2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid presented a bold departure from its predecessors with a rugged and angular design reminiscent of the Toyota 4Runner. Its front fascia featured stacked, trapezoidal apertures and a perforated grille, giving it a robust and mechanical appearance. The dark trim around the wheel wells and doorsills suggested that the RAV4 Hybrid was more than just a fuel-efficient vehicle; it was also capable of off-road adventures. Available in four trims—LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited—the RAV4 Hybrid offered 17-inch wheels on lower trims and 18-inch wheels on the XSE and Limited, enhancing its aggressive stance. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid's interior was simple yet functional, with tasteful shiny trim. While it lacked luxury features like leather upholstery, the Softex seats and quality materials provided a comfortable experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 embraced a more traditional SUV styling with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, fitting seamlessly into Volvo's lineup with its "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and oval grille. The XC40 Recharge, the electric variant, distinguished itself with a blanked-off grille, unique alloy wheels, and a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic color. Built on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture, the XC40 Recharge shared its platform with the Polestar 2, accommodating both gasoline and electric powertrains. Inside, the XC40 boasted a minimalist design with high-quality materials, including Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery. The interior design was coherent, with elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents blending harmoniously, offering a premium feel uncommon in this segment.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid delivered 219 horsepower, 16 more than its standard counterpart, and achieved an impressive combined EPA fuel economy rating of 40 miles per gallon. This efficiency was consistently attainable in real-world testing, making it a standout in its class. The RAV4 Hybrid's powertrain combined a 2.5-liter, 176-horsepower four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, providing all-wheel drive without the need for a heavy driveshaft. This setup allowed the RAV4 Hybrid to weigh only about 200 pounds more than the non-hybrid model, benefiting both handling and fuel economy. The hybrid system offered smooth regenerative braking and seamless electric motor assist, making it quicker to accelerate than the non-hybrid version. With a towing capacity of up to 1,750 pounds, the RAV4 Hybrid was versatile, though its steering and suspension favored comfort over sportiness.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The base FWD T4 featured a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD T5 variant delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, boasting 402 hp and 486 lb-ft from dual electric motors, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The Recharge accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, emphasizing comfort and quietness over performance. It offered one-pedal driving and a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. The XC40 Recharge prioritized a traditional luxury experience, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads, and included a "normal" braking mode for those unaccustomed to regenerative braking.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured excellent ergonomics, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen (an 8-inch screen was optional) positioned prominently on the dashboard. The center console provided ample storage, including space for a cell phone, cupholders, and a large storage bin. While the cabin could be quieter, the RAV4 Hybrid's electric drive reduced engine noise compared to the non-hybrid model. The rear seat offered impressive legroom, accommodating three adults comfortably, and the cargo area provided 37.6 cubic feet of space, matching the standard RAV4's capacity.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge maintained the same passenger and cargo space as its gasoline counterparts, though it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin and large door bins, compensated for the limited space. The center console was designed to hold a phone securely, with an optional wireless charging pad and a standard USB-C port. However, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options, highlighting a minor drawback in the XC40's interior functionality.

In 2020, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced Android Auto alongside Apple CarPlay, enhancing its infotainment offerings. These features, along with SiriusXM Radio, were standard across all trims. The RAV4 Hybrid's infotainment system, while functional, was overshadowed by the superior interfaces of Google Maps and Apple Maps. The vehicle also offered WiFi Connect and a USB-A port for convenient phone connectivity. The RAV4 Hybrid featured "Predictive Efficient Drive," optimizing battery usage for improved efficiency, and offered various drive modes, including "Eco," "Sport," and "Trail," to suit different driving preferences.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge debuted the Android Automotive OS, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. This system, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, provided a seamless user experience, though it might not appeal to those unfamiliar with Google's interface. The Recharge model also introduced OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. The absence of a start button simplified the driving experience, and future updates promised additional features like a Digital Key.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and road-sign assist. Optional safety features included blind spot monitoring and parking assist. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in crash tests, though it had two safety recalls related to engine coolant and suspension issues.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 gasoline model earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. While these ratings didn't apply to the electric Recharge model, Volvo anticipated strong performance due to its safety cage and redesigned crash structure. The XC40 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, with optional enhancements like traffic-sign recognition and Volvo’s Pilot Assist. The Recharge model included advanced sensors and software, allowing for future driver aid improvements.