Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs Volvo XC60

When considering the 2023 Volvo XC60, buyers had three powertrain options. The XC60 B5 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine incorporating 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. Meanwhile, the XC60 B6 employed a turbocharged, supercharged, and mild-hybrid engine, both featuring standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

A more advanced choice was the XC60 Recharge, utilizing a turbocharged plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. It operated a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder gas engine for the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, an 18.8-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery powered a rear electric motor, yielding an estimated 35 miles of electric driving before switching to hybrid mode.

In terms of pricing, the 2023 Volvo XC60 ranged from just under $46,000 to over $76,000, destination charge included. Trim levels for that year were Core, Plus, Ultimate, and the PHEV-exclusive Polestar Engineered, available with Bright or Dark exterior themes.

The test vehicle was a Recharge model with the Ultimate package and Dark exterior theme. Enhancements included Thunder Grey paint, the Climate Package (offering a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats), air suspension, and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system. The MSRP was $74,690, inclusive of the $1,095 destination fee.

Stationed on 20-inch wheels, the XC60 Recharge radiated aesthetic appeal with its Thunder Grey exterior and blacked-out trim. Volvo's longstanding reputation as a design leader remained evident, with the vehicle aging gracefully.

Internally, the XC60 continued to embrace a minimalist Scandinavian design, creating a luxurious and opulent cabin. While it took time to familiarize oneself with the controls, the black leather interior—complemented by tasteful wood trim, metal accents, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and an Orrefors crystal gear selector knob in the Ultimate package—exuded luxury.

Conversely, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, redesigned in 2019, shifted away from its former softer crossover styling to adopt a robust, blocky appearance. The trapezoidal grille drew inspiration from Toyota's truck line, surrounded by beveled, angled bodywork framing the headlights. Initially striking, this new design motif was soon mirrored by many other automakers like Honda's CR-V and Mazda's CX-50.

This angular exterior theme seamlessly transitioned to the RAV4 Hybrid's interior, featuring a multi-tiered dashboard with beveled cutouts for a visual appeal. The arrangement was conventional for vehicles of that period, with an infotainment touchscreen mounted aloft and numerous physical buttons and knobs for essential control.

Material quality hovered around the class average but leaned more towards durable hard plastics. Points frequently touched, however, were lightly padded. Oddly, both the base model and the new Woodland trim excluded a leather-wrapped steering wheel and center armrest, opting for a downmarket urethane version. This resulted in a rubbery feel, which detracted from the overall driving experience, although other trims provided a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Fortunately, the build quality was robust, with no creaks or rattles over rough terrains.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge model housed a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine driving the front wheels using an eight-speed automatic transmission. The rear wheels were powered by an electric motor fueled by a battery pack providing up to 35 miles of electric range. Collectively, this setup generated an impressive 455 horsepower and 423 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

Via the 9-inch touchscreen display, several driving modes adjusted the XC60 Recharge’s dynamics. Users could toggle between Hybrid, Power, Pure, Off-road, and Constant AWD modes. Additionally, Auto, Hold, and Charge options were available for battery usage.

Performance-wise, the XC60 Recharge was exceptionally quick, reaching 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds—spearheading the brand's power capability. A more potent electric motor and marked improvements in torque-vectoring facilitated a fun driving experience.

During tests, the XC60 Recharge demonstrated versatility. In Pure mode, drivers achieved up to 38.3 miles of electric driving. Switching to Power mode highlighted the vehicle's sporty character, exhibiting reduced body roll and a more responsive feel. For mixed driving, the Pure and Hybrid modes yielded a soft, absorbent ride quality, with the one-pedal driving functionality further enhancing battery regeneration.

Fuel economy was solid, with an average of 54.6 mpg over a 65-mile test route. Utilizing Charge mode, the XC60 achieved 19.7 mpg while adding 20 miles of battery range over a 50.8-mile journey.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid powered forward with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor/generator. Managed by a continuously variable transmission (CVT), this combination drove the front wheels, while a second electric motor enabled all-wheel drive (AWD). Combined, they generated a respectable 219 horsepower, accelerating the vehicle to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. Although not swift enough to rival the XC60, it was competent for daily driving.

The RAV4 Hybrid delivered a seamless driving experience, with regenerative braking engaging initially before the physical brakes took over for complete stops. The suspension smoothed out most road imperfections and provided adequate cornering abilities. Unlike sportier rivals, the RAV4 Hybrid focused on comfort and practical driving dynamics.

