Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid emerged as a bold departure from its predecessors, showcasing a striking new design that was both longer and wider. Its sharp, angular cues and dramatic face set it apart from previous models, ensuring that no shopper would mistake it for the 2021 version. The Tucson's exterior was a gamble, with its hard creases and unique grille design that seamlessly integrated with the LED headlights, creating a futuristic look. The interior offered a spacious and airy feel, with standard heated front seats and a range of features across trims, including a 10.25-inch digital driver information display and ambient lighting. Despite its bulkier centre console, the Tucson's interior remained largely unobstructed, providing a comfortable and modern driving experience.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available exclusively in the Sport design, featuring a robust and square aesthetic that aligned with Toyota's new SUV lineup. The GR Sport trim, inspired by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, added racier elements like red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. Inside, the RAV4 offered a well-equipped cabin with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with the option for a larger 12.9-inch screen on top trims. The interior was optimized for storage, with clever features like a shelf over the dashboard and deep door pockets. While the RAV4's passenger space was comfortable, the cargo area was slightly reduced compared to the standard model, offering 951 litres with the seats up and 1,798 litres with them down.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impressed with its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque when paired with an electric motor. Its responsive steering and six-speed automatic transmission provided a smooth driving experience, while the suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections. The Tucson Hybrid's fuel efficiency was commendable, with ratings of 6.3 L/100 km in the city and 6.6 on the highway. For those seeking maximum efficiency, the plug-in hybrid variant offered a 13.8 kWh battery and an all-electric range of 53 kilometres, with a fuel consumption rating of 2.9 Le/100 km.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a powerful 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. Its larger 22.7-kWh battery provided an impressive 80-kilometre electric range. The RAV4's all-wheel-drive system featured a large front motor and a smaller rear motor, delivering a seamless transition of power. In Auto mode, the RAV4 achieved an unofficial 0-100 km/h time in the low five seconds. The GR Sport trim offered enhanced handling with a lower ride height and beefier suspension, providing a sportier driving experience without sacrificing comfort.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered generous cargo space, with 1,097 litres in the trunk and 2,108 litres with the rear seats folded. Its dual-level cargo floor allowed for flexible storage options, while the interior provided ample legroom and reclining rear seats. The Tucson's cabin was equipped with practical features like angled bottle holders and multiple cupholders, enhancing its functionality.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained its compact footprint while optimizing interior storage. The cabin featured a shelf over the dashboard and deep door pockets, accommodating large water bottles and small devices. The RAV4's passenger space was comfortable, with 960 millimetres of rear legroom, although the panoramic sunroof reduced headroom slightly. The cargo area offered 951 litres with the seats up and 1,798 litres with them down, with a flat floor and a temporary spare tire under the cargo floor.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with native software, though Android Auto and Apple CarPlay required a wired connection. The touch-capacitive buttons for infotainment and HVAC controls were less intuitive, but steering-wheel controls provided an alternative. The Tucson offered multiple USB ports and a Bose premium audio system in the Ultimate trim.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The touchscreen's customizable tiles and quick menu improved usability, while the Arene operating system enhanced responsiveness. The Voice Assistant responded to a range of prompts, and the system allowed for easy location of chargers along routes.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Upgrading to the Preferred trim added blind-spot collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control, while the Ultimate trim offered a surround-view monitor and unique features like blind-spot view monitor and remote smart park assist. The Tucson received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with enhanced camera and radar detection. Standard systems included automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, and the redesign aimed to address previous shortcomings. The IIHS and NHTSA ratings were pending at the time of review.