Ford Bronco Sport vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport was a compact SUV that embraced rugged styling, setting itself apart from its sibling, the Ford Escape. It featured a rectangular grille with round headlights and "Bronco" lettering, reminiscent of the larger Bronco model. The Bronco Sport maintained a square silhouette with a long, flat hood and upright greenhouse, giving it a cute yet robust appearance. For 2025, the styling remained largely unchanged, except for the introduction of off-road packages like the Black Diamond and Sasquatch, which added modular steel bumpers and underbody protection. Inside, the Bronco Sport's interior was functional, with centre-console grab handles and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories, while maintaining a durable feel suitable for off-road adventures.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, available in Canada exclusively with the Sport design, showcased a more assertive and truck-like presence. The GR Sport trim, inspired by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, featured a bold grille, rear diffuser, and 20-inch black alloy wheels. The RAV4's boxy design was consistent with Toyota's new SUV lineup, with square wheel arches and bulging fenders. Inside, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered a refined experience with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with the option for a larger 12.9-inch display. The interior was equipped with features like red stitching on the GR Sport trim and a wide centre console with a mechanical or shift-by-wire gear shifter, providing a comfortable and stylish ride.

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport retained its powertrain options from the previous year, with most trims featuring a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands model offered a more powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive was standard. The Bronco Sport excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like Trail Control and multiple drive modes, including Rally and Rock Crawl, enhancing its performance on various terrains. Despite its off-road prowess, the Bronco Sport maintained a comfortable and composed ride on highways, making it a versatile choice for both off-road and on-road driving.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower, complemented by a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. This combination delivered a total power output of 324 hp, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The PHEV offered an estimated electric range of 80 kilometres, with all-wheel drive as standard. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured multiple driving modes, including EV, Auto, Hybrid, and Charge, allowing drivers to optimize performance and efficiency. The transition between power sources was seamless, and the vehicle's handling was enhanced by a strengthened chassis and improved suspension, providing a spirited yet comfortable ride.

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport offered practicality without compromising its off-road focus. It provided more headroom in both rows compared to competitors like the Jeep Compass Trailhawk and Subaru Forester Wilderness. The Bronco Sport's cargo space was competitive, with 920 litres available with the rear seats up and 1,846 litres with them folded. The interior featured convenient storage solutions, including a dedicated device tray and multiple USB ports. The Bronco Sport's towing capacity ranged from 1,000 kilograms with the turbo-three engine to 1,225 kilograms with the turbo-four engine, making it a capable choice for towing needs.

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 was well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, while higher trims offered synthetic leather upholstery and ventilated seats. The RAV4's interior included multiple storage shelves and deep door pockets, accommodating passengers comfortably. The rear legroom measured 960 millimetres, providing ample space for passengers. The cargo area offered 951 litres of space, expandable to 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded, although it was slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4 due to the PHEV's powertrain.

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport upgraded to the Ford Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring a 13.2-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, enhancing the vehicle's premium feel. The infotainment system included detailed animations and easy-to-read text, while an available 360-degree camera system provided safety and off-road assistance. The cameras remained active in off-road modes, offering a split-screen view for obstacle detection.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch option for top trims. The touchscreen included 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 allowed drivers to locate chargers along their route, providing data for the plug-in hybrid system.

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The IIHS awarded it a "Good" score in the small overlap front test and a "Marginal" score in the updated moderate overlap front test. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features like reverse automatic emergency braking and traffic sign recognition were available on higher trims.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. The system included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. The RAV4 also featured a safe exit alert and an enhanced rearview camera. While crash-testing results were pending, the RAV4's safety enhancements aimed to address previous shortcomings and maintain its strong safety record.