2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's past design ethos, which was often likened to utilitarian appliances. The XC90 presented a purposeful yet understated aesthetic, with a stout front end and an assertive grille that avoided being overly flashy. Its signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch absent in earlier models. The vehicle's rectilinear dimensions were reminiscent of its predecessors, but the overall design was far from the boxy shapes of the past. The Ultimate trim featured 21-inch wheels and a sophisticated Platinum Grey paint with subtle brown undertones, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather steering, metal speaker covers, a crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior design was complemented by wood deco inlays, creating a serene and refined cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 maintained the design language introduced in 2019, with the Trail trim showcasing a more aggressive grille and blacked-out wheels. The Trail trim also featured orange interior accents, adding a splash of colour to the otherwise basic centre console. The RAV4's interior was practical, with a frameless rearview mirror and a shelf running the length of the glove compartment for added storage. The vehicle offered a rugged, truck-like feel, with fabric upholstery and heated front seats standard on the LE and XLE trims. The Limited trim provided a more premium experience with synthetic leather upholstery and advanced seating adjustments. Overall, the RAV4's design catered to those seeking a balance between ruggedness and practicality.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain that replaced the older T5 and T6 engines. This new setup offered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than its predecessor but with improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The mild-hybrid system utilized a lithium-ion battery to power a 13-volt starter generator, reducing the engine's load and enhancing the vehicle's auto stop-start technology. The XC90 delivered a refined driving experience, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its size, the XC90 handled corners well, and its brakes provided a confident pedal feel. The vehicle's simplicity in driving dynamics, with limited customizable modes, appealed to those who preferred straightforward operation.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, now with standard all-wheel drive, featured 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 adequate but not particularly exciting. The Trail trim's 19-inch wheels and suspension setup provided a rugged appearance, but the vehicle's acceleration and noise levels were less refined than some competitors. The RAV4's driving experience was characterized by its practicality and reliability, appealing to those seeking a dependable daily driver.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a serene front-seat experience, though its Scandinavian minimalism led to limited storage options. The centre console's small cubby and USB port placement were less convenient for phone storage. The second row was comfortable but adjusting the seats proved challenging. The XC90's seven-passenger seating configuration made third-row access difficult, and cargo space was limited compared to competitors, with 356 litres behind the third row and 1,856 litres with all seats folded. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a more compact vehicle, offering a nimble driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 provided seating for five, with headroom and legroom measurements that varied compared to competitors. The front row offered 958 mm of headroom and 1,039 mm of legroom, while the rear seats provided 1,001 mm of headroom and 960 mm of legroom. The RAV4's interior featured practical storage solutions, including a shelf above the glove compartment and generous door pockets. Cargo space was competitive, with 1,059 litres behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded, making it a practical choice for those needing ample storage.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertical touchscreen infotainment display running on Google OS, the first of its kind as standard in a vehicle. The system integrated Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant, offering seamless natural-language recognition. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating, as more physical controls would have been appreciated. Keyless entry was standard, with an optional head-up display.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen in the Limited trim. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with voice command and over-the-air updates. The Limited trim also featured an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system. The RAV4's technology offerings were comprehensive, providing a modern and connected driving experience.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist technology further enhanced safety by maintaining distance and speed in traffic.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with the TSS 2.5 suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, demonstrating its strong safety credentials.