In comparison tests, the RAV4 Hybrid outperformed its gas-only sibling in acceleration, while the plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime topped them all with a 5.5-second sprint to 60 mph. However, other rivals like the Kia Sportage hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid remained competitive in this segment.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, being a compact crossover SUV, ideally accommodated four passengers, though it could fit five if necessary. Volvo, known for its emphasis on comfort, provided exceptionally accommodating front seats. In the Ultimate trim, these seats were clad in plush Nappa leather, featuring heating, ventilation, and power cushion extensions for enhanced thigh support.

Rear seating mirrored the front in terms of comfort but offered limited legroom for taller passengers. The expansive panoramic sunroof and supportive seat cushions improved the overall feel. Heated rear seats added further appeal.

Cargo space in the XC60 was pragmatic. Though the console bin under the center armrest was small, other storage options like the center console trays, door bins, and glovebox were practical for everyday items. The XC60 provided 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Features like a netted compartment for the charging cord and adjustable air suspension for easier loading added to the vehicle's functionality, though there was no underfloor storage due to the battery pack.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's front seats offered ample room for larger occupants, while the rear seats comfortably fit average-sized adults. Slightly more rear headroom was available compared to the XC60, but legroom lagged behind. Despite these minor disparities, passengers enjoyed a comfortable ride, although taller individuals might desire better thigh support on longer trips.

Storage was more generous in the RAV4 Hybrid, with 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, only a fraction of a cubic foot smaller than the non-hybrid variant. This was commendable as the battery pack did not encroach on storage capacity. Folding the rear seats created a flat cargo floor, though accessing the seatbacks posed a challenge for shorter users.

Interior storage in the RAV4 Hybrid was excellent, with a wide shelf for the front passenger, a phone tray, and vast cupholders. The center armrest bin was notably large, and door pockets were average-sized. Despite the ongoing chip shortage affecting availability, the optional wireless charging pad provided additional convenience.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 came standard with a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel, operated via steering wheel controls. Despite some initial complexity, most users acclimated quickly. An easier-to-navigate 9-inch Google Built-in infotainment system offered four years of accessible features like Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play. It supported both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and Wi-Fi.

The vertical touchscreen, though smaller than some rivals, impressed with excellent graphics and a straightforward interface. Manual controls for volume and tuning enhanced usability. Voice recognition stood out for its accuracy, though it occasionally offered unsolicited additional information. Requests like "directions to" instead of "find" resolved such issues.

Test vehicle features included the optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system, priced at $3,200. Notably, the Ultimate trim’s Harman Kardon system typically sufficed for most users.

For 2023, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced a revitalized infotainment system boasting modern, crisp graphics and intuitive menu arrangements. The base model featured an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims upgraded to a larger 10.5-inch screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, though wireless charging remained optional.

The system offered over-the-air updates and connectivity, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote control features. Higher trims also benefited from a fully digital instrument panel. Standard audio included a six-speaker setup, with the top Limited trim offering an 11-speaker JBL audio system, enhancing the in-car auditory experience.

Volvo's reputation for safety was well-earned, rooted in innovations like the three-point seatbelt. Our tested 2023 XC60 Ultimate trim featured every available safety feature, including Pilot Assist. This advanced driver-assistance system seamlessly coupled adaptive cruise control and lane-centering on highways, requiring hands-on-wheel operation.

Pilot Assist excelled on multi-lane freeways with smooth, accurate functionality and quick acceleration when changing lanes. However, it was not tested on more challenging routes due to unfavorable traffic conditions. A notable safety feature, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, helped avoid collisions with oncoming traffic and prevented unsafe left turns.

Though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hadn't crash-tested the PHEV variant, the XC60 B5 and B6 mild-hybrids earned top ratings. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) bestowed a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2022, pending updates for 2023.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received robust safety ratings, with the NHTSA awarding five stars overall. The IIHS rated it "Good" in most tests, though it scored "Acceptable" in the new moderate overlap frontal and side-impact tests, earning a Top Safety Pick designation.

Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5 suite was standard, offering features like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a traffic sign reader. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and parking sensors with automatic braking. The surround-view camera system and digital rearview mirror provided additional convenience, ensuring clear views even with a fully loaded cargo area. The RAV4’s adaptive cruise control featured smooth throttle and brake inputs, enhancing overall driver comfort.