2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 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. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture platform, the XC60 shared its elegant, tailored design with other Volvo models, featuring short overhangs and an agile form. The upright grille and Thor's hammer-shaped LED headlights were distinctively Swedish. Inside, the XC60's cabin was a serene space with clean lines and authentic materials, embodying Scandinavian style. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a nod to Volvo's early adoption of such technology, and the attention to detail in the cabin, from the HVAC vents to the harmonious textures and colours, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a mature crossover SUV, continued to build on its legacy as a sales leader. While its exterior styling blended with the current crossover design trends, details like angular wheel arches and expressive headlights set it apart. The RAV4's interior featured a layered dash with contrasting textures and a straightforward centre stack. The touchscreen interface was positioned for minimal distraction, and the cabin's design included a circuit-board-inspired pattern that tied various elements together. The RAV4's interior was spacious, with ample room for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

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 and standard all-wheel drive. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 model delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 plug-in hybrid variant combined a gasoline engine with an 87-hp electric motor, achieving 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with the Polestar Engineered model boosting output to 415 hp. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided confident handling, and its fuel consumption ranged from 11.1 L/100 km city to 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T8 PHEV.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The RAV4 Hybrid used a similar engine with an electric motor, delivering 217 hp and achieving a combined fuel economy of 6.0 L/100 km. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid boasted 302 hp and could run up to 68 kilometres on electricity alone, with a combined efficiency of 2.5 Le/100 km. The RAV4's handling was enhanced by its four-wheel independent suspension and AWD models featured Multi-Terrain Select and dynamic torque vectoring for improved performance.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system that excelled in winter conditions. The cabin offered smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, while the cargo space measured 613 litres behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. The XC60 could tow up to 1,587 kilograms, making it versatile for various needs.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV, provided 1,059 litres of cargo space behind the second row and up to 1,977 litres with the seats folded. It had a payload capacity of 499 to 511 kilograms and could tow up to 1,588 kilograms in certain configurations. The RAV4's interior was roomy, with comfortable seating for four and ample storage options, including cupholders, bottle holders, and a spacious glove compartment.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface with familiar swipe and pinch gestures. The system divided the screen into function quadrants, allowing users to easily access audio, navigation, and other features. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and the Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system provided exceptional audio quality.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, and smartphone integration as standard. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, 11-speaker JBL audio, and additional features like navigation and Safety Connect. The RAV4 Prime included advanced technology such as multiple USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, and a head-up display, enhancing its appeal to tech-savvy drivers.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance, and lane-keeping aid. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. Volvo's Pilot Assist system offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities, and the XC60's top speed was limited to 180 km/h for safety.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 featured the Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The RAV4 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with the Prime variant earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid five-star ratings, highlighting their strong safety performance.