2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was a testament to Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group's ownership. This second-generation model, built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, shared its foundation with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles. The XC60's design was characterized by its elegant, tailored crossover form, featuring short overhangs and crisp body details that emphasized agility. The front grille proudly displayed Volvo's iron mark logo, complemented by the distinctive Thor's hammer LED daytime running lights. The paint quality, chrome, and trim were meticulously executed, and the large alloy wheels added a fashionable touch. Inside, the XC60's cabin exuded a Scandinavian style with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a notable feature, and the attention to detail, such as the elegant HVAC vents, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 embraced a rugged SUV-like exterior, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end that set it apart from previous generations and other compact crossovers. While the exterior projected an aggressive look, the RAV4's underpinnings were based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models. The RAV4 offered various options to enhance its appearance, such as the Trail model with an Ice Edge roof and orange interior accents, and the TRD Off-Road package with matte black alloy wheels and red interior accents. Inside, the RAV4 featured rugged styling touches, including large rubberized knobs and door handles. While material quality was decent on lower trims, it didn't elevate with higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model featured SofTex upholstery, but real leather was not available, even on the top-tier Limited trim.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, all models came with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The T5 variant produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 variant delivered 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, thanks to the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, being plug-in hybrids, combined an 87-horsepower electric motor with the gasoline engine, resulting in a total output of 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered model further increased power to 415 horsepower. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided excellent handling, and the cabin remained quiet and comfortable. Fuel consumption figures ranged from 11.1 L/100 km city to 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T8 PHEV, with the T8 offering 4.0 Le/100 km in electric-only mode.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with optional AWD available. The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically found in racing engines, and delivered power at high RPMs. However, the transmission struggled to keep up, resulting in delayed shifts. The steering, while responsive, lacked feedback, creating a somewhat disconnected driving experience. The RAV4 offered a "Sport" driving mode, but its impact was limited to added steering weight. On the highway, the RAV4 provided a quieter cabin and a comfortable ride. Off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Trail and TRD Off-Road models, featuring torque-vectoring AWD, increased ground clearance, and all-terrain tires. The TRD Off-Road model also had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for other RAV4 models.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed to provide comfort and style while ensuring safety and functionality. The front seats were highly adjustable and praised for their comfort, especially during winter testing. The heating system, including heated seats and defrosters, performed exceptionally well in cold conditions. The cabin featured smart storage solutions, with intuitive controls for passengers. The XC60 offered 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. It had a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms (3,500 pounds).

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 boasted a tall, upright roof, providing ample headroom and good outward visibility. However, legroom in both rows was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions. Cargo space was above average, with 1,059 litres behind the rear seats and 1,977 litres with them folded. The cargo area had a wide aperture for easy loading, but the lip was higher than in some competitors. The RAV4 featured oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls, but storage space on the console was limited.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface. The system divided the screen into function quadrants, allowing users to access audio, navigation, vehicle, and communication functions. While intuitive for some, the system required a learning curve. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system was exceptional.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, with larger screens available on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons for essential functions. However, it lacked flashiness and did not offer a head-up display on gasoline models. The RAV4 provided a simple interface for in-car infotainment.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It featured a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping aid, and a semi-autonomous driving system called Pilot Assist. Volvo also limited the top speed to 180 km/h for safety reasons.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 bundle, which included features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. However, it missed the highest safety rating due to mixed headlight scores.