Chevrolet Tahoe vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe continued its legacy as a popular full-size SUV, maintaining its reputation for capability and practicality. Its design updates were subtle, with a new grille and lighting elements aligning it with other Chevy trucks. The Tahoe offered six trim levels, each with varying degrees of luxury and performance, from the no-frills LS to the off-road-focused Z71 and the luxurious High Country. The Z71 trim, which we tested, stood out with its rugged features like skid plates and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Tahoe boasted a new 17.7-inch touchscreen and a redesigned cabin with more sophisticated controls, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, available exclusively in Sport design trims in Canada, showcased a bold, square design with a truck-like presence. The GR Sport trim, inspired by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, featured sporty elements like red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. Inside, the RAV4 offered a modern cabin with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a choice of touchscreens. The interior was optimized for storage, with clever features like multiple shelves and deep door pockets. Despite its compact footprint, the RAV4 provided ample passenger space, though cargo capacity was slightly reduced compared to the standard model.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a choice of two V8 engines and a diesel option, making it one of the last full-size SUVs with a naturally aspirated V8. The 5.3-litre V8 delivered 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.2-litre V8 offered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel engine, available in multiple trims, was refined and efficient, producing 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and its independent rear suspension improved interior space. The optional Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride adaptive suspension enhanced ride quality, especially with larger wheels.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 186 hp, paired with a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. This setup increased the RAV4's total power to 324 hp, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The PHEV offered an estimated electric range of 80 kilometres and standard all-wheel drive. The RAV4's EV mode provided quiet city driving, while Auto mode delivered impressive acceleration with a 0-100 km/h time in the low five seconds. The GR Sport trim, with its lower ride height and enhanced suspension, offered sportier handling, though the RAV4's weight was noticeable in corners.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe excelled in towing and cargo capacity, with the ability to tow up to 3,810 kilograms with the Max Trailering package. Its cargo volume was impressive, offering 3,474 litres with all seats folded. However, with all seats in place, cargo space was limited to 722 litres. The Tahoe's large 91-litre fuel tank allowed for extended highway driving, especially with the diesel engine. The optional 24-inch wheels required Magnetic Ride Control for a smoother ride, though they added to the vehicle's cost.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained its compact dimensions but optimized interior space with clever storage solutions. The base SE trim offered power-adjustable and heated front seats, while higher trims featured SofTex upholstery and ventilated seats. The RAV4 provided 960 millimetres of rear legroom, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. Cargo capacity was slightly reduced to 951 litres due to the PHEV's battery, but folding the rear seats expanded it to 1,798 litres. The RAV4's interior was practical, with multiple storage shelves and deep door pockets.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe made significant strides in technology, featuring a 17.7-inch touchscreen, an 11-inch driver information screen, and an optional 15-inch head-up display. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were complemented by Google Built-in, offering seamless integration of Google services. While the new tech interface was sleek, the steering wheel controls were cluttered, and the premium Bose sound system underwhelmed compared to rivals.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid introduced a 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 featured customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and introduced a subscription-based Voice Assistant. The system allowed drivers to locate chargers and manage the plug-in hybrid system efficiently.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe included a comprehensive suite of standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera. However, the 2024 model received mixed safety ratings, with four out of five stars from the NHTSA and an Acceptable rating from the IIHS in certain tests.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, offering a wide range of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The system's enhancements improved detection and responsiveness, contributing to the RAV4's strong safety record. The 2025 model received five stars from the NHTSA, and the 2026 redesign aimed to address previous shortcomings.