2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy. Known for its conservative styling, Volvo managed to infuse the XC90 with more character while retaining its recognizable features. The XC90 maintained its boxy profile and blunt front end with a rectangular grille, but added softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more basic looks, respectively. The XC90's interior embraced "Swedish minimalism," featuring matte-finish wood trim and unique options like wool upholstery and an Orrefors crystal shifter.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a mature crossover SUV, evolved from its original "cute-ute" category to become a sales leader. The latest iteration of a 2019 redesign, the RAV4's exterior styling blended in with current crossover designs but stood out upon closer examination with angular wheel arches, crisp lines, and expressive headlights. The interior featured a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, a touchscreen interface, and a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern that tied the cabin together. The Adventure-trim test vehicle showcased 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels and a well-thought-out interior design.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all built around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 engine was both turbocharged and supercharged, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, producing a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T5 came standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was optional on the T5 and standard on the T6 and T8. Despite its power, the XC90 struggled with acceleration on electric power alone and required the gasoline engine for assistance. The XC90 excelled in ride quality and old-school luxury, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds for most models.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains. The gasoline-only model featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Fuel economy for FWD models was 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined, while AWD models achieved 25-27 mpg city/32-34 mpg highway/28-30 mpg combined. The RAV4 Hybrid used a 2.5-liter engine and an electric motor to produce 217 combined hp, with an EPA rating of 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid delivered 302 hp, with an EPA rating of 40 mpg city/36 mpg highway/38 mpg combined and up to 42 miles on electricity alone. The Adventure AWD model provided smooth power delivery and car-like handling, with three drive modes and advanced suspension systems for improved performance.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with headroom and legroom in all three rows being about average for the segment. The third-row space was tight for adults, and the seats in both the second and third rows lacked support. The interior featured a power moonroof, four-zone climate control, and optional filtration system. The front seats were 10-way power-adjustable with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, storage space was limited, with a shallow center console and minimal storage options. Cargo space was 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered up to 37.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. The RAV4 had a healthy payload capacity of 1,050-1,230 pounds, depending on configuration. Towing capacity varied by model, with Adventure and TRD Off-Road models rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Inside, the RAV4 was roomy and comfortable for four, with plenty of legroom, hip room, shoulder room, and headroom in the front row. The second-row split-folding bench seat could accommodate five passengers in a pinch. The cabin featured ample storage options, including cupholders, bottle holders, a roomy glove compartment, and covered storage beneath the center armrest.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system included two front USB-A ports and two rear USB-C ports. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and head-up display were available. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, but the amount of text and typeface made reading some menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad added for 2021 was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio system, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Wi-Fi Connect. Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and streaming audio were standard. XLE models and above upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen, while the Premium Audio setup on Limited models and the RAV4 Prime XSE included an 11-speaker JBL audio system and navigation. The RAV4 Prime featured five USB ports, two 12-volt/120-watt auxiliary power outlets, an available 120-volt/1,500-watt AC power outlet, and blue ambient illumination. The top trim level also offered a Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging pad, a bird’s-eye view camera system, and a 10-inch color head-up display.

The 2021 XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for non-hybrid models, with top “Good” scores in all crash tests and a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention tech in vehicle-to-vehicle testing. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded all 2021 XC90 models a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which included enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. The RAV4 also featured LATCH child-seat anchors, child-guard locks, Safety Connect, and eight airbags. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 was standard on all models, offering a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road sign assist. Higher grades included blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and rear cross-traffic braking. The 2022 RAV4 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, and the RAV4 Prime was a Top Safety Pick+. The NHTSA awarded the 2022 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid their highest five-star rating.