubic feet of luggage behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on configuration and powertrain.

The XC90's interior featured ample storage, comfortable seating, and a spacious cabin, enhanced by a standard laminated panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well during a heat wave, providing a cool sanctuary from the weather.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV, offered 37.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the second row folded. 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 up to 3,500 pounds, RAV4 Hybrid models up to 1,750 pounds, and RAV4 Prime models up to 2,500 pounds.

The RAV4's interior was roomy and comfortable for four, with ample legroom, hip room, shoulder room, and headroom in the front row. The second-row split-folding bench seat could accommodate five passengers in a pinch. The cabin featured numerous cupholders, bottle holders, and storage compartments, including a roomy glove compartment and covered storage beneath the center armrest.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen interface. The system supported familiar smartphone gestures but was occasionally glitchy and slow. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with better performance when connected to an iPhone. The XC90 also had a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a head-up display, a 360-degree surround view camera system, and an advanced air cleaner.

The standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound system could be upgraded to a $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins system, offering surround sound staging and a sonic model of the Gothenburg Cathedral. The XC90 included two front USB-A ports, two rear USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a complimentary four-year subscription to the Volvo Care smartphone app.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a range of technology features, starting with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Wi-Fi Connect. Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and streaming audio were standard.

RAV4 XLE models and above upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen, while the Premium Audio setup on Limited models and the RAV4 Prime XSE included an 11-speaker JBL audio system and navigation. The RAV4 Prime featured 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, a bird’s-eye view camera system, and a 10-inch color head-up display.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued the brand's commitment to safety, featuring blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, slippery road alert, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for highway driving with minimal driver intervention. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 included Toyota’s Star Safety System, with 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, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road sign assist. Higher grades added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking assist. The RAV4 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick and NHTSA's five-star rating.