Hyundai Kona vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2025 Hyundai Kona retained its distinctive appearance from the 2024 model, ensuring it stood out in the crossover class. Its design featured a largely flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars at the front and rear, giving even the gas-powered models a futuristic look. While not traditionally handsome, the Kona's curves, bulges, and sharp angles combined in a way that was visually satisfying. The newer model was noticeably larger, being about 15 centimetres longer, which improved interior space and gave it a more assertive stance. The Kona N Line, with its sportier design, body-coloured bumpers, and cladding, further enhanced this assertiveness. The Essential and Preferred trims added visual appeal with progressively larger alloy wheels, and all models featured LED lighting. The interior, unchanged from 2024, felt solid and airy, with tech features that impressed. A sunroof and powered liftgate were available with the Trend package on the Preferred trim or the N Line.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered three distinct designs, but in Canada, it was available exclusively in the Sport design, including the base SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport. The sixth-generation RAV4 maintained the same footprint as its predecessor, with the GR Sport's assertive grille and rear diffuser extending its length by nearly five centimetres. The RAV4 adopted a boxy, truck-like presence, consistent with Toyota's other new SUVs, with boxy wheel arches and bulges over the fenders. Daytime running lights bracketed the corners, and an integrated rear roof spoiler stepped out over a vertical tailgate. The Sport trims featured gloss black accents, and the GR Sport, inspired by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, showcased racier elements like red brake calipers, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and a wide mesh grille. Inside, the GR Sport had red stitching on black upholstery and all the associated badging. The RAV4's interior featured a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch or available 12.9-inch touchscreen, with a more streamlined design than its predecessor.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a choice between a fully electric drivetrain and gas-powered options. The Essential and Preferred trims featured a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). This setup prioritized fuel efficiency but might not appeal to those seeking performance due to the "rubber band" sensation during acceleration. The Kona N Line, on the other hand, boasted a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission. This provided a more muscular performance, although it could feel flat at low revs. All-wheel drive (AWD) was available for an additional $2,000 on the Essential and Preferred trims and standard on the N Line. AWD models featured a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, enhancing ride and handling.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower, up from 177 hp in the previous year. The PHEV benefited from a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack and more efficient silicon carbide semiconductors, boosting the estimated range from 68 kilometres in 2025 to 80 kilometres in 2026. With a total power output of 324 hp, it was the most powerful RAV4 to date. All-wheel drive was standard, with a large front motor rated at 203 hp and 201 lb-ft of torque, and a smaller rear motor for assistance and traction. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid excelled in EV mode for quiet cruising, while Auto mode delivered a satisfying power band. The system's seamless power transition and paddle shifters allowed for manual control. The RAV4's chassis was strengthened to accommodate the larger battery pack, resulting in improved structural rigidity and a calmer ride. The GR Sport trim offered enhanced handling with a lower ride height and beefier suspension components.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a surprising amount of cargo space, with 723 litres available with the rear seats in place and expanding to 1,803 litres when folded. Rear legroom measured 970 millimetres, with 972 mm of headroom, providing adequate comfort for most passengers. The front seats featured a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was adjustable for reach and height. The interior boasted excellent storage options, including a large storage compartment where the drive selector was relocated to a stalk on the steering column. The Essential and Preferred trims featured cloth upholstery, while the Trend package added leatherette, and the N Line had Alcantara sport seats. Heated front seats were standard in Canada, with a heated steering wheel available on the Preferred trim. The N Line with the Ultimate package offered ventilated front seats. Climate control ranged from basic single-zone air conditioning to dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents on higher trims.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's base SE trim was well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, five USB ports, and push-button start. The front seats provided adequate bolstering and thigh support, with synthetic leather upholstery branded SofTex on all but the base SE. Ventilated seats were standard on the GR Sport and XSE trims. The RAV4's interior dimensions remained mostly unchanged, with clever storage features like a shelf over the dashboard and another between the stack and console. The centre console storage could be accessed from either side, and deep door pockets accommodated large water bottles. The RAV4 seated four passengers comfortably, with 960 millimetres of rear legroom. The cargo area offered 951 litres of space, expanding to 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded. The flat cargo floor and temporary spare tire added practicality.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, offering good graphics, clear menu layouts, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Preferred trim with the Trend package and the N Line trim included wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai's digital key. The Essential and Preferred trims had a 4.2-inch colour multi-information display, while the N Line trim boasted a full 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Audiophiles could upgrade to the N Line with the Ultimate package for an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system. All Konas came with SiriusXM as standard equipment, and the N Line with the Ultimate package offered built-in navigation. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10.5-inch touchscreen system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen available on top trims. The touchscreen had customizable tiles and a quick menu for commonly used settings. The digital displays offered improved graphics and user interface, with three display options for customization. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, enhanced responsiveness and loading speed. The subscription-based Voice Assistant responded to a broader range of prompts, and the system allowed for locating chargers along routes and accessing plug-in hybrid data.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its comprehensive safety technology, equipping even base models with advanced features. Standard equipment included Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, and Safe Exit Warning. The Preferred trim added enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, while the N Line with the Ultimate package included advanced features like Highway Driving Assist and Hyundai's Blind Spot View Monitor. All Konas featured six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. The system included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, updated lane departure alert and lane keep assist systems, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit alert. All but the base SE had a surround-view camera system. The enhancements aimed to improve the RAV4's safety record, with crash-testing results pending from the IIHS and the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).