Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs Cadillac XT4

The 2020 Cadillac XT4, with its Premium Luxury trim, presented a sophisticated yet sporty appearance. It featured front-wheel drive, Silver Radiant metallic paint, and 20-inch aluminum wheels, contributing to its visual appeal. The XT4's exterior design was crisp and tailored, though it suffered from an excessive front overhang typical of front-drive platforms. Inside, the cabin was pleasant, with competitive quality materials, though some elements, like the plain black trim around the power window controls, detracted from its luxury feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, despite being fully loaded, maintained a more utilitarian appearance. It lacked the larger wheels of its non-hybrid counterpart and would have benefited from an Adventure trim level. The RAV4 Hybrid's design was tough yet understated, with a need for bolder wheels. Inside, it was stylish and practical, with a mix of impressive materials and glossy hard plastics. A rattle from the license plate was a minor annoyance, but overall, the interior was functional and comfortable.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a lively driving experience, though front-wheel slip and torque steer were issues without the optional twin-clutch AWD system. The nine-speed automatic transmission offered smooth shifts but hesitated to downshift in Tour mode. The XT4's ride was a mixed bag, with good steering effort in Tour mode but an artificially heavy feel in Sport mode. The oversized wheels provided impressive grip, but the suspension struggled with speed humps and smaller bumps.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, generating 219 horsepower. The hybrid system delivered lively acceleration, though the engine sounded unpleasant when revved. The RAV4 Hybrid achieved an impressive 39.7 mpg on testing. Its CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's suspension design and Active Cornering Assist system provided a comfortable ride, though the tires lacked grip. The SUV handled well on winding roads, but its driving dynamics were more suited to efficiency than excitement.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 offered a comfortable interior with soft leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed heated seats and ample legroom, though the seat cushion lacked support. The XT4's air conditioning system was highly effective, and the cabin featured ample storage space. However, cargo space was limited, with 22.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat legroom and foot space were decent, with a reclining backrest for added comfort. The dashboard was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. The RAV4 Hybrid offered generous storage, including dashboard shelves and rear-seat amenities. Cargo space was ample, with 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 featured an improved Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, with multiple interaction methods, though the screen could be larger. The optional 13-speaker Bose audio system provided a satisfying listening experience. However, the test vehicle lacked some advanced features like a head-up display and a rear camera mirror.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered a choice of infotainment systems, with the top-tier version featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and dynamic navigation. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The dynamic voice recognition was generally effective, though it couldn't adjust climate settings. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered advanced camera-based technology, including a 360-degree surround-view camera system.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 came with standard safety features like forward-collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and a vibrating Safety Alert Seat. Premium Luxury trim added blind-spot warning and lane-change warning systems. However, adaptive cruise control was only available with the Driver Assist Package. The XT4 received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not completed all testing.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning were standard on most trims. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.