2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, maintaining its traditional styling while introducing more character and modern touches. The XC90 retained its boxy profile and rectangular grille, but with softer lines and more chrome detailing, it presented a more refined appearance. The LED headlights with "Thor's Hammer" daytime running lights added a distinctive flair. The Inscription trim level, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most eye-catching, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. Inside, the XC90 embraced Swedish minimalism with high-quality materials and thoughtful design, featuring matte-finish wood trim and unique upholstery options like wool and Nappa leather. The Orrefors crystal shifter added a touch of luxury to the otherwise restrained interior.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, particularly in the Limited AWD trim, was priced at a premium, yet its appearance did not immediately convey its fully loaded status. The RAV4 Hybrid's styling was tough and rugged, though it could have benefited from larger wheels for a bolder look. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid was both stylish and practical, with a mix of impressive materials and some less refined glossy plastics. The interior was functional, with clear instrumentation and well-placed controls, although the quality was inconsistent. The RAV4 Hybrid offered a comfortable ride with decent rear-seat legroom and a reclining backrest, though the seat felt slightly low. The cargo area was spacious, with a maximum capacity of 1,977 litres when the rear seats were folded.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centred around a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. Despite the impressive power figures, the XC90's small engine struggled to provide flexibility compared to competitors with larger engines. The XC90 offered three drive modes—Pure, Hybrid, and Power—but the Pure mode was limited to low-speed use. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and maintained a quiet cabin. It also had a respectable towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. The hybrid system provided standard all-wheel drive and offered several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. The RAV4 Hybrid's instant electric-motor torque made it feel lively, though the engine's sound was less pleasant when revving. The RAV4 Hybrid achieved impressive fuel efficiency, averaging 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing. The continuously variable transmission (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 corners. The RAV4 Hybrid was capable off-road, with 20.6 centimetres of ground clearance and a Trail mode for light off-roading.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom across all three rows. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The XC90's interior felt spacious, aided by an optional power sunroof and upright roof profile. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, but the steering wheel was not power-adjustable. Cargo space was limited, with 317 litres behind the third row, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with both the second and third rows folded. The XC90 offered a hands-free power tailgate for convenience.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front seats. Rear-seat legroom was decent, with good foot space and a reclining backrest, though the seat felt low. The RAV4 Hybrid's dashboard was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and easy-to-use infotainment controls. Storage was ample, with useful shelves and compartments throughout the cabin. The cargo area offered 1,059 litres of space, expanding to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded. The RAV4 Hybrid's cargo area was practical, though the premium sound system's subwoofer took up some space.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which emphasized simplicity and functionality. It included a 9-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. The system was easy to use, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen that allowed for intuitive navigation. However, the text and typeface could be difficult to read while driving. The XC90 also offered a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display. The wireless charging pad was a welcome addition, though it struggled to accommodate larger phones.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered several infotainment options, with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. The larger screen included SiriusXM satellite radio and various connectivity features. The top-tier system featured an 11-speaker JBL audio system with dynamic navigation. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and knobs for primary functions. The voice recognition technology was generally effective, though it had limitations. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered advanced camera-based technology, including a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a camera rearview mirror.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings, with the non-hybrid models earning a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights. The safety systems were generally effective, though some functions behaved erratically in heavy traffic.