2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2023 Volvo XC90

Stylistically, the 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand’s utilitarian past. Volvo, previously known for its boxy and rudimentary designs, utterly transformed its approach to aesthetics with a vehicle that appeared both purposeful and sophisticated. The front end of the XC90 exuded a stout and solid aura without coming across as flashy or ostentatious. The grille maintained an assertive presence, achieving a balance without veering into the realm of gaudiness. Volvo’s hallmark “Thor’s Hammer” headlights provided a modern touch, starkly different from the ho-hum designs of the brand’s 1980s and 1990s models. Although the XC90 adhered to rectilinear dimensions and shapes, it had moved far from being the aesthetic equivalent of a household appliance.

Our test vehicle—a 2023 XC90 AWD Ultimate trim—stood out with its 21-inch wheels and low-profile Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires, offering a dramatic flair to the otherwise stoic design. The Platinum Gray paint, nuanced with brown undertones especially under direct sunlight, added richness and depth.

The interior of the XC90 was equally impressive. With a design that fused elegance and simplicity, the steering wheel’s two-tone leather and three-spoke design were commendable. Features like the metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery elevated the cabin’s ambiance. Tasteful wood deco inlays and minimalistic controls enhanced the refined and serene atmosphere. However, the minimal physical controls could sometimes feel like a double-edged sword, as the interior's cleanliness came at the expense of convenience.

Conversely, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid adopted a hefty and chunky design ethos beginning with its 2019 redesign. The front grille borrowed elements from Toyota’s truck lineup, injecting a sense of robustness, while the surrounding beveled bodywork framed the headlights effectively. This angular theme extended into the interior, which featured a multi-tiered dashboard enhanced by beveled cutouts.

While the Toyota’s materials quality was average for its price range, hard plastics dominated. However, lightly padded touchpoints ensured a more user-friendly experience. One oversight in the base model and new Woodland trim was the cheaply-feeling urethane steering wheel, which felt particularly downmarket. Fortunately, higher trims featured leather-wrapped versions. Solid build quality with no creaks or squeaks contributed positively to the overall feel.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 saw a shift in its powertrain options with the introduction of the new B5 and B6 engines, iterations of the previous T5 and T6 but equipped with mild-hybrid technology. This advancement sacrificed marginal horsepower and torque in favor of smoother operation and slight fuel economy improvements.

The B5 powertrain employed a turbocharger alongside a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the B6—which was part of our test vehicle—combined a supercharger and turbocharger for a total of 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Although these mild hybrids couldn’t drive on electricity alone, they offered benefits over traditional gas engines, such as an almost imperceptible auto stop-start feature thanks to the electrical system.

The XC90 provided a restrained yet enjoyable driving experience. Its big wheels reduced body roll, and the eight-speed automatic transmission operated seamlessly. Wind and road noise were minimal, and the brakes delivered a confident, solid feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid opted for a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor/generator. This combination, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and an additional electric motor at the rear axle for all-wheel drive, delivered 219 horsepower. Acceleration to 60 mph was achieved in 7.5 seconds, making it about half a second quicker than the standard RAV4.

The RAV4 Hybrid’s brakes smoothly transitioned from regenerative braking to conventional braking, while the suspension provided a comfortable ride over bumps and potholes. Although it wasn't particularly sporty, the RAV4 Hybrid offered competent and confident cornering.

Sitting in the 2023 Volvo XC90 evoked a sense of peace and elegance, thanks to its Scandinavian minimalist design. However, the minimalist approach came at a cost—limited cubby space. There was no dedicated space for a cell phone, and while there was a small cubby ahead of the tandem-oriented cupholders, it wasn’t expressly for phone storage. Additionally, the USB port for phone connectivity was inconveniently located in the small center console bin.

Though the XC90’s second row was comfortable and spacious, adjusting the seats was complicated. The standard configuration included a second-row bench for seven passengers, but opting for captain's chairs and a six-passenger setup required an upgrade to the B6 engine and a $500 cost. Access to the third row was challenging, and once inside, the space was limited.

In terms of cargo, the XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet with all seats in position. This expanded to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and maxed out at 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down, falling short compared to the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, Genesis GV80, and Acura MDX.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered ample space for larger passengers in the front seats and comfortably accommodated average-sized adults in the rear. Although rear headroom was marginally better than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage, legroom was slightly less generous.

Cargo options were solid, with 37.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, barely less than the non-hybrid RAV4 and comparable to the CR-V and Sportage Hybrids. One standout feature of the RAV4 Hybrid was the excellent interior storage, including a wide dashboard shelf, a phone tray, and large cupholders capable of holding oversized beverages. Door pockets and a large center armrest bin also contributed to its functional interior.

The XC90’s tech mirrored its interior—elegant yet with potential frustrations. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, running Google OS, looked sleek and was packed with features like Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant. Despite the advantages of this integration, Volvo had tucked too many key functions within the touchscreen interface, leading to some operational challenges. Turning on the heated steering wheel or adjusting the driver’s seat required interacting with the screen, which wasn’t always ideal.

For the 2023 model year, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced a much-improved infotainment system. Modern graphics and logical menu arrangements enhanced usability. Available in either 8.0-inch or 10.5-inch variations, the touchscreen was conveniently placed atop the dashboard. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with options for wireless charging and over-the-air software updates. Higher trims boasted a fully digital instrument panel and a premium 11-speaker JBL system, an upgrade from the standard six-speaker setup.

Volvo’s legacy of safety innovation was clearly evident in the 2023 XC90. Highlighted by inventions like the 3-point seat belt, Volvo had always prioritized safety. The XC90 carried a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS in 2022. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, all of which performed exceptionally well.

Likewise, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was highly regarded for its safety. It earned five stars for overall and side crash protection from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5 suite, standard on all RAV4 models, encompassed technologies such as forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring, parking proximity sensors, and optional surround-view cameras. The system’s performance was reliable and without any false alarms.