2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty appearance with a new front fascia featuring "air blades" and a reworked grille that housed sensors behind a heated Volvo logo. The rear bumper was redesigned to hide the tailpipes, and new wheel designs were introduced. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC60 shared its foundation with other Volvo models like the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 maintained its clean design with a new digital instrument cluster, a portrait-oriented touchscreen, and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, while the Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, redesigned in 2019, adopted a more substantial and blocky appearance, with a trapezoidal grille inspired by Toyota's truck line. The angular theme extended to the interior, featuring a multi-tiered dashboard with beveled cutouts. While materials quality was average, the RAV4 Hybrid offered practical features like a wide dashboard shelf and a phone tray for wireless charging. The base model had a urethane steering wheel, but higher trims included a leather-wrapped option. The RAV4 Hybrid's build quality was strong, with no creaks or squeaks over rough pavement.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 versions. Both featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 also included an electric supercharger. The B5 delivered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission and came with standard AWD in Canada. The XC60 B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60's standout features were its quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

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 km/h in approximately 7.5 seconds. The RAV4 Hybrid's powertrain was quicker than the standard RAV4 and comparable to other compact hybrid SUVs like the Kia Sportage and Honda CR-V Hybrid. The brakes operated smoothly, transitioning from regenerative to physical braking seamlessly. The suspension provided a comfortable ride over bumps and potholes, with confident cornering. While not sporty, the RAV4 Hybrid excelled in delivering a calm and effortless driving experience.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its 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 rear seats up and 1,410 litres with seats folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered ample front-seat space and adequate rear-seat accommodations. It provided slightly more rear headroom than competitors but less legroom. Cargo capacity was 1,059 litres, nearly matching the non-hybrid RAV4. The rear seatbacks folded flat, though shorter owners might find them hard to reach. Interior storage was a highlight, with a wide dashboard shelf, 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 Volvo XC60 featured a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system included Google Assistant voice control, Google Maps navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. It supported over-the-air updates and was compatible with iPhones, though without Google profile syncing. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

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, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote vehicle monitoring. Higher trims featured a fully digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL audio system.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's safety ratings were based on the similar 2021 model, which received a "Top Safety Pick+" 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. An optional driver assistance system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" from the IIHS. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a traffic sign reader. In Canada, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The top Limited trim added parking sensors, automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system.