GMC Yukon vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2022 GMC Yukon was a testament to the allure of chrome, offering a premium look even at the base SLE model. As one ascended the trim levels to the Denali, the chrome accents became more pronounced, with the front of the Denali almost entirely constructed of chrome. The oversized grille, reminiscent of an industrial cheese grater, gave the vehicle a unique and commanding presence. The Denali's 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels, especially against the dark Redwood Metallic paint, added to its striking appearance. Inside, the Yukon boasted a spacious cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with the second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim offered exclusive interior designs, with our test vehicle featuring the Teak/Light Shale colour combo, enhancing the premium feel with contrasting colours and natural wood details.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, available exclusively in the Sport design in Canada, showcased a modern and assertive look. 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. The RAV4's boxy design, with its square front and rear ends, gave it a truck-like presence. Inside, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered a well-equipped cabin with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen system. The interior was optimized with clever storage features, and the GR Sport and XSE trims came with ventilated seats to combat the stickiness of the SofTex upholstery on hot days. Despite its compact footprint, the RAV4 provided ample passenger space, though the cargo area was slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower and a 6.2-litre V8 producing 420 hp, both featuring fuel-saving cylinder-deactivation technology. A 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, affectionately known as the "Baby Duramax," delivered 277 hp and 460 pound-feet of torque, allowing the Yukon to travel over 1,000 kilometres on a tank. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard on the SLE and SLT trims, and four-wheel drive on the AT4 and Denali. The Yukon's maximum towing capacity was 3,810 kilograms, achievable with the 5.3-litre engine and the Max Trailering Package. The independent rear suspension provided better handling and a smoother ride, though some bouncing was noted over rutted pavement.

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. The PHEV's power increased to 324 hp, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. All-wheel drive was standard, with a front motor rated at 203 hp and a smaller rear motor for assistance and traction. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered an estimated range of 80 kilometres in EV mode, 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 20-inch black alloy wheels, provided enhanced handling, though the RAV4's weight was noticeable in corners.

The 2022 GMC Yukon provided ample passenger space, with a redesign increasing third-row legroom to 886 mm. Cargo space behind the third row increased to 722 litres, thanks to a longer wheelbase and independent rear suspension. The second-row seats folded flat, and power fold-and-tumble bucket seats were available for easy access to the third row. The Denali trim featured a power-sliding centre console with hidden storage, and power-retractable assist steps for easier entry and exit. Pushbutton transmission controls replaced the traditional gear shifter, adding a modern touch to the interior.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained its compact footprint while optimizing interior space with clever storage features. The base SE was well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, while the GR Sport and XSE trims offered ventilated seats. The RAV4 provided 960 millimetres of rear legroom, though it fell short of larger models like the Honda CR-V. The cargo area offered 951 litres of space, with a total of 1,798 litres when the rear seats were folded down. The interior featured deep door pockets and multiple storage shelves, enhancing practicality.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came standard with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information centre and a 10.2-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In. The Denali trim featured a 15-inch head-up display and a Bose 14-speaker audio system, though the sound quality was not as rich as expected. The rear-seat media system included dual 12.6-inch LCD HD touchscreens, compatible with various media formats. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot were also available.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured 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 touchscreen had customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings. The new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and loading times. The Voice Assistant responded to a range of prompts, and the system allowed for locating chargers along the route.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Pro Safety Plus package added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The Safety Alert Seat and rear camera mirror enhanced safety, and the Yukon received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured 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 surround-view camera system was available on all but the base SE. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, and the redesign aimed to address previous shortcomings.