2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid marked a return to a more rugged design reminiscent of Toyota's classic trucks. Its exterior featured a bold front with trapezoidal elements and a less aggressive hood angle, while the fenders and wheel wells had sharp creases. The side glass design echoed the original RAV4's large greenhouse, and the rear was thoughtfully designed with distinct sections and glossy black trim on the XSE trim. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid boasted a high-quality cabin with oversized knobs, padded dash and door trim, and upscale features like blue stitching and silver trim. The interior was both functional and stylish, offering a comfortable and upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a modern and elegant design, proving that a large SUV could be as beautiful as a sedan. The R-Design trim featured a blacked-out honeycomb grille, aggressive chin spoiler, and striking 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and curving LED taillights were signature Volvo elements. The interior was luxurious, with options like wool fabric seats and matte wood trim. The seats were exceptionally comfortable, offering power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage. The XC90's cabin was a testament to Volvo's craftsmanship, with padded materials and thoughtful details like a Swedish flag tag and a twist-action ignition knob.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. Despite its eco-friendly nature, it offered better acceleration and handling than its gasoline counterpart. The hybrid system was seamless, providing a quiet and smooth driving experience. The RAV4 Hybrid's handling was stable and responsive, with sport-tuned dampers and springs in the XSE version. It offered impressive fuel efficiency, averaging 36 mpg over 400 miles, with an EPA rating of 41 mpg city, 38 highway, and 40 combined.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower, while the T6, with a supercharger, delivered 316 hp. The Polestar tune boosted the T6 to 330 hp. However, the XC90's performance was not as impressive as its competitors, with mid-range acceleration and fuel economy falling short. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque but was weighed down by its hybrid system. The XC90 excelled in comfort and quietness, but its steering and handling lacked precision.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered excellent sightlines and generous cargo space, with 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 70 cubic feet with them folded. The second row provided ample legroom and manual reclining seats. The cabin featured ergonomic controls, although some were not illuminated at night. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear menus and customizable shortcuts.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous models. It integrated climate controls within the touchscreen, with physical buttons for essential functions. The cabin layout was well-organized, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The XC90 offered generous legroom in the first and second rows, but the third row was tight. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured a straightforward infotainment interface with a touchscreen that accepted swiping and pinching gestures. While Apple CarPlay was standard, Android Auto was not. The JBL stereo was adequate, and the lane-keep assist was not designed for semi-automated operation. Toyota Safety Connect offered standard safety features like stolen-vehicle alerts and automatic crash notifications.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system that combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Bowers & Wilkins stereo was exceptional, with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easy, although onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could be reskinned, but customization options were limited.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top ratings from the IIHS, except for its headlights. Toyota Safety Sense included features like forward emergency braking and pedestrian detection. A unique airbag in the front passenger seat's cushion was designed to prevent forward movement in a crash.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 boasted top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlights lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking and pedestrian detection. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and innovative systems like whiplash protection.