2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior that mimicked the traditional SUV style, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This aggressive look set it apart from previous RAV4 generations and other compact crossovers, enhancing its appeal as more than just an ordinary vehicle. Despite its bold styling, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models, which meant its mechanical underpinnings were more akin to a Camry than a 4Runner. The RAV4 offered options like the Trail model with a retro Ice Edge roof and the TRD Off-Road package with matte black alloy wheels and red interior accents, adding to its rugged appeal. Inside, the RAV4 featured functional touches like large rubberized knobs and door handles, with material quality that was decent on lower trims but didn't elevate with higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model had SofTex upholstery, which was lighter than leather but real leather wasn't available, even on the top Limited trim.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier look, a rear bumper that hid the tailpipes, and new wheel designs. The front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, shared with other Volvo models, the XC60 maintained its clean interior design with a new digital instrument cluster. The B6 R-Design test car featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, adding flair to an otherwise subdued interior. The Inscription trim level offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, enhancing the luxury feel.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by 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 standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically found in racing engines, and was impressive for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder. However, the transmission struggled to keep up, and the steering lacked feel, making the driving experience less dynamic. The RAV4 offered a "Sport" mode, but it only added weight to the steering. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime offered more power and refinement, with the Prime producing 302 horsepower. On the highway, the RAV4 was quieter and more comfortable, with a suspension that absorbed road imperfections well. Off-road, the RAV4 Trail and TRD Off-Road models featured torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, 21.7 centimetres of ground clearance, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity, but lacked traditional off-road features like a two-speed transfer case.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. Both featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 also included an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 offered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The B6 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, while the B5 took 6.5 seconds. The XC60 excelled in providing a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 horsepower and 494 pound-feet, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds, featuring Öhlins adjustable dampers and Akebono brakes.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof providing good headroom and visibility, but legroom was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions, making long trips less appealing. The RAV4 featured a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, but it didn't slide like some competitors. Cargo space was above average at 1,059 litres with seats up and 1,977 litres with seats down, but still behind the Honda CR-V. The RAV4 had oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls, but lacked large cupholders and loose change storage.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 611 litres of cargo space with seats up and 1,410 litres with seats down, while plug-in hybrids had slightly less. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, despite a pinched roofline. Large exterior mirrors aided driving without relying on driver aids.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 7-inch touchscreen on most trims, and an 8-inch screen on Trail and Limited models. The RAV4 Prime offered a 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, with a JBL premium audio system and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not flashy, with a well-positioned touchscreen and easy-to-read graphics. The gasoline RAV4 lacked a head-up display, available only on the RAV4 Prime.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. A head-up display and upgraded sound systems were available. The system featured Google Assistant voice control, Google Maps navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. Over-the-air updates were enabled, and the system promised full iPhone compatibility. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distraction.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention, but mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover tests, and five stars in side tests. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. Blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system were also available.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's 2021 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. Volvo's driver assistance system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring, but was no longer a standout feature.