Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid was reminiscent of a pair of "dad jeans" with its practical yet outdated design. Despite a refresh in 2021, the Santa Fe's styling appeared dated compared to newer crossovers like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Sorento. Its exterior featured a squared-up grille with flush-mounted headlights and tasteful plastic fender protection. The silhouette, however, lacked the strength and definition of a modern SUV, appearing too soft. The Santa Fe was a two-row midsize SUV, offering a spacious interior for five passengers and a large trunk, but its design was more function-first than fashionable.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid embraced a more modern and sporty aesthetic. Available exclusively in Sport design trims in Canada, the RAV4 PHEV featured a boxy, truck-like presence with assertive grilles and rear diffusers. The GR Sport trim, inspired by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, showcased racier elements like red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. Inside, the RAV4 offered a streamlined design with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen system. The interior was optimized for storage, with clever features like multiple shelves and deep door pockets, although the panoramic sunroof slightly reduced headroom.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid delivered a balanced performance with its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 44.2-kW electric motor, producing a combined 226 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. It offered impressive fuel economy, with estimates of 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 7.9 on the highway, and 7.4 combined. The six-speed automatic transmission and HTRAC AWD system provided reliable power distribution, with an AWD lock button for challenging terrains. While not the quickest, the Santa Fe Hybrid excelled in noise insulation and ride comfort, making it ideal for transporting passengers in comfort.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a more powerful performance with its updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine and larger 22.7-kWh battery pack. With a total output of 324 horsepower, it was the most powerful RAV4 to date. The PHEV offered an estimated electric range of 80 kilometres, with seamless power transitions between its propulsion motors and engine. The RAV4 PHEV's handling was enhanced by a strengthened chassis and improved suspension, providing a spirited ride without sacrificing comfort. The GR Sport trim offered sportier handling with its lower ground clearance and beefier suspension.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid featured a shift-by-wire, push-button transmission, freeing up space below the centre stack. The interior was practical, with well-labeled physical controls for climate and drive modes. Rear passengers enjoyed a panoramic sunroof and ample legroom, while the cargo area offered 1,032 litres behind the second row, expanding to 2,041 litres with the seats folded. The Santa Fe Hybrid provided heated and ventilated front seats with leatherette upholstery, ensuring comfort for all occupants.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained its dimensions from the previous generation, optimizing interior space with clever storage features. The base SE trim offered power-adjustable and heated front seats, while higher trims featured SofTex upholstery and ventilated seats. The RAV4 PHEV's interior included multiple storage shelves and deep door pockets, accommodating passengers comfortably. The cargo area provided 951 litres, expanding to 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded, although it was slightly smaller than some competitors.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid came equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen with onboard navigation, Bluetooth, and OTA map updates. The infotainment system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, although both required a wired connection. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster provided essential driving information, but the Harman Kardon audio system was unavailable in Canada.

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 on top trims. The touchscreen offered customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and included a subscription-based Voice Assistant for various commands.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid prioritized safety with a comprehensive suite of features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist, and blind-spot collision avoidance. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, highlighting its commitment to passenger safety.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid included 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 blind spot monitoring. The RAV4 PHEV's safety enhancements aimed to improve responsiveness and detection, although crash-testing results were pending.