2019 Toyota RAV4 vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 presented a bold and aggressive exterior design, drawing inspiration from the Toyota Tacoma pickup. Its chunky build and sharp edges conveyed a sense of strength and modernity, with taillights reminiscent of Toyota's luxury brand, Lexus. The design included a character line on the rear C-pillar, which was more functional in two-tone colour options but appeared as unnecessary clutter in monotone schemes. Inside, the RAV4's cabin was surprisingly simple and elegant, featuring a floating touchscreen and a well-organized control pod. The Canadian trims ranged from the base LE to the upscale Limited, with the XLE trim offering a balanced mix of features like alloy wheels, a power moonroof, and dual-zone climate control. The Trail trim added rugged elements, while the Limited trim focused on luxury.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner maintained a timeless, utilitarian design with tall slab sides, a high beltline, and short overhangs, reminiscent of the XJ Jeep Cherokee. Its flared wheel wells accommodated off-road tires, and the hood scoop, though non-functional, signified its off-road focus. The 4Runner's lineup in Canada was based on the SR5 trim, with packages like TRD Off-Road and Limited offering varying levels of comfort and capability. The Limited package, which we tested, prioritized comfort with leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen. Despite its chrome and leather touches, the 4Runner's utilitarian roots were evident, with a seating position designed for trails rather than highways.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel drive and two types of all-wheel drive (AWD), with the more advanced torque-vectoring AWD available on the Trail and Limited trims. This system could distribute power to the wheels in real-time, enhancing off-road capability. The RAV4's engine performed adequately on highways but struggled with low-end power in stop-and-go traffic. The ride quality was generally comfortable, though the steering felt twitchy, and there was noticeable body roll. Fuel efficiency was a strong point, with the AWD model achieving a combined consumption of 8.0 L/100 km.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4-litre V6 engine with 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, managed by a five-speed automatic transmission. This engine was not designed for efficiency but for durability and off-road prowess, offering a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. Fuel consumption was high, with a combined rating of 13.8 L/100 km. The 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like crawl control and Multi-Terrain Select. On-road, it exhibited significant body roll and vague steering, making it less suited for precise navigation.

The 2019 RAV4's cabin was both practical and upscale, with ample cargo space and seating for passengers. The centre stack featured climate controls, a large tray, and a compact shifter, maximizing space. With the rear seats up, it offered 1,064 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,976 litres with the seats folded. The RAV4 provided numerous storage options, including deep bins and trays, making it highly functional.

The 2020 4Runner prioritized visibility and off-road capability, with a tall seating position and a tight turning radius. The dashboard featured large, easy-to-use knobs for HVAC and stereo controls, though the steering-wheel controls lacked illumination. The 4Runner offered an optional third row of seats, but these were best for short, occasional use due to limited legroom and comfort. The power-retractable running boards on the Limited trim aided entry and exit, but the high seating position could be challenging for shorter individuals.

The 2019 RAV4 came with a 7-inch touchscreen running Toyota's Entune 3.0 infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto. The XLE trim added multiple USB ports, while the Trail and Limited trims featured larger screens and optional premium audio. The system was user-friendly, with real dials for volume and tuning, a rarity in modern vehicles.

The 2020 4Runner received a much-needed technology update with an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While Toyota's system was straightforward, the onboard navigation was less intuitive than smartphone apps. The 4Runner included Bluetooth, a USB port, and subscription services like Sirius XM. Despite these updates, it lagged behind competitors in terms of features and usability, with the most advanced technology found in its off-road systems.

The 2019 RAV4 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which offered forward-collision warning, emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard, making it a leader in standard driver-assistance features.

The 2020 4Runner benefited from Toyota Safety Sense P, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. It also had eight standard airbags. The NHTSA awarded it four out of five stars overall, with a lower score in the rollover test. The IIHS rated it well in most crash tests, except for the small overlap front: driver-side test, where it scored Marginal.