2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

The 2023 Volvo XC40 maintained its distinctive, flat-roofed profile, embodying Volvo’s clean design language. Updates for 2023 included new pixelated “Thor’s Hammer” headlights, a more angular front bumper, and fresh wheel designs. The XC40 Recharge featured a new sealed-off grille. Inside, the minimalist design continued with thin air vents, dual-zone automatic climate control, and optional leather upholstery. Our test vehicle, the XC40 Ultimate, included a panoramic moonroof and an Orrefors crystal shift knob, though the all-black interior felt somewhat utilitarian.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered six trim levels, from the budget-friendly LE to the luxurious Limited. The Adventure trim, which we tested, featured a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and orange interior accents. The RAV4’s interior included a frameless rearview mirror and a practical center console. The LE and XLE trims had fabric seats, while the XLE Premium upgraded to synthetic leather. Heated and ventilated front seats were available, along with dual-zone climate control on all but the base trim.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, featuring a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator. The base B4 powertrain combined this system with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 197 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. The B5 model offered a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo-four, rated at 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B4 being FWD-only and the B5 AWD-only. The B4 and B5 models accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 and 6.1 seconds, respectively. The XC40 Recharge, with its two electric motors, produced 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and an EPA-rated 223-mile range.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the RAV4’s acceleration was not particularly exciting, it was adequate for most driving situations. The Adventure trim featured 19-inch wheels with all-season tires, while the TRD Off-Road trim had 18-inch wheels with Falken All-Terrain tires and a TRD-tuned suspension. The RAV4 Hybrid and Prime models were exclusively AWD, with the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims also defaulting to AWD.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while compact, offered reasonable space for its class. It tied with the BMW X1 for most rear-seat headroom and was only slightly behind the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class in front-seat headroom. Legroom was average, but generous shoulder room contributed to a spacious feel. Cargo space measured 20 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 46.9 cubic feet with them folded. The XC40 also featured good interior storage, with large door carve-outs and a spacious center console.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 seated five and provided 37.7 inches of front headroom and 39.5 inches in the rear. Front legroom was 41 inches, while the second row offered 37.8 inches. The RAV4’s cargo space was 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The interior included practical storage options, such as a shelf running the length of the glove compartment and large door pockets. The front-row center cupholders and lever-style gear shifter added to the vehicle’s rugged appeal.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 featured an Android-based infotainment system with Google apps, including Google Maps and Google Assistant. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 9-inch touchscreen were standard, with a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system available on higher trims. The system’s graphics were pleasing, but users who preferred Apple products might find the Google integration less satisfying. The lack of analog controls meant that most functions were accessed through the touchscreen.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen standard and a 10.5-inch screen for Limited and TRD Off-Road trims. The system supported over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Our RAV4 Adventure tester featured the upgraded multimedia system with an 11-speaker JBL audio system. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a 12.3-inch version available on higher trims.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, traffic sign recognition, rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. Higher trims added front and side parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist. The XC40 received top ratings from the IIHS in most crash tests but dropped to “Acceptable” in the updated side-impact test. The NHTSA awarded the gasoline XC40 a five-star overall safety rating.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 included standard safety features such as lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. The TSS 2.5 suite of advanced driver-assistance systems was also standard, featuring Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with top scores in most crash tests.