Chevrolet Equinox vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox presented a robust SUV character with its broad fenders, squat roofline, and tall grille, accentuated by high-mounted daytime running lights. Despite its car-like unibody, the Equinox successfully embodied a distinct SUV aesthetic, avoiding the clichés often seen in its segment. Available in LT, Activ, and RS trims, each offered unique styling features. The LT featured a chrome grille mesh and 17-inch wheels, while the RS boasted more black trim, a wider grille, and standard 19-inch wheels. The Activ trim dialed up the ruggedness with a prominent lower front fascia and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Equinox's cabin, though primarily plastic, was well-assembled with thoughtful details like large air vents and a spear-like trim piece. The Activ model stood out with its Maple Sugar and black two-tone treatment and unique microfibre and Evotex seats.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, available exclusively in Sport design trims in Canada, showcased a bold, truck-like presence with its square design and assertive grille. The GR Sport trim, inspired by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division, added racier elements like red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. The RAV4 maintained its boxy wheel arches and bulging fenders, reminiscent of the Highlander models. Inside, the RAV4 offered a mild differentiation with accents like red stitching on the GR Sport's black upholstery. All trims featured a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.9-inch option available. The centre console housed a mechanical gear shifter on lower grades, while the XSE’s Technology Package and GR Sport featured a shift-by-wire setup. The RAV4's interior was designed for flexibility, with removable cupholder separators and a storage nook below the wireless charging deck.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre inline-four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower. It came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in the standard front-wheel drive (FWD) setup, offering 184 lb-ft of torque. In Canada, FWD was limited to the base LT trim, while all-wheel drive (AWD) was optional on LT and standard on Activ and RS trims. AWD models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with 203 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox's engine performance was adequate, though drivers needed a heavy foot for overtaking. The eight-speed automatic transmission occasionally hesitated to downshift, but steering-wheel paddle shifters helped mitigate this issue. The Equinox's suspension provided a comfortable ride, though quick steering inputs could upset the chassis. It excelled as a highway cruiser, aided by active noise cancellation, though the all-terrain tires on the Activ trim added some noise and reduced grip.

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. This setup delivered a total of 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The RAV4 PHEV offered an estimated electric range of 80 kilometres. All-wheel drive was standard, with a large front motor rated at 203 hp and 201 lb-ft of torque, complemented by a smaller rear motor. In EV mode, the RAV4 excelled at quiet cruising, while Auto mode combined the engine and motors for a 0-100 km/h time in the low five seconds. The RAV4's power transition was seamless, and paddle shifters allowed for manual control. Despite its weight, the RAV4 maintained a spirited ride, with the GR Sport trim offering enhanced handling due to its lower stance and beefier suspension. The RAV4's handling was more pronounced on the GR Sport trim, which sat 1.5 cm lower than other grades and featured 20-inch black alloy wheels.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offered competitive headroom and first-row legroom, though some rivals provided more rear-seat legroom. The seats were supportive but under-cushioned. The Equinox Activ test car included the Convenience Package III, adding features like a power-adjustable front passenger seat and heated rear seats. The driver enjoyed an elevated seating position, though forward visibility was somewhat limited by the flat hood and deep dashboard. The Equinox provided ample storage, with a wireless phone charger and spacious centre console. Cargo space measured 844 litres behind the rear seats and 1,798 litres with the seats folded, falling short of segment leaders. The maximum towing capacity for AWD models was 680 kilograms.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained its dimensions from the previous generation, optimizing interior space with clever storage features. The base SE trim included power-adjustable and heated front seats, while higher trims featured SofTex upholstery and ventilated seats. The RAV4's interior offered multiple storage shelves and deep door pockets. Passenger space was generous, with 960 millimetres of rear legroom, though it fell short of larger models. The cargo area provided 951 litres of space, expanding to 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded. The RAV4 PHEV included a temporary spare tire under the cargo floor.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offered an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.3-inch touchscreen as standard, housed in a stylish curved design. The Android-based infotainment system included Google built-in apps, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with easy-to-identify icons and a shallow menu structure. Physical knobs and buttons controlled climate and seat functions, though the headlight switch was a touchscreen icon. The Equinox's screen size provided clear icons and text without dominating the cabin. While lacking options for a head-up display or premium audio system, the Equinox covered the basics for average users.

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 option on top trims. The touchscreen included customizable tiles and a quick menu for common settings. The new Arene operating system improved responsiveness and loading times. The Voice Assistant responded to a range of prompts, and the system could locate chargers along routes. The touchscreen integrated climate controls, with physical temperature buttons and a volume knob.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. GM-specific features included a vibrating driver's seat for warnings and the Teen Driver system. The Safety and Technology Package added a surround-view camera, digital rear-view mirror, and traffic sign recognition. The Equinox received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with top Good ratings in some tests but lower ratings in others. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of writing.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with enhanced camera and radar detection. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, and the redesign aimed to address previous shortcomings. Crash-testing results from the IIHS and NHTSA were pending.