Hyundai Tucson vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson, a continuation of its fourth generation, maintained its striking design with sharp angles and a distinctive grille that seamlessly integrated the headlights. This cohesive design gave the Tucson a contemporary and athletic appearance, even in a typically unflattering white colour. The interior mirrored this modern aesthetic, offering a refined cabin with advanced technology that was user-friendly. However, the absence of a traditional volume dial was a minor inconvenience, replaced by touch-capacitive buttons and a steering wheel toggle. The Tucson's trim levels in Canada ranged from the base Preferred to the luxurious Ultimate, each offering a variety of features, from alloy wheels to advanced driver assistance technologies.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available exclusively in the Sport design in Canada, with trims like the SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport. The RAV4's design was characterized by a boxy, truck-like presence, with assertive elements like a prominent grille and rear diffuser. The GR Sport trim, inspired by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, featured sporty accents such as red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. Inside, the RAV4 offered a well-equipped cabin with features like 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 2024 Hyundai Tucson in Canada came with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. While this powertrain was adequate for city driving, it struggled with highway acceleration and produced noticeable engine noise. For those seeking more power, Hyundai offered hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions with 226 and 261 horsepower, respectively. The Tucson excelled in handling and ride quality, providing a comfortable and well-rounded driving experience, though it wasn't as sporty as some competitors.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 186 horsepower, complemented by a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. This setup increased the total power output to 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The RAV4 PHEV offered an estimated electric range of 80 kilometres, with seamless power transitions between its propulsion motors and engine. The GR Sport trim, with its lower stance and enhanced suspension, provided a sportier ride, though the RAV4's weight was noticeable in corners. Despite this, the RAV4 maintained its reputation for comfort and structural rigidity.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson offered impressive cargo space, with up to 2,119 litres available with the rear seats folded and 1,097 litres with them in use. The hands-free power liftgate, available on trims above the base Preferred, was a convenient feature, allowing easy access when carrying items. The Tucson comfortably seated five passengers, with ample headroom and legroom, making it suitable for longer trips. The cabin featured numerous storage options, including deep cup holders and a wireless charging pad.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid retained its predecessor's dimensions but optimized the interior for storage. The cabin included features like a dashboard shelf for small devices and a wireless charging deck. The RAV4 comfortably seated four passengers, though five would be a tighter fit, and the panoramic sunroof slightly reduced headroom. The cargo area offered 951 litres of space, expandable to 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded, though it was slightly less than some competitors due to the PHEV's powertrain.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a fully digital instrument panel. While the system was intuitive, it lacked wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The volume control was a haptic toggle, which some users found less convenient than a traditional dial. However, the system's functionality with gloves was a practical advantage in cold weather. Hyundai's remote start system was also user-friendly, allowing drivers to start the vehicle remotely and drive off without pressing the start button again.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to frequently used settings. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, enhanced the responsiveness and graphics of the displays. The Voice Assistant responded to a wide range of prompts, and the system included features like charging schedules and a range map for the plug-in hybrid system.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Ultimate trim added advanced features like a 360-degree parking camera system and Hyundai's Smart Park remote-parking feature. The Tucson received high safety ratings, with the IIHS awarding it a Top Safety Pick+ designation and the NHTSA giving it five stars in frontal crash tests.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, which included a wide range of driver assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and adaptive cruise control. The system's enhancements improved detection and responsiveness, particularly at night. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, and the redesign aimed to address any previous shortcomings. The RAV4 was expected to maintain its high safety ratings once crash testing was completed.