Volvo XC40 vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2023 Volvo XC40, though already a few years on the market, continued to stand out with its distinctive appearance. It maintained Volvo’s contemporary design language, characterized by a flat-roofed profile embodying a true SUV spirit. The clean exterior design was noteworthy for its lack of unnecessary details. In line with Volvo's pro-electrification philosophy, gasoline models featured hidden tailpipes, while fog lights came standard on Plus and Ultimate trims.

Volvo had made some subtle yet impactful updates to the XC40's exterior for 2023. The "Thor’s Hammer" headlights now sported a pixelated look. The front bumper received a more angular design, and new wheel designs were added to the options list. Even owners of current XC40 models would likely need a keen eye to spot these differences. However, the 2023 XC40 Recharge was set apart by a new sealed-off grille borrowed from the C40 Recharge.

Riding on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, the XC40 shared its underpinnings with the C40 Recharge and Polestar 2, making it the only CMA-based model in the U.S. available with a combustion engine.

Inside, the XC40 showcased a minimalist aesthetic. Features like thin air vents framing the central touchscreen and scalloped elements enclosing the door handles and speaker grilles added to its appeal. Standard amenities included dual-zone automatic climate control, with an optional air purifier. Leather upholstery was available for combustion variants, while vegan leather was reserved for Recharge models.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, redesigned in 2019, abandoned its softer crossover style for a more robust and blocky look. Drawing inspiration from Toyota's truck lineup, the trapezoidal grille added a sense of heft, flanked by bevelled, angular bodywork. While initially a significant shift, other automakers later adopted similar designs, as seen in the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50.

The angular motif extended to the interior, featuring a multi-tiered dashboard adorned with bevelled cutouts for visual interest. The RAV4 Hybrid's basic layout was consistent with vehicles of the era, with an infotainment touchscreen positioned atop the dash and a good number of physical buttons and knobs for primary controls.

Material quality was average for its class and price, with ample hard plastics and lightly padded contact surfaces. Certain trims surprisingly featured a downmarket urethane steering wheel and center armrest, which felt rubbery and cheap to the touch. Fortunately, higher trims included leather coverings. Build quality was commendable, with no detectable creaks or squeaks while driving over rough terrain.

A vital change for the 2023 Volvo XC40 was the introduction of mild-hybrid powertrains. This update reflected Volvo's commitment to electrification across its U.S. lineup. The mild-hybrid system incorporated a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator. This system assisted the gasoline engine, enhanced the engine start/stop feature for improved fuel economy, and smoothed out power delivery gaps.

Two versions of this setup were available. The base B4 powertrain combined the mild-hybrid system with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 197 hp and 221 pound-feet of torque. The B5 variant offered a more potent 2.0-liter turbo-four, delivering 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard across both trims. The B4 was front-wheel-drive (FWD) only, while the B5 came with all-wheel drive (AWD).

Volvo claimed the B4 and B5 models could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds and 6.1 seconds, respectively, faster than comparable Audi Q3 models. The B5 test vehicle demonstrated decent acceleration, though the initial pressure on the accelerator pedal made smooth starts challenging. Once in motion, the electric assist and turbo boost ensured ample power. The XC40 was electronically limited to a top speed of 112 mph for safety reasons.

What truly distinguished the XC40 was its refinement. Handling was composed in corners, and it absorbed bumps exceptionally well, giving it an air of calm and sophistication not often found in similar-sized crossovers. While not sporty, it stood out from mainstream brands like Hyundai, Toyota, and Volkswagen. The lack of a sport driving mode was notable, but an option to increase steering firmness was available, though we found it unnecessary.

The XC40 Recharge took things up a notch, with dual electric motors producing a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, enabling a zero to 60 mph sprint in just 4.7 seconds. It boasted a 223-mile EPA-rated range and a best-in-class towing capacity of 4,409 pounds, compared to 3,500 pounds for the B5 AWD version.

In comparison, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor/generator. This setup, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), delivered power to the front wheels. An additional electric motor positioned between the rear axles provided AWD. Together, the system produced 219 horsepower and accelerated the RAV4 Hybrid to 60 mph in a commendable 7.5 seconds. Most drivers rarely needed to floor the accelerator unless tackling steep highway ramps.

The Hybrid powertrain was notably quicker than the standard RAV4 by about half a second, while the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid achieved a remarkable 5.5-second sprint to 60 mph. Within the compact hybrid SUV segment, the Kia Sportage hybrid closely matched the RAV4 Hybrid's performance, while the Honda CR-V Hybrid clocked in at eight seconds.

The braking system operated seamlessly, with initial pedal pressure typically engaging regenerative braking to recharge the hybrid battery. Under more intense stops or when coming to a full stop, physical brakes were activated, but this transition was almost imperceptible.

The suspension system effectively smoothed out moderate bumps and potholes while providing confident cornering. While not sporty, it offered a balanced driving experience that would appeal to most drivers, like its competitors. The RAV4 Hybrid’s driving dynamics didn’t excite but were satisfactory, mirroring the approach of rivals in prioritizing ease and comfort.

