2026 Jeep Wrangler vs 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler retained its iconic and instantly recognizable design, characterized by its upright, military-style stance and the distinct seven-slot grille. The vehicle offered a unique open-air experience with removable doors and roof, and even a foldable windshield. The Wrangler was celebrated for its extensive customization options, ranging from basic to luxurious trims. Our test model, the Willys ’41, was finished in a special army green with matching wheels and a ’41 hood graphic, showcasing the vehicle's rugged charm. The interior was utilitarian, featuring rugged materials and a minimalist design, which suited the Wrangler's adventurous spirit. Despite the hard plastic surfaces, the easy-to-clean materials and practical features like weatherproof floor mats made it a favourite among off-road enthusiasts. The Wrangler also delighted with hidden Easter eggs throughout its design, adding a playful touch to its robust functionality.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available in Canada exclusively with the Sport design, including the SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport trims. The GR Sport, inspired by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division, featured a more aggressive look with red brake calipers, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and a wide mesh grille. The RAV4's design was boxy and truck-like, with square lines and bulging fenders, giving it a robust presence. The interior was thoughtfully designed with clever storage solutions, such as a shelf over the dashboard and a wireless device charger. The RAV4 offered a comfortable ride with adequate bolstering and thigh support in the front seats, although the SofTex upholstery could get sticky on hot days. The interior space was optimized for comfort, with ample rear legroom and a flat cargo floor when the rear seats were folded down, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler offered a variety of powertrains, including the Pentastar 3.6-litre V6, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo, and a 6.4-litre Hemi V8. Our Willys ’41 test vehicle was equipped with the V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine provided ample power for daily driving and off-road adventures, with impressive low-end torque for slow crawling. The Wrangler's maneuverability was a standout feature, making it adept at handling tight turns both on trails and in urban settings. However, the off-road tires and upright stance contributed to a noisy cabin at highway speeds, requiring drivers to raise their voices during phone calls.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower, and a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. The PHEV's total power output increased to 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The vehicle offered an estimated electric range of 80 kilometres, with all-wheel drive as standard. The RAV4 excelled in EV mode for quiet city driving, while Auto mode combined the engine and motors for a 0-100 km/h time in the low five seconds. The transition between power sources was seamless, and the vehicle's handling was enhanced by a strengthened chassis and improved suspension. The GR Sport trim offered a sportier ride with less body roll and better damping, although the RAV4's weight was noticeable in corners.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler was a practical choice for off-road enthusiasts, with 24.6 centimetres of ground clearance and the ability to ford up to 75 centimetres of water. The four-door model offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 2,050 litres with the seats folded flat. However, the two-door model had limited cargo space, and the rear seats were tight for larger passengers. The Wrangler's swing-out tailgate and lift-up rear glass provided easy access to cargo, but the interior lacked amenities like multiple cup holders and storage cubbies.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained its dimensions from the previous generation, with optimized interior space and clever storage solutions. The vehicle offered 960 millimetres of rear legroom, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The cargo area provided 951 litres of space, expanding to 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded down. The RAV4's interior featured deep door pockets, multiple storage shelves, and a centre console with flexible storage options. The vehicle's design prioritized passenger comfort and practicality, making it a suitable choice for families.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a two-year free trial of the Trails Offroad app, allowing drivers to explore trails and maps. Optional tech features included a nine-speaker Alpine audio system, a digital rear-view mirror, and a forward-facing TrailCam. Our Willys ’41 test vehicle had many of these optional features, enhancing the driving experience with digital trip information and quality audio.

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 touchscreen available on top trims. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and user interface, while the Voice Assistant responded to a range of prompts. The system also provided information on charging schedules and a range map for the plug-in hybrid system.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler offered limited standard safety features, with advanced safety tech available at a cost. The base Sport trim lacked additional safety options, while features like adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring became available on higher trims. The Wrangler received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with "Good" ratings in some crash tests but poor scores for headlights.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. The system included automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. The RAV4's safety enhancements aimed to improve detection and responsiveness, contributing to its strong safety record. The vehicle's crash-testing results were pending at the time of writing, but the redesign was expected to address previous shortcomings.