2026 Genesis GV70 vs 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2026 Genesis GV70 showcased Hyundai's luxury arm's prowess in crafting premium vehicles, embodying the "Athletic Elegance" design philosophy. Its refined style was marked by a strong grille, a sleek profile, and a distinctive roofline. The GV70 was available in eight colours in Canada, including four matte hues and the new Ceres Blue, inspired by the first dwarf planet discovered by humanity. The front of the GV70 was sharpened with a redrawn crest-shaped grille, flanked by two-line headlamps with micro lens array lighting elements. The interior featured a 27-inch OLED screen dominating the dashboard, with redesigned lighting elements adding a techy glow. The Sport model had unique design elements like dark chrome moulding and 21-inch wheels, with carbon fibre trim inside.

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. The sixth-generation RAV4 maintained the same footprint as its predecessor but featured buffer bumpers that extended its length. The GR Sport's assertive grille and rear diffuser added nearly five centimetres to its length. The RAV4 adopted a boxy, truck-like presence with square lines and bulging fenders. The Sport trims featured gloss black accents and racier elements like red brake calipers and 20-inch black alloy wheels. Inside, the RAV4 offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen system, with the GR Sport trim featuring red stitching and badging.

The 2026 Genesis GV70 offered a base 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was standard across the lineup. The 3.5T Sport trim featured a 3.5-litre turbocharged V6, delivering 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The GV70 provided a smooth ride with Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, along with a new Terrain Mode for Snow, Mud, and Sand settings. Hydro bushings and Highway Body Motion Control enhanced comfort, while the Road Preview feature used cameras to adjust the suspension for a smoother ride.

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. The PHEV's power increased to 324 hp, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. All-wheel drive was standard, with a front motor rated at 203 hp and a smaller rear motor for assistance. The RAV4 offered EV, Auto, Hybrid, and Charge modes, with seamless power transitions and paddle shifters for manual control. The GR Sport trim had enhanced handling with a lower ride height and 20-inch wheels, providing a sportier driving experience.

The 2026 Genesis GV70 offered ample space for tall drivers in the front seats, though the 27-inch OLED screen was partially blocked by the steering wheel. The wide centre console featured a rotary shifter and infotainment dial, with limited storage space. Rear seats provided headroom and shoulder room, but legroom was less generous. The sloping roofline made the rear feel cramped, and cargo space was less than competitors like the BMW X3.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained similar dimensions to its predecessor, with optimized interior storage. The base SE had power-adjustable heated front seats, while higher trims featured SofTex upholstery and ventilated seats. The RAV4 offered clever storage solutions, including a dashboard shelf and deep door pockets. Rear legroom was spacious, though cargo space was reduced to 951 litres due to the PHEV's battery. Folding the rear seats expanded cargo capacity to 1,798 litres.

The 2026 Genesis GV70 featured a 27-inch OLED touchscreen infotainment system with over-the-air updates and customizable themes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with a 360-degree Surround View Monitor. The digital gauge cluster offered customizable displays, and voice commands controlled climate, infotainment, and windows. The GV70 also included Genesis Digital Key and a fingerprint authentication system.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid had a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch screen on top trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a quick menu. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness, and the Voice Assistant responded to "Hey Toyota" prompts. The system also provided charging information and a range map for the PHEV.

The 2026 Genesis GV70 included a comprehensive suite of advanced driver safety features, such as forward collision avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot collision avoidance assist. The Genesis Highway Driving Assist II technology detected hands on the steering wheel and provided reliable lane-keeping assistance. While the 2026 model hadn't been crash-tested, previous versions received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with enhanced camera and radar detection. Standard driver assistance systems included automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4 also offered blind spot monitoring, a safe exit alert, and a surround-view camera system on higher trims. The redesign aimed to address previous safety shortcomings, with expected high ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.