2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Volvo XC90

Stylistically, Volvo had progressed significantly by 2023. In the past, models such as the 240dl and the 700 series were known for their durability and safety but were never considered attractive. The 2023 Volvo XC90 had broken this mold entirely. It exuded purpose without being boastful. The front end appeared stout and solid without shouting for attention, while the grille was assertive and bold but avoided over-flashiness. The Thor’s Hammer-designed headlights added a modern flair, distancing the XC90 from the boxy aesthetic of earlier Volvos. The XC90’s proportion still leaned toward rectilinear shapes, but it certainly no longer resembled a toaster.

Our test vehicle, an all-wheel-drive (AWD) Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels clad in low-profile Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires, adding a touch of drama to the otherwise reserved XC90. The Platinum Gray paint, with subtle brown undertones visible in direct sunlight, introduced richness and depth, contributing to the vehicle’s refined appearance. However, Volvo’s signature palette remained fairly restrained, with options such as smoky blue, black, white, off-white, silver, and another shade of gray.

Inside, the XC90 was elegance personified. Its two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel was gorgeous, and the use of premium materials like metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery showcased an exquisite attention to detail. The cabin balanced minimalist Scandinavian design with touches like wood deco inlays for a touch of nature.

By contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 was rooted more in functional than luxurious aesthetics. Offered in six trim levels, it ranged from the affordable RAV4 LE to the more upscale RAV4 Limited, with Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims adding rugged appeal. The RAV4 Adventure itself made quite a visual statement; it moved the Toyota badge closer to the center of its aggressively styled grille, featured blacked-out wheels, more evident black cladding around the wheel arches, and a faux skid plate. However, unlike its TRD Off-Road sibling, which truly embraced off-road readiness, the Adventure was more of a poseur.

Inside, the RAV4 Adventure featured orange accents like a stripe down the seat center and contrast stitching, livening up an otherwise modest interior. A frameless rearview mirror lent a sense of premium quality absent in earlier RAV4s. The trim levels varied considerably in their interior materials, ranging from fabric seats in the LE and XLE to synthetic leather (SofTex) in the XLE Premium. Power-adjustable and heated front seats with two-position driver memory and heated rear seats were available in higher trims, contributing to a more comfortable ride. However, compared to the XC90, the RAV4's interior remained more utilitarian.

For 2023, the Volvo XC90 saw the introduction of two new engines—B5 and B6—replacing the older T5 and T6 models. Both iterations used a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine combined with mild-hybrid technology. The B5, turbocharged and powered by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The B6 borrowed its supercharger and turbo from the T6, offering 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Though the mild-hybrid’s electric motors didn’t drive the vehicle, they powered the 13-volt starter generator, influencing fuel-saving features like auto start-stop, which became nearly imperceptible.

Driving the XC90 was generally an enjoyable, if somewhat subdued, experience. The car rol had minimal body roll for its size, thanks to its big wheels and adept suspension system. It accelerated quickly, and the eight-speed automatic transmission performed seamlessly. Road and wind noise were impressively muted, likely due to superior insulation. Braking was solid and confidence-inspiring, although the XC90 did not include many off-road features. Apart from a manual shift feature and an off-road mode, it remained a straightforward, easy-to-drive vehicle, which some drivers might find either refreshingly simple or underwhelming. Even during a New Hampshire snowstorm, the XC90 navigated confidently through unplowed interstate highways.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided functional rather than thrilling performance. While the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims stood out with standard AWD, the RAV4’s front-wheel drive (FWD) was available on most other trims. The transmission, although preferable to CVTs in other competitors, did little to boost acceleration, leaving the RAV4’s performance nearer to adequate than exciting. Additionally, the engine was noisier than competitors like the Subaru Forester.

The RAV4 Adventure’s 19-inch wheels, with all-season tires, and shared suspension with other RAV4 models illustrated its limited off-road pedigree. Only the TRD Off-Road trim, with its unique 18-inch wheels, Falken All-Terrain tires, TRD-tuned suspension, and specialized shocks, truly embodied off-road readiness. For most trims, the vehicle’s performance was solid but uninspired.

The 2023 Volvo XC90, despite its elegant front seats and delightful driving experience, had its share of practical shortcomings. Scandinavian minimalism extended to the car's storage spaces, making them limited. For instance, there was no dedicated space for a cell phone, and USB ports were inconveniently located in the small center console bin. While the second row offered a comfortable and reasonably spacious seating experience, accessing the third row was cumbersome. With seven-passenger seating standard, converting to six-passenger seating with captains’ chairs required an additional $500 and an upgrade to the B6 engine.

The third-row offered some space, but not ample. Cargo capacity was practical yet not class-leading, with 12.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. These figures fell short compared to models like the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, Genesis GV80, and Acura MDX. Overall, the XC90 was smaller in size but drove better than many three-row SUVs.

In the 2023 Toyota RAV4, seating and storage were more in line with competitors. The vehicle provided 37.7 inches of headroom in the front row and 39.5 inches in the rear, which was more rear headroom but less front than the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. Legroom was 41 inches in the front and 37.8 inches in the back, competitive with the CR-V but less generous than both CR-V and Forester in the back. While the rear seat was narrower, the plentiful front-seat storage—like a shelf above the glove compartment and spacious door pockets—compensated somewhat.

The RAV4 excelled in cargo space, offering 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing Mazda CX-5 but trailing Honda CR-V. It had side-by-side center cupholders and a lever-style gear shifter to enhance its rugged appeal.

Volvo XC90’s technology suite was impressive but had its quirks. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, vertically positioned, featured Google OS as standard. This system integrated Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant directly into the vehicle. Natural-language recognition, courtesy of Google, enhanced everyday usability, while Google Home device integration allowed for unique vehicular commands from a household setting. However, the reliance on touchscreen controls at the expense of physical buttons could be frustrating, necessitating manual adjustments for features like the heated steering wheel or driver’s seat position. Daily use of such a system would likely become more intuitive over time.

Toyota’s 2023 RAV4 took significant strides with its upgraded infotainment system. An 8.0-inch touchscreen became standard, while Limited and TRD Off-Road trims received a 10.5-inch upgrade, all equipped with OTA updates. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard features, along with voice command capabilities. Our Adventure trim included the upgraded multimedia system, featuring a 10.5-inch screen, an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system, and standard 7-inch driver-information display, with the Limited trim incorporating a 12.3-inch version available also for TRD Off-Road variants.

Volvo’s legacy in safety was evident in the 2023 XC90, with foundational milestones like the 1959 invention and open sharing of the 3-point seat belt contributing to today's universal safety standards. Modern models maintained this ethos, with the XC90 earning a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2022. Standard advanced driver safety technologies included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist, all contributing to a safe and stress-free driving experience.

For Toyota RAV4, 2023 saw the inclusion of updated Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. Standard features now encompassed lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, plus adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was available starting from the XLE trim. The RAV4’s advanced safety system extended to Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, providing adaptive cruise capabilities below 20 mph. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, reflecting excellent crash-test performance.