Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available exclusively in the Sport design in Canada, featuring the SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport trims. The GR Sport, inspired by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division, showcased racier elements such as red brake calipers, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and a wide mesh grille. The RAV4 maintained its boxy, truck-like presence with square lines and bulging fenders, reminiscent of the Highlander models. The Sport trims added gloss black accents, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the RAV4 offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen that varied in size depending on the trim. The interior design was streamlined, with a wide centre console and stylish drive mode knobs, providing a blend of functionality and sportiness.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 combined a 1980s hatchback aesthetic with modern crossover SUV elements, resulting in a unique and attractive design. Its profile was defined by angular lines and a triangular shape, complemented by dark cladding around the wheels. The front featured a visor slit with rectangular headlights, while the rear had an integrated spoiler and darkened panels. Inside, the Ioniq 5 was more utilitarian, with cloth upholstery as standard and synthetic leather available in the Ultimate Package. The tech-focused interior included dual 12.3-inch screens and touch controls for the climate system. The overall look was somewhat sterile, yet it effectively combined modern technology with a retro design.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower, paired with a larger 22.7-kWh battery pack. This combination increased the total power output to 324 hp, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The all-wheel-drive system included a front motor rated at 203 hp and a smaller rear motor, providing a seamless transition of power. The RAV4 offered multiple driving modes, including EV, Hybrid, and Charge, allowing drivers to optimize performance and efficiency. The GR Sport trim, with its lower stance and enhanced suspension, provided a sportier driving experience, although the RAV4's weight was noticeable in corners.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a choice between a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive powertrain with 225 hp and a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup producing 320 hp. The Ioniq 5 N performance model boasted up to 641 hp. The dual-motor powertrain provided robust power, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.3 seconds. The Ioniq 5 featured five regenerative braking settings, including a one-pedal driving mode. While the steering was direct, it lacked agility, and the vehicle's weight was evident in corners. Despite this, the Ioniq 5 delivered a pleasant driving experience, with Sport mode enhancing throttle response and passing capability.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered a well-equipped interior 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 provided 960 millimetres of rear legroom, accommodating four passengers comfortably. The cargo area offered 951 litres of space, expandable to 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded. The PHEV's cargo space was slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4 due to the battery placement.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured spacious front seats with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat as standard. The Ultimate Package added ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a "Relaxation" seat for the driver. The rear seat offered 1,002 millimetres of legroom, comfortably seating two adults. The Ioniq 5 provided 745 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,655 litres with the rear seats down. A 24-litre front trunk added to the storage capacity. While the cargo space was slightly smaller than some gas-powered crossovers, the Ioniq 5's design maximized interior space.

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 screen available on top trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with climate controls integrated into the touchscreen. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and offered a subscription-based Voice Assistant. The system allowed drivers to locate chargers and manage the plug-in hybrid system through the touchscreen interface.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen under a single glass panel. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. The Ultimate Package added a wireless smartphone charger, a head-up display, and a Bose audio system. The MyHyundai app allowed owners to monitor the vehicle remotely, set charging schedules, and use connected navigation. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with voice commands and separate climate controls for ease of use.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. These included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a safe exit alert. The system's enhancements improved detection and responsiveness, although crash test ratings were pending at the time of writing.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a robust list of standard safety features, including blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Ultimate Package added a surround-view camera system, blind spot cameras, and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Ioniq 5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were unavailable.