2026 Jeep Cherokee vs 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee, with its new KM generation, aimed to evoke nostalgia by adopting a boxy shape reminiscent of the classic XJ Cherokee from the 1980s and 1990s. However, in a market saturated with rugged-looking crossovers, the Cherokee's design came across as somewhat generic. The signature seven-slot grille, a hallmark of Jeep, seemed less distinctive, resembling a knockoff rather than the genuine article. The rear-end design was more successful, blending an XJ-like profile with aerodynamic elements and taillights featuring the iconic “X” pattern. The Cherokee shared its Stellantis STLA Large platform with other models like the Dodge Charger and Jeep Wagoneer S, offering good proportions for a compact SUV. Across its trim levels, from base to Overland, the Cherokee maintained a consistent appearance, with the Overland boasting 20-inch wheels compared to the 18-inch wheels on other trims. Inside, the Cherokee offered a mix of cloth and leatherette upholstery, with recycled materials used in the carpets and interior trim. The interior, primarily plastic, was enhanced by muted finishes, avoiding the pitfalls of smudge-prone piano black. The concave dashboard and rotary shifter, reminiscent of the Grand Wagoneer, elevated the Cherokee's interior style.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, available exclusively in the Sport design in Canada, featured a bold and assertive look. The GR Sport trim, inspired by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division, showcased racier elements like red brake calipers, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and a wide mesh grille. The RAV4's design embraced a square, truck-like presence, with boxy wheel arches and bulges over the fenders. Daytime running lights and an integrated rear roof spoiler added to its sporty appeal. Inside, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered a refined experience with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.9-inch option on higher trims. The interior featured customizable displays and a streamlined design, with a wide centre console housing a mechanical gear shifter on lower grades and a shift-by-wire setup on higher trims. The GR Sport trim, with its lower stance and enhanced suspension, provided a sportier ride without compromising comfort.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee introduced a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a two-motor hybrid system, delivering 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. This setup positioned the Cherokee between the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 hybrids in terms of power. The standard all-wheel drive system, featuring a clutch-based rear-axle disconnect, prioritized fuel economy over off-road capability. Jeep's Selec-Terrain drive modes and best-in-class approach and departure angles enhanced its versatility, although the Cherokee's off-road prowess was limited compared to models like the Grand Cherokee or Wrangler. The hybrid system impressed with smooth power delivery, but the steering lacked precision, requiring adjustments through the touchscreen. Regenerative braking was minimal, with a "low mode" offering slight improvement.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The PHEV featured a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack, extending its electric range to 80 kilometres. The all-wheel drive system, with a large front motor and a smaller rear motor, provided seamless power transitions. In EV mode, the RAV4 excelled in quiet cruising, while Auto mode unleashed its full power, achieving a 0-100 km/h time in the low five seconds. The RAV4's handling was enhanced by a strengthened chassis and improved suspension, with the GR Sport trim offering a sportier ride. Despite its weight, the RAV4 maintained comfort and agility, with the GR Sport trim exhibiting less body roll and better damping.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee offered competitive headroom and legroom for front-seat passengers, comparable to rivals like the Subaru Forester and Kia Sportage hybrids. However, forward visibility was slightly hindered by a deep dashboard and steeply raked windshield. The Cherokee's interior featured comfortable seats, with power adjustments available on higher trims. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed similar headroom, but legroom was less generous compared to competitors. The Cherokee's cargo space, at 951 litres behind the rear seats and 1,934 litres with seats folded, was less than some rivals, but its 1,587-kilogram towing capacity was impressive. The dashboard maintained important analog controls, though some buttons were hard to locate, and touch sensors for climate controls lacked feedback.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid retained its dimensions from the previous generation, optimizing interior space with clever storage solutions. The base SE trim offered power-adjustable and heated front seats, with SofTex upholstery on higher trims. The RAV4's interior featured multiple storage shelves and deep door pockets, accommodating passengers comfortably. Rear legroom was spacious, though slightly less than larger models like the Honda CR-V. The PHEV's cargo area, at 951 litres, was reduced compared to the standard RAV4, but folding the rear seats provided 1,798 litres of space. The RAV4's interior design emphasized practicality and comfort, with a flat cargo floor and a temporary spare tire.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless device charging available on higher trims. The Uconnect 5 system, known for its stability and OTA updates, offered a reliable user experience. However, the digital instrument cluster's graphics were plain, and vehicle settings were split between the touchscreen and dashboard buttons, causing some confusion. The native navigation system in the Overland trim was laggy compared to Android Auto, and the audio system showed little difference between lower and higher trims.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch option on top trims. The touchscreen offered customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and user interface, with a subscription-based Voice Assistant for voice commands. The RAV4's infotainment system included features like charger location and plug-in hybrid data, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee offered standard driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Active Driving Assist, combining lane centring with adaptive cruise control, was also standard. The Overland model included traffic sign recognition, with a surround-view camera system available as an option. Crash test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of writing.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. The system included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a safe exit alert. The RAV4's safety features were enhanced by a wider camera view and broader radar detection range. A surround-view camera system was available on higher trims, contributing to the RAV4's strong safety record. Crash test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were pending.