Acura RDX vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2025 Acura RDX was positioned between the smaller ADX and the larger three-row MDX in Acura's lineup. It was available in a base level of specification, as well as A-Spec or Platinum Elite A-Spec trims. Each RDX came with a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive (AWD). Prices ranged from $57,526 to $66,356, including the $2,595 destination charge and other fees. The U.S. equivalent of the Platinum Elite A-Spec test vehicle had extra-cost paint and carried a Canadian MSRP of $64,756, including destination.

The RDX’s styling had aged gracefully, receiving a few tweaks for 2025. The grille adopted a frameless appearance with a different mesh insert. Revised wheel designs and finishes were available across the lineup, and new Solar Silver and Urban Grey Pearl paint colours were introduced. The RDX Platinum Elite A-Spec model’s 20-inch multi-spoke wheel design featured a machined surface, contributing to a design that was easy on the eyes, except for the oversized air inlets on the front bumper. The A-Spec treatment gave the test vehicle a sportier look with gloss black exterior accents and a finned rear diffuser panel. The Platinum Elite A-Spec trim included full leather upholstery, a standard panoramic glass sunroof, and ambient lighting, enhancing the cabin's quality feel.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available exclusively in grades with the Sport design in Canada, including the base SE, the XSE, and the new GR Sport, the latter offered exclusively as a PHEV. The sixth-generation RAV4 maintained the same footprint as the outgoing model, but new grades could add buffer bumpers that increased the length. The GR Sport’s assertive grille and rear diffuser extended it by nearly five centimetres. The RAV4 adopted a broader truck-like presence consistent with Toyota’s other new SUVs, with boxy wheel arches and bulges over the fenders similar to the Highlander models.

The Sport trims on the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid wore more gloss black accents on the rocker panels, fenders, front and rear bumpers, and integrated rear spoiler. The first-ever RAV4 GR Sport, inspired by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division, showcased racier elements, including red brake calipers, 20-inch black alloy wheels, a big rear wing, and a wide, steep mesh grille. Inside, certain trims featured accents like red stitching on the black upholstery of the GR Sport. All three grades had a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with crisp graphics, and a 10.5-inch or available 12.9-inch touchscreen. The wide centre console housed a mechanical gear shifter on lower grades and a low-profile shift-by-wire setup with the XSE’s Technology Package or the GR Sport.

The 2025 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission offered manual control via paddle shifters on the steering wheel, directing power to all four wheels through Acura’s torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The SH-AWD system could allocate up to 70 percent of engine output to a single rear wheel when necessary. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) allowed drivers to choose from Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Snow driving modes, adjusting powertrain response and steering effort levels. The Platinum Elite A-Spec trim featured an adaptive-damping suspension that calibrated according to the driver’s IDS selection.

The RDX’s performance was lively, but fuel consumption increased with turbocharged torque usage. The official Natural Resources Canada fuel economy rating was 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving for the base trim and 10.3 L/100 km combined for the A-Spec trims. On a mountainous driving loop, the Acura averaged 14.6 L/100 km in Normal mode. The RDX’s driving dynamics were enjoyable, with crisp and responsive steering, authoritative brakes, and an adaptive damping suspension that matched ride compliance with the chosen IDS setting. However, the A-Spec badge reflected a sporty-looking trim level rather than a performance model.

The 2026 RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid adopted an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, rated at 186 horsepower, up from 177 hp the previous year. The PHEV benefited from a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack and smaller, more efficient silicon carbide semiconductors in the power control unit, boosting Toyota's estimated range from 68 kilometres in 2025 to 80 kilometres in 2026. Power increased from 302 hp to 324 hp, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. All-wheel drive was standard, with the large front motor rated at 203 hp and 201 lb-ft of torque, and a smaller rear motor.

In EV mode, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid accelerated off the line with no delay, but plateaued at just under 50 km/h. Auto mode allowed the two propulsion motors and engine to work in tandem, delivering an unofficial 0-100 km/h time in the low five seconds. The other modes were Hybrid, which made the system less reliant on battery power, and Charge, which relied only on the gas engine to recharge the battery. The transition of power remained seamless, and paddle shifters allowed drivers to override the computer in charge of the planetary gear set. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered a spirited ride without sacrificing comfort, with a strengthened chassis accommodating the larger battery pack for great structural rigidity.

The 2025 Acura RDX Platinum Elite A-Spec trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a standard heated steering wheel, and heated outboard rear seating positions. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, though drivers with longer legs might wish for denser padding on the sides of the centre console. Rear seat comfort was less satisfactory due to a flat bottom cushion and excessive backrest recline angle. Storage space was generous, with oversized cupholders and a wireless charging pad. The power liftgate revealed at least 835 litres of cargo space, expanding to a minimum of 1,668 litres with the back seat folded flat. Three generous underfloor storage compartments were provided beneath the cargo load floor.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid’s base SE was well equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, five USB ports, and push-button start. The front seats had adequate bolstering and thigh support, with ventilated seats standard on the GR Sport and XSE trims. The interior dimensions remained mostly unchanged, with clever storage features optimizing space. The shelf over the dashboard was perfect for small devices, and the centre console storage could be flipped up from either side. The deep door pockets accommodated big water bottles, and the door handle recesses could double as phone holders. The RAV4 seated four passengers comfortably, with 960 millimetres of rear legroom. The cargo area offered 951 litres, expanding to 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded down.

The 2025 Acura RDX featured a 10.2-inch display atop the dashboard, accessed via the TTI touchpad on the centre console. The infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Alexa Built-in, with a stereo volume knob, radio tuning buttons, and separate climate controls. The system included SiriusXM satellite radio, AcuraLink connected services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. All versions except the base model had a navigation system and an Acura/ELS Studio premium sound system, with the test vehicle’s audio system featuring 16 speakers.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid had a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen on top trims. The digital displays were standard, as were wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreen featured large customizable tiles and a quick menu for commonly used settings. The graphic enhancements were courtesy of Toyota’s new operating system, Arene, which was more responsive and quicker to load. The subscription-based Voice Assistant responded to a broader range of prompts, and it was possible to locate chargers along the route by tapping the bolt icon on the menu.

The 2025 Acura RDX came with the AcuraWatch safety features package, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centring assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered low-speed front and rear braking and a surround-view camera system. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.

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. The driver assistance systems included automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a safe exit alert. All but the base SE had a surround-view camera system. The RAV4’s safety record was historically strong, and the redesign aimed to address previous shortcomings.