INFINITI QX80 vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 presented a bold and commanding presence typical of body-on-frame SUVs. Its design was characterized by a tall, upright stance with high shoulder lines and a simple two-box profile. The vehicle featured a distinctive front with a bold, black two-part grille inspired by a bamboo forest, flanked by LED headlights and piano-key daytime running lights. At the rear, a taillight light bar spanned the width, echoing the piano key design, and sat above wide Infiniti lettering. The QX80 Sport trim added a wider mesh pattern for its frameless grille and dark matte chrome exterior trim, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the QX80 was modern and luxurious, with real leather, aluminum, and open-pore wood trim. The Sport models offered a Dusk Blue interior theme, adding a touch of sophistication.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available exclusively in the Sport design in Canada, including the base SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport trim. The RAV4 maintained the same footprint as its predecessor but featured buffer bumpers that extended its length. The GR Sport trim showcased a more assertive grille and rear diffuser, adding nearly five centimetres to its length. The RAV4 adopted a broader, truck-like presence with boxy wheel arches and bulges over the fenders. The Sport trims featured gloss black accents on various parts, while the GR Sport trim, inspired by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division, included racier elements like red brake calipers, a big rear wing, and a wide mesh grille. Inside, the RAV4 offered a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen system, with the GR Sport trim featuring red stitching and sporty accents.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 transitioned from a 5.6-litre V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6, boosting power to 450 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time four-wheel drive in Canada. The QX80's body-on-frame platform boasted 25% more torsional rigidity and 57% more lateral stiffness than its predecessor. Despite the increased power, the towing capacity remained at 3,850 kilograms. The QX80 featured front and rear double-wishbone suspension, air springs, and adaptive dampers, providing a standard ground clearance of 20 centimetres, adjustable for different driving conditions. However, its size and mass made it challenging to maneuver, with notable body lean and slow, heavy steering.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 186 hp, 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. It offered an estimated range of 80 kilometres in EV mode. The RAV4's all-wheel drive system included a large front motor and a smaller rear motor, providing a 0-100 km/h time in the low five seconds. The RAV4 offered multiple driving modes, including EV, Auto, Hybrid, and Charge, allowing for versatile performance. The GR Sport trim featured enhanced handling attributes, with a lower ground clearance and beefier suspension braces, providing a sportier ride.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 was a spacious SUV, measuring 5,365 millimetres long with a 3,075-mm wheelbase, accommodating up to seven passengers. It featured standard leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The Sport and Autograph trims offered semi-aniline leather and massaging front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs were power-adjustable, and the Autograph trim included massaging second-row seats. The third-row bench was spacious, with power-folding seats standard across most trims. Cargo space was generous, with 623 litres behind the third row, 1,670 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained similar dimensions to its predecessor, with optimized interior storage features. The base SE trim included power-adjustable and heated front seats, while higher trims featured SofTex upholstery and ventilated seats. The RAV4 offered clever storage solutions, including multiple shelves and deep door pockets. It accommodated four passengers comfortably, with 960 millimetres of rear legroom. The cargo area provided 951 litres of space, expandable to 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded. The RAV4's interior space was slightly less than larger rivals, but it offered a flat cargo floor and a temporary spare tire.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 was equipped with advanced technology, featuring dual 14.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. It included Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 5G connection for in-vehicle Wi-Fi. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though some controls were buried in submenus. The QX80 offered a 14-speaker Klipsch audio system, with a 24-speaker system available on higher trims. Additional features included a head-up display, wireless charging pad, dashcam, and in-car camera. The surround-view camera system provided multiple views, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch screen on top trims. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with climate controls integrated into the touchscreen. The system was customizable, with improved graphics and a responsive operating system. The Voice Assistant responded to various prompts, and the system provided information on charging schedules and range maps. The RAV4's technology package enhanced convenience and connectivity for drivers and passengers.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, ProPilot Assist 1.1, and a surround-view camera system. The optional ProPilot Assist 2.1 allowed for hands-free driving on certain highways. The QX80 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, though NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of publication.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with enhanced camera and radar detection. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. The RAV4's safety enhancements aimed to improve its already strong safety record, with crash-testing results pending from IIHS and NHTSA.