2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Volvo XC90

For the 2023 Volvo XC90, Volvo had indeed left its past of designing boxy, brick-like vehicles far behind. The XC90 presented a purposeful yet understated look with a stout and solid front end. Its grille was assertive without appearing flashy, and the signature “Thor’s Hammer” headlights added a touch of modern flair absent from older models. Despite retaining rectilinear dimensions, the XC90 could no longer be considered a "toaster."

The all-wheel-drive (AWD) Ultimate trim version that was tested flaunted 21-inch wheels wrapped in low-profile Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires, adding a dash of drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. The Platinum Gray paint had subtle brown undertones visible in direct sunlight, adding richness to its color palette, which otherwise consisted mostly of neutral shades like black, white, off-white, silver, and another gray shade.

Inside, the XC90’s design was elegant, with a luxurious two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and Nappa leather upholstery. Volvo offered upholstery in black or "charcoal" and white or “blond” leather, maintaining a tasteful Scandinavian aesthetic. The cabin sported wood deco inlays across the dash and center console, creating a minimalist feel with limited buttons and physical controls.

Comparatively, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 adopted a more rugged and aggressive look. Its front fascia sported a frown and grimace, giving it an eternally angry expression. Most trim levels featured lower gray body cladding and dual exhaust outlets hinting at non-existent high performance. Higher trims had fake skid plates and robust roof racks, attempting to bolster its rugged image.

The tested TRD Off-Road model displayed 18-inch matte-black TRD alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, a distinctive Army Green color, off-road suspension tuning, and an underbody skid plate. Though not the most appreciated color, it complemented the RAV4's attempted rugged demeanor.

Inside, the RAV4's interior was all about utility, with storage shelves, trays, bins, and oversized rubberized control knobs. The TRD Off-Road trim had SofTex artificial leather upholstery and standard eight-way power adjustment for the driver's seat. The optional Weather package added features like heated and ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, and a heated steering wheel. The cabin was spacious enough for four adults comfortably and five if necessary, with a cargo capacity of 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 lineup had introduced new B5 and B6 engines, replacing the older T5 and T6 powertrains with mild-hybrid technology. Despite minor reductions in horsepower and torque, the new engines offered better fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The B5 variant, featuring a turbocharger and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The B6, similar to the former T6, combined a supercharger, turbocharger, and mild-hybrid tech to output 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.

The XC90 did not use its electric motors for propulsion but employed a lithium-ion battery pack for a 13-volt starter generator, easing the engine's load. This setup allowed for nearly imperceptible auto stop-start functionality, creating a smooth driving experience. The eight-speed automatic transmission facilitated quick acceleration while keeping road and wind noise at bay thanks to effective insulation. The brakes instilled confidence, featuring a solid pedal feel.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 armed itself with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 184 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. To access maximum power, one had to rev the engine hard. The eight-speed automatic transmission directed power to the front wheels unless buyers opted for the torque-vectoring AWD system, standard on the TRD Off-Road trim. This model's unique suspension and off-road elements like underbody skid plates equipped it for moderate off-roading.

While the TRD Off-Road boasted 8.6 inches of ground clearance and assorted driving modes—Normal, Snow, Mud & Sand, and Rock & Dirt—the model did not improve approach or departure angles over other trims. Its off-road suspension provided a comfortable ride over rough surfaces, although the engine noise was noticeable. Fuel economy was on par for the segment, with the TRD Off-Road achieving an official EPA rating of 28 mpg combined, performing at 26.6 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 excelled in front-seat comfort, embodying Scandinavian minimalism. However, it fell short in available cubby space, lacking dedicated phone storage. The USB port was inside a small center console bin, making phone connectivity awkward. The rear space, while comfortable, was not the easiest to access, especially with the standard seven-passenger configuration. Opting for the six-passenger setup with captain's chairs required an additional $500 and upgrading to the B6 engine.

In terms of cargo capacity, the XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row down, and 65.5 cubic feet with the second row folded, lower than competitors like the Audi Q7 and Genesis GV80. Despite its size limitations, the XC90 delivered a driving feel more akin to smaller cars, maneuvering easily and confidently.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 focused on practicality and utility, showcasing numerous storage options and large, easy-to-use controls. The TRD Off-Road trim provided seats clad in SofTex artificial leather, an eight-way power driver's seat, and optional heated and ventilated front seats from the Weather package. The RAV4 accommodated four adults comfortably, offering good legroom, headroom, and rear seat amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports.

Cargo space in the RAV4 stood at 37.6 cubic feet with rear seats up, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet when folded, surpassing the XC90 in maximum capacity. The power liftgate made loading and unloading convenient.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a smart 9-inch vertically oriented touchscreen running Google's OS, with built-in Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant displayed on a 12.3-inch driver information display. Google’s natural language recognition provided a seamless user experience, although Volvo’s reliance on the touchscreen for various functions could prove cumbersome. The minimalist interior design sacrificed some physical buttons, making simple adjustments challenging for new users.

Conversely, the 2024 Toyota RAV4’s Toyota Audio Multimedia system showcased the latest tech with standard 8-inch and optional 10.5-inch touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and five connected service plans. Features like Service Connect and Safety Connect were free for ten years, providing collision notification and SOS emergency calling. Remote Connect added remote access via the smartphone app for a year, and Drive Connect offered a year of cloud-based navigation and a digital voice assistant.

The RAV4’s infotainment system had some drawbacks, including the lack of a multi-panel Home screen and the odd requirement of voice commands to switch from Apple CarPlay to SiriusXM. The system’s light font could be difficult to read in daylight. The test vehicle’s digital assistant worked well, although it had issues parsing emergency commands accurately.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 maintained Volvo’s reputation for safety with standard features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology. These systems combined to create a smooth, stress-free driving experience from a standstill to highway speeds. The XC90 earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS in 2022.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), offering a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. However, the base LE trim lacked blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a significant omission. TSS 2.5 performed adequately, though adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist had limitations on curvy roads. Adaptive cruise control worked better on straight highways, and lane-centering assist was less precise than desired. The RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick status from the IIHS due to lower scores in newer crash tests, signaling the need for an updated design.