2025 Genesis GV80 vs 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2025 Genesis GV80 was a testament to sophisticated design, with its top Prestige trim featuring a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged engine. The redesign enhanced its already handsome appearance, with subtle yet impactful changes like the micro lens array in the headlights and a more aggressive lower bumper. The interior was equally stunning, offering quilted Nappa leather seats and unique accents like basalt or recycled newspaper trim. The centre console was thoughtfully designed, though the redundant infotainment dial seemed unnecessary given the ease of using the touchscreen.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available exclusively in the Sport design in Canada, with trims like the SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport. The sixth-generation RAV4 maintained its footprint but added buffer bumpers for a more assertive look. The GR Sport trim showcased racier elements inspired by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division, including red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. Inside, the RAV4 offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a streamlined design, with the GR Sport featuring red stitching and sporty accents.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 retained its powertrain options, with a standard 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The top trim boasted a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. All trims featured standard all-wheel drive, with a system capable of sending up to 100% of torque to the rear wheels. The GV80 offered a satisfying acceleration experience, though it was more suited for cruising than sporty driving. The brakes were firm and linear, providing confident stopping power.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower, paired with a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. This setup increased the total power to 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The all-wheel-drive system included a large front motor and a smaller rear motor, providing a seamless transition of power. The RAV4 excelled in EV mode for quiet cruising, while Auto mode delivered a satisfying power band. The GR Sport trim offered enhanced handling with a lower ride height and beefier suspension components.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 was well-equipped with features like power-adjustable heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and three-zone climate control. The top trim added four-zone climate control and ventilated seats. However, the seats were uncomfortably rigid, detracting from long-haul comfort. The GV80 offered ample legroom in the second row, with the option for a third row in the Prestige trim. Cargo space was expected to be similar to the 990 litres of the 2024 model, and the GV80 could tow up to 2,720 kilograms.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained its dimensions but optimized interior space with clever storage solutions. The SE trim included power-adjustable heated front seats and five USB ports, while higher trims featured SofTex upholstery and ventilated seats. The RAV4 offered 960 millimetres of rear legroom, though it fell short of larger rivals. Cargo space was slightly reduced to 951 litres, but folding the rear seats expanded it to 1,798 litres. The RAV4 also included a temporary spare tire under the cargo floor.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 featured a 27-inch OLED screen for the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available later. The infotainment system was visually impressive but could be cumbersome to navigate. The GV80 offered wireless charging, four USB-C ports, and an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system for premium sound quality.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.9-inch screen on top trims. The touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings. Toyota’s new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and introduced a subscription-based Voice Assistant. The system also allowed drivers to locate chargers along their route.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 included advanced driver aids like lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, and blind-spot monitoring. Upper trims added features like remote smart parking and a 360-degree camera system. The Highway Drive Assist II system was standard, with an attention monitor to ensure driver focus. The 2024 model received high safety ratings, and the 2025 model was expected to perform similarly.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with enhanced camera and radar detection. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered a surround-view camera system. The RAV4’s strong safety record was expected to continue with the 2026 model, pending crash-testing results.