Hyundai Palisade vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade underwent significant design changes while maintaining its recognizable identity. It featured a more upright and squared-off profile, with a bold and distinctive front lighting design characterized by rectangular slashes flanking a massive grille. Inside, the Palisade's interior was softened with flowing shapes and simple lines reminiscent of mid-century modern furniture, creating a refined and relaxing atmosphere. The top-spec Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy model boasted high-quality materials and texture variance, while the off-road-oriented Palisade XRT Pro offered durable materials. The 2026 Palisade was longer and had an extended wheelbase, accommodating seven or eight passengers depending on the configuration.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available exclusively in Sport design grades in Canada, including the base SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport. The RAV4 maintained the same footprint as its predecessor, with buffer bumpers extending the length. Its design featured a broader, truck-like presence with boxy wheel arches and bulges over the fenders. The Sport trims showcased gloss black accents, while the GR Sport, inspired by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, added racier elements like red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. Inside, the RAV4 offered a mild differentiation with accents like red stitching on the GR Sport. The digital instrument cluster and touchscreen system were standard, with a streamlined design and improved user interface.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than the previous model's 3.8-litre V6. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The Palisade's driving experience was refined, with a comfortable ride and good isolation from road imperfections. The suspension, with struts up front and self-leveling shocks at the rear, provided a smooth ride. The Palisade's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, and it offered various driving modes, including Eco, Sport, and Terrain Modes. The XRT Pro trim enhanced off-road capability with features like all-terrain tires and improved ground clearance. A hybrid powertrain option was also available, combining a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electric motors for a total output of 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque.

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 large front motor and a smaller rear motor. In EV mode, the RAV4 offered quiet cruising, while Auto mode delivered a satisfying power band. The RAV4's handling was spirited, with a strengthened chassis for improved rigidity. The GR Sport trim offered enhanced handling with a lower ride height and beefier suspension components. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid weighed around 2,040 kilograms, and its handling attributes were more pronounced in the GR Sport trim.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious interior with options for captain's chairs or a second-row bench seat. The third-row seats were suitable for occasional adult use, and passengers had access to USB-C charging ports and cupholders. The Palisade's climate-control system was upgraded for 2026, and heated and ventilated seats were available in various trims. The Palisade provided ample cargo space, with up to 540 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 2,455 litres with the seats folded flat.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's interior featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, with synthetic leather upholstery on higher trims. The RAV4's dimensions remained mostly unchanged, but clever storage features optimized the interior space. The RAV4 offered 960 millimetres of rear legroom, and the cargo area provided 951 litres of space, expandable to 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded. The RAV4's interior was designed for practicality, with deep door pockets and multiple storage shelves.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch colour touchscreen for infotainment. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the Ultimate Calligraphy model featured a 12-inch colour head-up display. The Palisade offered a surround view monitor camera system and integrated dashcams for added convenience. An in-car intercom and Rear Seat Quiet Mode were standard, along with a UV-light cleaning system. The Bose audio system provided excellent sound quality.

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 touchscreen on top trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the touchscreen had customizable tiles and a quick menu. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and user interface. The Voice Assistant responded to a range of prompts, and the system allowed for locating chargers along the route.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, and more. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added evasive steering assist and an upgraded Highway Driving Assist II system. The Palisade's safety features were designed to enhance driver awareness and safety.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, offering a wide range of driver assistance features. These included automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. The RAV4's safety enhancements aimed to improve responsiveness and detection, contributing to its strong safety record.