2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent embraced the trend of blacking out shiny exterior trims with its new Onyx Edition trim level. This version sat in the middle of the Ascent lineup, offering a sporty appearance with blacked-out exterior trim, badges, and 20-inch aluminum wheels. The interior featured a gray two-tone StarTex synthetic leather upholstery, which was water-repellant but had a tendency to trap sweat. The Onyx Edition also included metallic trim on the dashboard and door panels, creating a modern and appealing atmosphere. However, the lack of ventilated seats was a downside, as they were only available on the Premier trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid continued the blocky and substantial design introduced in 2019, with a trapezoidal grille and angular bodywork. The interior carried the angular theme with a multi-tiered dashboard and beveled cutouts. While the materials were average for the class, the build quality was strong, with no creaks or squeaks. The base model's urethane steering wheel felt cheap, but higher trims offered a leather-wrapped option. Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid's design was functional and visually interesting, though not particularly luxurious.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. The Ascent's fuel consumption was rated at 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with our testing averaging 11.5 L/100 km. The flat-four engine layout provided a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling. The CVT offered eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, contributing to brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent's towing capacity was up to 2,270 kilograms, and its X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 22 centimetres of ground clearance added to its off-roading capabilities. However, the lane-keeping and lane-centring assistance technologies could feel unstable, detracting from highway driving satisfaction.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor/generator, producing 219 horsepower. It accelerated to 100 kilometres per hour in approximately 7.5 seconds. The RAV4 Hybrid's powertrain was quicker than the standard RAV4 and competitive within the compact hybrid SUV class. The brakes operated smoothly, with regenerative braking charging the hybrid battery. The suspension provided a comfortable ride over bumps and potholes, though it wasn't particularly sporty. The RAV4 Hybrid's driving dynamics were calm and effortless, appealing to most drivers without being overly impressive.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could carry up to eight people, though the third row was best suited for children. The driver's seat offered a comfortable and commanding position, and the Onyx Edition was equipped for winter weather with features like heated front seats and a wiper de-icer. The second-row seats were easy to access, and captain's chairs were available on most trims. The Ascent provided ample storage, including a dashboard shelf and large cupholders. Cargo space was generous, with 458 litres behind the third row, 1,193 litres behind the second row, and a maximum of 2,061 litres with both rows folded.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered spacious front seats and adequate rear seat space for average-sized adults. Cargo capacity was 1,059 litres, comparable to its competitors. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, though shorter owners might find them hard to reach. Interior storage was a highlight, with a wide dashboard shelf, a phone tray, large cupholders, and a spacious centre armrest bin. Dual-zone climate control was standard on all trims except the base Hybrid LE.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a CD player. The Touring trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. The system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons, but voice recognition needed improvement. The Onyx Edition's standard stereo speakers lacked sonic quality, and the Harman Kardon premium sound system was not available for this trim. Premier trim added a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced a new multimedia infotainment system with modern graphics and logical menus. Most trims had an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.5-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with an optional wireless charging pad. The system supported over-the-air updates and included a Wi-Fi hotspot. The top trims featured a fully digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL audio system.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. It came with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centring. However, EyeSight's performance was affected by direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and optional blind-spot monitoring.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid earned five stars from the NHTSA for overall and side crash protection and a "Good" rating from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" rating in moderate overlap frontal and side-impact tests. It was a Top Safety Pick. The RAV4 Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. The top trims added parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and a digital rearview mirror. The safety systems functioned smoothly without false alarms.