Despite being marketed as SUVs, vehicles like the 2023 Volvo XC40 were generally more suited for solo commuting rather than family carpooling. For greater practicality, one would look to the larger XC60 and XC90 crossovers or their V60 and V90 wagon counterparts.

Among its class, the XC40 was reasonably spacious. It matched the redesigned 2023 BMW X1 for most rear-seat headroom while front-seat headroom was just a fraction of an inch shy of the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Legroom in both rows was about average, but generous shoulder room contributed to a more spacious feel, allowing possible use of the second-row middle seat without forcing passengers to squeeze uncomfortably.

The XC40 offered 20 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 46.9 cubic feet with them folded, which was less than the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. Nevertheless, it included a standard power tailgate and keyless entry for Plus and Ultimate models.

Interior storage was commendable, with scalloped door panels providing extra flexibility for bottles or handbags. The center console storage bin and phone tray were generously sized considering the interior’s dimensions.

Conversely, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered spacious front seats for larger passengers with rear seats accommodating average-sized adults comfortably. Despite slightly more rear headroom compared to the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage, it fell short in legroom, though the differences were minimal. Installing a rear-facing infant seat might necessitate moving the front seat up for additional room. Rear seat cushions set a bit low could leave taller passengers desiring more thigh support on long journeys.

Behind the rear seats, the RAV4 Hybrid provided up to 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space, only marginally smaller than the non-hybrid RAV4. Unlike some hybrids that sacrifice cargo space for battery placement, the RAV4 Hybrid avoided this compromise. Comparatively, the Honda CR-V offered 39.5 cubic feet and the Kia Sportage measured 39.3 cubic feet, showcasing minimal differences. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, although shorter riders might struggle to reach them.

Interior storage was an area where the RAV4 Hybrid shone. It featured a wide shelf in the dashboard for the front passenger and a phone tray in front of the center console. An optional wireless charging pad could be added, although availability was uncertain due to the ongoing chip shortage. Additionally, the RAV4 Hybrid sported large cupholders accommodating oversized drinks and a spacious center armrest bin. Door pockets were relatively average in size.

For 2023, the gasoline-powered Volvo XC40 models received the Android-based infotainment system first seen on the XC40 Recharge in 2021. This system replaced generic apps with Google services, including Google Maps for navigation and Google Assistant for voice recognition. It felt like having Android Auto in operation at all times, though Apple CarPlay and basic Bluetooth support were available.

Standard tech features included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch touchscreen in Volvo’s iconic portrait orientation. Our B5 Ultimate test vehicle also included a 13-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system with an air-ventilated subwoofer and USB-C ports for each row.

The infotainment experience in the XC40 mirrored other Volvo models equipped with the Android system. While the graphics were pleasing, users favoring Apple products might find the system less satisfying. The minimalist design meant a lack of analog controls, relying heavily on the touchscreen for most functions. Volvo even integrated steering firmness adjustments into the touchscreen menu.

In contrast, Toyota’s 2023 RAV4 Hybrid featured an upgraded infotainment system, marking a significant improvement from previous iterations. The touchscreen graphics were modern and sharp, with logically arranged menus. Positioned atop the dashboard, the screen reduced distraction. Most trims came with an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.5-inch touchscreen. The base display's small on-screen buttons required precision to press accurately.

All RAV4 models featured standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional wireless charging pad. The system supported over-the-air software updates, ensuring features remained current. Connectivity included a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote vehicle monitoring and control. Higher trims enjoyed a fully digital instrument panel and a more powerful 11-speaker JBL audio system, compared to the standard six-speaker system.

Volvo’s reputation for safety was evident in the XC40’s comprehensive list of standard safety features. Luxury brands often skimped on these, but the XC40 included lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, traffic sign recognition, rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The front seats were designed to prevent whiplash.

The Plus trim added front parking sensors, while the Ultimate trim included side parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist, which could control steering, acceleration, and braking on highways as a hands-on system. While most competitors didn’t standardize adaptive cruise control, it was surprising that Volvo didn’t either, given its safety-first philosophy.

Pilot Assist in the XC40 offered slightly smoother automated lane centering than similar systems but had a tendency to hug the right side of the lane. The 360-degree camera had a fishbowl effect, making it less useful.

The 2023 XC40 received a top “Good” rating in most IIHS crash tests, though it scored “Acceptable” in the updated side-impact test. It achieved “Superior” and “Advanced” ratings for front crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle and daytime vehicle-to-pedestrian tests, respectively. The NHTSA awarded the gasoline XC40 a five-star overall safety rating, though the XC40 Recharge had not been rated.

The NHTSA gave the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid five stars for overall and side crash protection, and four stars for frontal and rollover crash tests. The IIHS rated it "Good" in all tests except for new moderate overlap frontal and side-impact tests, where it scored "Acceptable". It earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick honor.

Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5 suite was standard on all 2023 RAV4 Hybrid models, including forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The XLE trim added a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alerts. The Limited trim featured front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking when reversing. Optional features included a surround-view camera system and a digital rearview mirror.

During our testing, the RAV4’s safety systems performed reliably without false alarms. The adaptive cruise control was notably smooth with both throttle and brake inputs.