2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, mirrors, a more aggressive chin spoiler, and striking 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were signature elements that made the XC90 instantly recognizable. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint, paired with a beige-leather and aluminum interior, added a sophisticated touch. The interior was luxurious, with options for matte wood trim, wool fabric seats, and leather with aluminum or carbon-fiber trim. The seats were exceptionally comfortable, offering power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage features.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, despite its high MSRP of $42,083, did not visually distinguish itself from lower trims. The exterior design was tough yet understated, with 18-inch wheels that seemed undersized for the vehicle. The interior was a mix of impressive materials and glossy hard plastics, with some quality issues like a rattling license plate. However, the RAV4 Hybrid was functional and practical, with a stylish and well-organized cabin. The rear seats offered decent legroom and comfort, and the cargo area was spacious, providing 37.5 cubic feet of storage, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, making it more suitable for keeping up with traffic. The Polestar tune further boosted these numbers to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's performance was not without flaws; the engine lagged in Comfort mode and revved too high in the Polestar Engineered model. Fuel economy was also unimpressive, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque but had limited electric range and added weight, which negated its speed advantage.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. The hybrid system provided instant torque, making the RAV4 Hybrid feel lively during acceleration. The EPA rated it at 40 mpg in combined driving, and it averaged 39.7 mpg in testing. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's ride and handling were enhanced by a MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear suspension, and an Active Cornering Assist system. However, the all-season tires limited grip, affecting cornering performance. Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid was comfortable and capable, with a relatively flat cornering stance and favorable driving dynamics.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous versions, though it still had some quirks. The system integrated climate controls, seat adjustments, and other functions into the touchscreen, which could be cumbersome. The cabin layout was otherwise stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed decent legroom, good leg support, and reclining backrests, though the seat height felt a bit low. The dashboard was well-organized, with large climate control knobs and easy-to-use infotainment controls. Storage was plentiful, with useful shelves and compartments throughout the cabin. The cargo area offered 37.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system that combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, delivering exceptional sound quality. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel was less customizable than those in some competitors, and the tire pressure monitoring system lacked individual tire pressure readings.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered several infotainment systems, with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display. The top-tier system included an 11-speaker JBL audio system, dynamic navigation, and voice recognition. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and knobs for primary functions. The dynamic voice recognition was generally accurate, though it struggled with some commands. The RAV4 Hybrid also featured advanced camera-based technology, including a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a rearview camera mirror.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight performance prevented it from earning the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ designation. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steel and advanced airbag systems.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, road-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning. The RAV4 Hybrid Limited also offered rear automatic braking. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.