Honda Odyssey vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2025 Honda Odyssey retained a familiar design lineage, echoing its predecessors with a straightforward aesthetic that prioritized function over flair. Its interior followed suit, featuring a traditional layout with buttons and knobs that were easy to use, thanks to their bright white markings on matte black backgrounds. This old-school approach was appreciated for its practicality, even if it lacked modern styling. In Canada, the Odyssey was available in Sport, Sport-L, Touring, and Black Edition trims, with the base price starting at $53,056. The interior, particularly in the Touring trim, showcased high-quality materials, including leather seats, but the overall design remained utilitarian.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered a more dynamic and modern design, especially in its Sport trims. The GR Sport trim, inspired by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division, featured racier elements like red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. The RAV4's design was boxy and truck-like, with assertive grilles and rear diffusers that extended its length. Inside, the RAV4 maintained a streamlined design with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, which could be upgraded to a 12.9-inch version. The interior was optimized for storage, with clever features like multiple shelves and deep door pockets, although the cargo space was slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey was powered by a reliable 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It delivered power to the front wheels, lacking options for all-wheel drive or a hybrid powertrain. The Odyssey's fuel economy was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though real-world tests showed variations. Despite its minivan status, the Odyssey offered a surprisingly engaging driving experience, with responsive steering and nimble handling. However, it lacked a surround-view camera system, which could have enhanced its urban maneuverability.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a more powerful setup, with a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine and a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack, resulting in a total output of 324 horsepower. This made it the most powerful RAV4 to date, with an estimated electric range of 80 kilometres. The RAV4's all-wheel-drive system and seamless power transitions provided a spirited ride, with an unofficial 0-100 km/h time in the low five seconds. The GR Sport trim offered enhanced handling with a lower ride height and beefier suspension, although the vehicle's weight was noticeable in corners. The RAV4's various driving modes, including EV and Hybrid, allowed for efficient energy management.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey excelled in its primary role as a people and cargo carrier, accommodating up to eight passengers and offering 3,973 litres of cargo space. Its interior featured power-adjustable seats with leather and leatherette upholstery in higher trims, along with heated and ventilated options. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided flexibility, though they required removal for maximum cargo space. The third-row seat was spacious enough for adults, and the Odyssey offered ample storage throughout the cabin, with features like a conversation mirror and Cabin Talk intercom.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, while not as spacious as the Odyssey, offered a well-thought-out interior with clever storage solutions. The base SE trim included power-adjustable and heated front seats, with SofTex upholstery available on higher trims. The RAV4's interior dimensions remained similar to the standard model, with 960 millimetres of rear legroom. Cargo space was slightly reduced due to the battery, offering 951 litres with the seats up and 1,798 litres with them folded. The RAV4's interior was designed for practicality, with features like deep door pockets and multiple storage shelves.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey received a technology update with a new 7-inch digital driver display and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it was criticized for its dated graphics and lack of intuitive voice recognition. The rear-seat entertainment system was also seen as outdated, requiring a personal device connection via HDMI.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured a more advanced technology suite, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10.5-inch touchscreen system. The touchscreen offered customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and voice recognition capabilities. The RAV4 also included features like a subscription-based Voice Assistant and the ability to locate chargers along a route.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of driver-assistance systems that included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. While the systems generally operated smoothly, some features, like adaptive cruise control, were noted for their abrupt braking. The Odyssey received strong safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though it performed poorly in a new evaluation.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, which included a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. The system offered improved camera and radar detection, with features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, and blind spot monitoring. The RAV4's safety enhancements were expected to contribute to its strong safety record, though crash-testing results were pending.