2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited AWD, priced at $45,341, presented a blend of rugged styling and practical design. Despite its fully loaded status, it maintained a resemblance to a standard rental car model, lacking the larger alloy wheels found on its non-hybrid counterpart. The RAV4 Hybrid's electronic AWD system was not designed for off-road adventures, unlike the Trail trim of the non-hybrid version. Its exterior exuded a tough appearance, though the 18-inch wheels seemed undersized. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid offered a stylish and functional cabin, albeit with a mix of high-quality materials and less impressive glossy hard plastics. A minor rattle from the license plate was noted, but overall, the interior was practical and user-friendly.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution from Volvo's boxy past, embracing a luxurious and modern design. The XC90's exterior featured a sleek roofline and pronounced wheel arches, exuding athleticism and quality. The "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights added a touch of Swedish heritage. Inside, the XC90's interior was a testament to Scandinavian luxury, with natural wood and metal trim, a crystal gear selector, and a commitment to leather-free options by 2030. The test vehicle's leather seats provided comfort during a humid week, though Volvo's tailored wool blend upholstery was also available. The XC90's interior was a harmonious blend of style and functionality, offering a luxurious experience.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. This setup provided a standard AWD drivetrain, with the rear electric motor contributing to the system. The RAV4 Hybrid offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV, with a whirring noise in EV mode to alert pedestrians. The SUV's curb weight ranged from 1,680 to 1,720 kilograms, and it delivered a lively acceleration experience, though the engine's sound was less pleasant at high revs. Fuel efficiency was impressive, averaging 5.9 L/100 km during testing. The CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's suspension design and Active Cornering Assist system contributed to its agreeable ride and handling, though the tires lacked grip in spirited driving.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrain options, with the T5 model producing 250 horsepower and the T6 model delivering 316 hp. The Recharge model, a plug-in hybrid, combined gasoline and electric sources for a total of 455 hp. AWD was standard across all models, and the XC90 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Recharge model boasted an 8.8 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode and a 29-kilometre EV range. The XC90's driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, thanks to the electric motor's early torque delivery. The SUV handled like a smaller vehicle, providing a fun and engaging drive.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered a comfortable interior with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front cushions, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed decent legroom and heated cushions, though the seat felt slightly low. The dashboard layout was intuitive, with oversized climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. The RAV4 Hybrid provided ample storage, including dashboard shelves and a roomy cargo area of 1,059 litres, expandable to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 accommodated six or seven passengers, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults found it lacking in legroom and thigh support. The XC90 offered 357 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 1,855 litres with the second and third rows folded. The SUV's towing capacity reached 2,250 kilograms. The XC90's interior featured ample storage, comfortable seating, and a spacious cabin enhanced by a panoramic moonroof. The climate control system performed admirably during a heat wave, ensuring a comfortable environment.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The larger screen included SiriusXM satellite radio and various connectivity features. The test vehicle boasted an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system with dynamic navigation. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and stereo knobs for easy operation. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered advanced camera-based technology, including a 360-degree surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system provided tablet-like functionality with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. While the system was intuitive, it occasionally experienced glitches. Apple CarPlay worked seamlessly, though Android Auto was not tested. The XC90 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display for improved driver awareness. The Advanced package included a 360-degree camera system and an advanced air cleaner. The XC90 offered multiple USB ports for device charging and a Harman-Kardon audio system on select models.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The system was generally effective, though lane-tracing and adaptive cruise control exhibited some quirks. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in the XC90's comprehensive suite of features and its high safety ratings.