2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid vs 2025 MINI Countryman

The 2025 MINI Countryman was a blend of classic and modern design elements, featuring iconic Mini characteristics such as wide-eyed headlights, a floating roof available in various colours, and vertical Union Jack taillights. The vehicle's appearance varied significantly depending on the model, paint, interior, and wheels, allowing it to present as either a conservative crossover or a performance-oriented SUV. Buyers had to choose from different models, including the popular Countryman S, the powerful John Cooper Works (JCW), and the electric SE with an estimated range of 341 kilometres. The Countryman offered a range of customization options, including style packages, colour choices, and equipment selections, with Canadian prices ranging from $49,269 to $63,269.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available exclusively in Sport design grades in Canada, including the base SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport, which was only offered as a PHEV. The sixth-generation RAV4 maintained the same footprint as its predecessor but featured buffer bumpers that extended its length. The GR Sport model showcased a more aggressive grille and rear diffuser, adding nearly five centimetres to its length. The RAV4's design was characterized by a square, truck-like presence, with boxy wheel arches and bulges over the fenders. The Sport trims featured gloss black accents, red brake calipers, and 20-inch black alloy wheels, while the interior offered mild differentiation with accents like red stitching on the GR Sport's black upholstery.

The 2025 MINI Countryman S was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, allowing it to accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately 6.4 seconds. The Countryman offered different driving modes, including Core and Go Kart, which altered the driving dynamics and engine sound. However, the vehicle lacked refinement, with issues such as a clunky transmission and touchy brakes. Despite these drawbacks, the Countryman was quick and nimble, providing an enjoyable driving experience, although its fuel economy was less impressive, with a test result of 9.6 L/100 km.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. It featured a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack, providing an estimated electric range of 80 kilometres. The RAV4's all-wheel-drive system included a large front motor and a smaller rear motor, allowing for a seamless transition of power. The vehicle offered multiple driving modes, including EV, Auto, Hybrid, and Charge, catering to different driving needs. The RAV4's handling was enhanced by a strengthened chassis and improved suspension, providing a spirited ride without sacrificing comfort. However, its weight of around 2,040 kilograms was noticeable in corners, although the GR Sport trim offered better handling due to its lower ride height and suspension tweaks.

The 2025 MINI Countryman provided seating for four adults, with comfortable front seats and upscale artificial leather upholstery. The vehicle offered good outward visibility and an excellent surround-view camera system. While the back seat was snug, it was comfortable for teenagers, and the vehicle included features like air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic sunroof. The Countryman offered 708 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,591 litres with the rear seats folded, making it competitive in the subcompact SUV segment.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's interior was optimized for storage, with features like a dashboard shelf and multiple storage compartments. The vehicle offered comfortable seating for four passengers, with adequate rear legroom and a panoramic sunroof that slightly reduced headroom. The RAV4's cargo area provided 951 litres of space, expandable to 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded. The vehicle's interior space was similar to standard RAV4 models, with the main difference being the reduced cargo area due to the PHEV system.

The 2025 MINI Countryman featured a 9.4-inch OLED touchscreen infotainment display, which, despite its advanced operating system, was criticized for its complexity. The vehicle included cloud-based navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Harman Kardon audio system. However, the Intelligent Personal Assistant was inactive during testing, and the infotainment system's depth of menus was overwhelming. The head-up display was a helpful addition, providing essential information without cluttering the centre display.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch screen available on top trims. The touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings. The vehicle's operating system, Arene, was responsive and supported a subscription-based Voice Assistant for various commands. The RAV4 also offered features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the ability to locate chargers along the route.

The 2025 MINI Countryman was well-equipped with safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The vehicle also offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centring assist. The Countryman received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS in 2024, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, which included automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. The system featured enhanced camera and radar detection, improving responsiveness and detection at night. The RAV4's safety features contributed to its strong safety record, although crash-testing results for the 2026 model were pending.