Dodge Durango vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2026 Dodge Durango, despite its age, maintained a rugged and timeless appeal. Its design, characterized by chunky fenders and smooth body panels, was refreshed in 2021 with updates to the grille, lighting, and bumpers, while the interior dashboard received an overhaul. The Durango's signature wraparound LED taillight, reminiscent of a racetrack, remained a standout feature. The vehicle's stance and front end projected a tough, no-nonsense attitude, making it a popular choice for police cruisers. Inside, the Durango's age showed in the style of its switches and buttons, but its analog controls were refreshingly straightforward. The touchscreen was large enough by modern standards and integrated seamlessly into the dash. Upper trims offered leather, carbon fibre, and microsuede, albeit of lower quality, but the Durango's driving experience compensated for these shortcomings.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, available exclusively in Sport design grades in Canada, showcased a bold and square design consistent with Toyota's new SUV lineup. The GR Sport trim, inspired by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, featured racier elements like red brake calipers, a big rear wing, and a wide mesh grille. Inside, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered a modern and streamlined design with a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with an available 12.9-inch version on higher trims. The interior was optimized for storage, with clever features like a shelf over the dashboard and deep door pockets. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid provided comfortable seating for four passengers, with the option for five, and offered a spacious 960 millimetres of rear legroom. The cargo area, while slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4, still provided ample space with 951 litres available.

The 2026 Dodge Durango was primarily available with a 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, which struggled to move its nearly 5,000-pound weight. The optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8, producing 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, significantly improved towing capacity to 3,945 kilograms. The SRT Hellcat Jailbreak, with a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 generating 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, offered an exhilarating driving experience. Despite its power, the Durango's fuel efficiency was poor, with the V6 consuming 11.9 L/100 km combined and the Hellcat reaching 17.4 L/100 km. The Durango's handling was commendable, with minimal body roll, but steering accuracy was lacking. All-wheel drive was standard across all models, providing sufficient visibility and smooth transmission shifts.

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 power increased to 324 hp, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. It offered an estimated electric range of 80 kilometres. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's all-wheel drive system included a large front motor rated at 203 hp and a smaller rear motor for assistance and traction. In EV mode, it excelled at quiet cruising, while Auto mode delivered a satisfying power band with a 0-100 km/h time in the low five seconds. The transition of power was seamless, and the ride was spirited without sacrificing comfort. The GR Sport trim, with its lower stance and enhanced suspension, provided improved handling over rough terrain.

The 2026 Dodge Durango offered seating for five to seven passengers, depending on the trim. The third row was tight, reflecting its shared chassis with older models. Headroom and legroom in the first and second rows were adequate, with firm seat padding in the second row. Cargo space was competitive, with 487 litres behind the third row, 1,226 litres behind the second row, and 2,409 litres with both rows folded.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's interior was well-equipped, with power-adjustable and heated front seats, five USB ports, and push-button start. The interior dimensions remained similar to the previous generation, with clever storage solutions like a dashboard shelf and deep door pockets. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered 960 millimetres of rear legroom and a cargo area of 951 litres, expandable to 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Dodge Durango featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, offering navigation, HD Radio, SiriusXM 360L, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The GT Plus and Hellcat trims included a nine-speaker Alpine stereo, with an optional 19-speaker Harman Kardon system. The Durango lacked advanced driver-assist features and semi-automated driving functions.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with an available 12.9-inch version. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with climate controls integrated into the touchscreen. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, enhanced responsiveness and user interface, while the Voice Assistant offered a range of commands. The system also provided data for the plug-in hybrid system and charging schedules.

The 2026 Dodge Durango received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It included standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and rear parking sensors. However, its dated body structure and lack of advanced driver-assist features resulted in a lower safety rating.

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, and blind spot monitoring. The system's enhancements improved responsiveness and detection, contributing to the RAV4's strong safety record.