2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty appearance with new front fascia elements called "air blades" and a redesigned rear bumper that concealed the tailpipes. The front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, maintaining a clean interior design with a new digital instrument cluster. While the B6 R-Design model featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, the overall interior remained subdued compared to other Volvo models, with the Inscription trim offering Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 retained the design introduced in 2019, with the Trail trim featuring a two-part face and distinct styling elements like blacked-out wheels and orange interior accents. The Trail trim, while visually rugged, was more of a style statement than an off-road performer. The interior included a frameless rearview mirror and a basic centre console with orange accents. The RAV4 offered various trim levels, with the Limited trim providing a more premium feel through features like synthetic leather upholstery and heated and ventilated seats. The RAV4's design catered to those seeking a truck-like nature with a touch of ruggedness.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 versions. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, providing an additional 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 powertrain also included an electric supercharger, delivering 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The XC60 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. Despite a slight decrease in output from the 2021 model, the XC60 B6 achieved 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, offering a smooth and relaxed driving experience with impressive body control and a quiet cabin.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered a single engine choice, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the RAV4's performance was not particularly exciting, it provided a reliable and unobjectionable driving experience. The Trail trim featured 19-inch wheels with all-season tires and a suspension system similar to other RAV4 models. The RAV4's engine was noisier than some competitors, but it offered standard all-wheel drive with a Snow drive mode for added versatility.

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 the rear seats up and 1,410 litres with them folded, while 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 seated five and offered 958 mm of front headroom with the moonroof, and 1,001 mm in the rear. Front legroom measured 1,039 mm, while the rear offered 960 mm, making it competitive with the Honda CR-V but narrower in the back seat. The RAV4 provided ample storage options, including a shelf along the glove compartment and generous door pockets. Cargo space was 1,059 litres behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the seats folded, placing it ahead of some competitors but behind the Honda CR-V.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech upgrade with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and features like Bluetooth and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system integrated Google Assistant for voice control and Google Maps for navigation, with over-the-air updates and compatibility with both Android and iPhone users. The infotainment system's graphics were well-received, and the digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen in the Limited trim. The system supported over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and voice command. The RAV4 included connected services like Safety Connect and Drive Connect, with some requiring a subscription. The Limited trim featured an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system, while the Trail trim had a standard six-speaker stereo.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's 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. While the 2022 model hadn't been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, the 2021 model received top safety ratings. Volvo's driver assistance system offered adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring, though it was no longer a standout feature.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with standard safety features like lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4 was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The 2023 RAV4 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, building on the 2019 model's strong crash-test performance.