2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid vs 2025 Volvo XC90

The 2025 Volvo XC90 maintained its reputation for timeless elegance, earning a perfect score for its design in previous years. The refreshed model retained the classic elements that defined its look while incorporating modern touches. The updated "Thor’s Hammer" headlights appeared more robust, and the grille's subtle changes added a sophisticated, woven-like design. The XC90's exterior theme resisted fleeting trends, opting for a classic elegance with chrome trim and large wheels that filled the arches beautifully. Inside, the XC90 offered a comfortable and understated space with notable updates, such as a repositioned infotainment screen and a more symmetrical centre console. The interior materials were characteristically Swedish, with options like quilted Nordico, perforated Nappa leather, and a new herringbone weave textile made from recycled polyester.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured three distinct designs, but the Canadian market was limited to the Sport design, including the base SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport. The RAV4 maintained the same footprint as its predecessor, with the GR Sport's assertive grille and rear diffuser adding length. The design embraced a boxy, truck-like presence with square lines and bulging fenders. The Sport trims showcased gloss black accents and racier elements, such as red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. Inside, the RAV4 offered a mild differentiation with accents like red stitching on the GR Sport. The digital instrument cluster and touchscreen system were standard, with a streamlined design and improved user interface. The centre console housed a mechanical gear shifter on lower grades, while the XSE and GR Sport featured a shift-by-wire setup.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 offered two powertrains in Canada, both with standard AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B6 mild hybrid used turbo- and e-supercharging to produce 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined a four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an 18.8-kWh battery, delivering a total output of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The XC90 PHEV offered up to 53 kilometres of pure electric range. The B6 was more user-friendly, while the T8 required regular charging. The XC90's suspension featured Frequency Selective Damping technology, providing improved ride comfort and stability.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid adopted an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 324 hp, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The PHEV featured a larger 22.7-kWh battery pack, increasing the electric range to 80 kilometres. The RAV4's AWD system included a large front motor and a smaller rear motor. In EV mode, the RAV4 excelled at quiet cruising, while Auto mode delivered satisfying power. The RAV4's handling was enhanced with a strengthened chassis and improved suspension, particularly in the GR Sport trim. The GR Sport's lower ground clearance and 20-inch wheels contributed to its sportier performance.

The 2025 Volvo XC90's centre console layout was both aesthetically pleasing and practical. The wireless charging pad was repositioned for better accessibility, and the reorganization improved small-item storage. The XC90 offered standard USB-C charge ports for the first and second rows, while third-row occupants had dedicated cupholders. The XC90's three-row seating provided competitive space, with the third row offering 922 mm of headroom and 810 mm of legroom. The XC90 excelled in front and second-row space compared to rivals like the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Infiniti QX60.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's base SE trim was well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, five USB ports, and push-button start. The interior dimensions remained similar to the previous generation, with clever storage features like a dashboard shelf and a wireless device charger. The RAV4's rear legroom measured 960 mm, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The cargo area offered 951 litres of space, expandable to 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded. The RAV4's interior space was optimized for practicality, although it fell short of larger models like the Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan.

The 2025 Volvo XC90's touchscreen infotainment system featured a larger display with sharper resolution and a new user interface. The system emphasized a fewer-taps approach, with key functions accessible from the homescreen. The Android-based system included Google Built-In and standard Apple CarPlay connectivity. The Ultra package added a head-up display and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon Premium Sound system, with an optional 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system available.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10.5-inch touchscreen system. The digital displays were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreen offered customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and loading times. The Voice Assistant responded to a range of prompts, and the system provided data for the plug-in hybrid system, including charging schedules and a range map.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with standard advanced driver-assistance systems operating smoothly. Features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping aid, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot information system. The XC90 lacked a hands-free highway-driving system, unlike some competitors.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with a wider view for cameras and a broader detection range for radar. Standard driver assistance systems included automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. The RAV4's safety enhancements aimed to improve its already strong safety record, with crash-testing results pending.