2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, available in Canada in four trim levels, offered a range of options from the RAV4 LE priced just over $35,000 to the more luxurious RAV4 Limited exceeding $45,000. The design remained consistent with the 2019 model, particularly in the Trail trim, which featured a distinctive two-part face. The Trail trim, tested in its US equivalent, showcased a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and additional rugged styling elements, though it was more about appearance than off-road capability. Inside, the Trail trim added orange accents and contrast stitching, with a frameless rearview mirror adding a touch of premium feel. The RAV4's interior offered various upholstery options and comfort features, with the Limited trim providing the most luxurious experience.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner retained its classic, albeit outdated, design from its last major redesign in 2010. Its boxy shape and flared fenders gave it a rugged appearance, suitable for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model, with its underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires, emphasized its off-road prowess. However, the interior showed its age with old-school styling and outdated technology. The analog instrument panel and small infotainment touchscreen were reminiscent of a bygone era. Despite the hard plastic surfaces, the 4Runner provided cushioned panels for comfort. While the 4Runner's design leaned heavily on nostalgia, it lacked the modern touches found in competitors like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with all-wheel drive across all trims, powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the RAV4's performance was more "unobjectionable" than "exciting," with a noticeable engine noise. The Trail trim featured 19-inch wheels with all-season tires and shared the same suspension setup as other RAV4 models, making it more of a hopeful off-road participant than a true contender.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner, equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivered 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. However, its five-speed automatic transmission lagged behind competitors like the Bronco and Wrangler, which offered more gears for better acceleration and fuel economy. The TRD Pro model came with standard four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, enhancing its off-road capabilities. On-road, the 4Runner felt sluggish, with a soft suspension causing noticeable body roll and nosedive during braking. The engine's loudness, combined with the sportier exhaust, made for a noisy ride, while the suspension's softness led to a floaty feel on highways.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was designed to seat five, offering 958 mm of headroom in the front and 1,001 mm in the rear with the moonroof. It provided 1,039 mm of front legroom and 960 mm in the second row, with a narrower back seat compared to competitors. The RAV4 featured convenient storage options, including a shelf along the glove compartment and generous door pockets. Cargo space was 1,059 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,977 litres with the seats folded, placing it mid-pack in its class.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior, though outdated, was functional with easy-to-use controls and excellent outward visibility. It offered ample space for larger passengers in the front, though taller drivers might find the steering wheel's reach limited. The second row provided generous legroom, but headroom was restricted due to the elevated bench. The 4Runner could accommodate up to 1,337 litres of cargo behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,540 litres with the seats stowed. However, the lack of remote seat releases and a powered liftgate were notable drawbacks. The sliding glass rear window and hitch receiver with a 2,268-kilogram towing capacity added practicality.

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. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with over-the-air updates. The Limited trim also featured an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system, while the Trail trim had a standard six-speaker setup. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a 12.3-inch version in the Limited trim.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the small eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model came with a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system, though road noise often overshadowed its quality. Additional terrain controls were located in the headliner console, with Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select systems enhancing off-road capabilities. However, the lack of off-road specific apps and gauges was a downside compared to competitors.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The TSS 2.5 suite of advanced driver-assistance systems was standard, with Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with top scores in crash-testing.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four out of five stars from NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection, and five stars for side impacts. However, it scored three stars in rollover evaluations. The IIHS gave it "Good" ratings for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests, but "Marginal" and "Poor" results in the small overlap frontal test. The 4Runner included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning, though its alerts were often oversensitive.