2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid vs 2026 Lexus NX

The 2026 Lexus NX maintained a fresh appearance despite being a few years into its second generation. Its design elements, such as the chunky fenders, integrated LED daytime running lights, and the spindle grille, were well-integrated, offering a balanced look that was neither as classic as the Genesis GV70 nor as awkward as the Audi Q5. The design team at Lexus refined the existing design, ensuring that elements like the oversized grille and LED DRLs appeared intentional rather than added for visual impact. The NX was available in various configurations, including non-hybrid, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models, with packages like F Sport 3 adding sporty features. However, the base NX 350's interior didn't quite meet luxury expectations, with the F Sport 3's all-black interior feeling similar to high-end Toyota RAV4 versions.

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 RAV4 maintained the same footprint as its predecessor but featured buffer bumpers that extended its length. The GR Sport trim showcased a more aggressive look with a prominent grille and rear diffuser. The RAV4's design embraced a boxy, truck-like presence, with features like daytime running lights and a rear roof spoiler adding to its appeal. The Sport trims added gloss black accents and racier elements inspired by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division. Inside, the RAV4 offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with the GR Sport trim featuring unique accents like red stitching.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered a range of powertrain options, but the standard NX 350 F Sport 3's performance was underwhelming. It featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite a quoted 0-100 km/h time of 7.0 seconds, the transmission's sluggishness made achieving this difficult. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid models offered more compelling performance on paper, with the latter boasting 304 hp and a 6.1-second 0-100 km/h time. However, the NX's chassis tuning and ride quality left much to be desired, with firm dampers and lifeless steering detracting from the driving experience.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower, complemented by a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. This resulted in a power increase to 324 hp, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The PHEV offered an estimated 80-kilometre electric range and a 0-100 km/h time in the low five seconds. The RAV4's powertrain provided seamless transitions between modes, with EV mode suitable for quiet cruising and Auto mode delivering full power. The GR Sport trim offered enhanced handling with a lower ride height and improved suspension, providing a sportier driving experience without sacrificing comfort.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered competitive passenger space but with some compromises. Rear-seat headroom was comparable to rivals, but legroom was slightly less generous. The front seats felt constrained, with limited headroom and hindered visibility due to the deep dashboard and large mirrors. Cargo space measured 643 litres with the rear seats up and 1,328 litres with them folded, trailing behind competitors. The NX's towing capacity was also limited to 907 kilograms.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained its dimensions from the previous generation, optimizing interior space with clever storage solutions. The base SE trim offered power-adjustable and heated front seats, while higher trims featured synthetic leather upholstery. The RAV4's interior accommodated four passengers comfortably, with 960 millimetres of rear legroom. Cargo space was slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4, with 951 litres available and 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded. The RAV4's interior design included multiple storage shelves and deep door pockets for added convenience.

The 2026 Lexus NX came standard with a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, while a 14-inch display was available with higher packages. All models featured a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and six USB ports. Higher packages included a head-up display and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The infotainment system offered cloud-based navigation and voice recognition, but some controls, like fan speed, were awkwardly placed. The digital instrument cluster presented information efficiently, though it resembled older analog displays.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.9-inch display 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 loading times. The Voice Assistant responded to a wide range of prompts, and the system provided data for the plug-in hybrid system, including charging schedules and a range map.

The 2026 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist, and more. Additional features like park assist and a 360-degree camera system were available. The NX received a 2025 Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, missing the highest award due to an "Acceptable" score in one crash test. NHTSA ratings were not yet available.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. These included automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and more. The RAV4's safety enhancements aimed to improve detection and responsiveness. While crash-testing results for the 2026 model were pending, the RAV4 had a strong safety record, with the 2025 model receiving a five-star rating from the NHTSA.