Honda Passport vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2026 Honda Passport presented a bold and rugged appearance, characterized by its extra-large proportions and blocky dimensions. Its design was a modern interpretation of a rugged SUV, with a long 2,885-millimetre wheelbase and a nearly flat hood. The lower bumper ended abruptly, enhancing its approach angle, while bracket-shaped amber running lights framed the upper grille. A thin hood scoop, standard across all trims, added to its distinctive look. The Passport's wider and visually stronger stance made it resemble competitors like the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee, yet it retained a unique Honda identity. The profile view, with a blacked-out D-pillar and large tinted rear-quarter window, drew inspiration from a backpack, though it also echoed designs from the Chevrolet Traverse and Land Rover Discovery. Fun features included nearly invisible rock sliders and a scratch-resistant roof panel for leaning equipment. The rear showcased a blocky tailgate with a two-tone design and a trailer hitch designed for protection. Inside, the Passport offered a straightforward interior with four trim levels, emphasizing practicality over flash.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, available exclusively in Sport design grades in Canada, maintained the same footprint as its predecessor but featured buffer bumpers that extended its length. The GR Sport trim, inspired by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, showcased a racier look with red brake calipers, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and a wide mesh grille. The RAV4's design embraced a square, truck-like presence, with boxy wheel arches and bulges over the fenders. Daytime running lights bracketed the corners, and an integrated rear roof spoiler added flair. Inside, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered a mild differentiation with red stitching on black upholstery in the GR Sport trim. The interior featured a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.9-inch option on top trims. The centre console housed a mechanical gear shifter on lower grades, while the XSE's Technology Package and GR Sport featured a shift-by-wire setup. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid provided a spirited ride without sacrificing comfort, thanks to a strengthened chassis and enhanced suspension.

The 2026 Honda Passport aimed to excel both on and off-road, featuring improved approach and departure angles, skid plates, and 18-inch wheels for enhanced ride comfort and off-road traction. Its i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system was standard, offering seven drive modes, including new Sport, Trail, and Tow modes. The Passport retained a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. While competitors leaned towards smaller turbocharged engines or hybrids, the Passport stuck with its V6, offering a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The Passport's performance shone on off-road circuits, with its V6 engine delivering ample power and the steering providing a satisfying weight. Despite the cleaner engine, fuel economy remained modest, with an estimated 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 9.9 on the highway.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower, complemented by a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. The PHEV's power increased to 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. All-wheel drive was standard, with a front motor rated at 203 horsepower and 201 lb-ft of torque. In EV mode, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid excelled in quiet cruising, while Auto mode delivered a 0-100 km/h time in the low five seconds. The hybrid and charge modes optimized battery usage and recharging. The RAV4's power transition was seamless, with paddle shifters allowing manual control. Despite its weight, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered a spirited ride, with the GR Sport trim providing enhanced handling and reduced body roll. The GR Sport's lower ground clearance and 20-inch wheels contributed to its sportier performance.

The 2026 Honda Passport featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a straightforward interior design with physical buttons and knobs. It excelled in cargo space, offering 1,246 litres behind the rear seat and 2,356 litres with the seats folded, making it a class leader. The Passport also provided best-in-class rear-seat legroom and ample storage cubbies. A panoramic moonroof was standard in Canada, and Touring trims added ventilated front seats. Honda planned to offer post-production option packages, including a rear cargo shelf that doubled as a table.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's base SE trim came well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, five USB ports, and push-button start. The interior featured synthetic leather upholstery, with ventilated seats standard on GR Sport and XSE trims. The RAV4's dimensions remained similar to the previous generation, with clever storage features like a dashboard shelf and centre console storage. The RAV4 offered 960 millimetres of rear legroom, accommodating four passengers comfortably. The cargo area provided 951 litres of space, expandable to 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded. A temporary spare tire was included under the cargo floor.

The 2026 Honda Passport boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and other apps. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless phone charger. The Passport's touchscreen was user-friendly, with bright colours and easy navigation. Additional tech features included a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, four USB-C charging ports, and a 10.2-inch digital driver information display. Touring trims featured a 12-speaker Bose stereo system and the TrailWatch camera system.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.9-inch option on top trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen. The touchscreen offered customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, enhanced responsiveness and loading times. The Voice Assistant responded to "Hey Toyota" prompts, and the system provided information on charging schedules and range maps.

The 2026 Honda Passport came equipped with Honda Safety Sense, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, traffic-sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The Passport included eight standard airbags. Previous crash test results were less than stellar, with four out of five stars in front-impact and rollover tests. Updated crash testing results were awaited for the 2026 model.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, offering a wider camera view and broader radar detection. Driver assistance systems included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit alert, and an enhanced rearview camera. All but the base SE had a surround-view camera system. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, with updates expected to address previous shortcomings.