Kia Sorento vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Sorento in Canada offered a range of trims, including the LX, EX, X-Line, X-Line Limited, and X-Pro, with the LX featuring a basic 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. The other trims boasted a turbocharged version of the same engine, enhancing performance. A new paint colour, Panthera Grey, was introduced, and the X-Line and X-Pro trims received black badges. The X-Pro trim, priced at $55,706, showcased exclusive features like unique bumper covers, matte-black 17-inch wheels, and improved towing capacity. Despite its rugged appearance, the X-Pro's off-roading capabilities were not significantly superior to the X-Line models. Inside, the Sorento X-Pro featured an Olive Brown interior with a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, and a 24-inch panoramic display, offering a mix of luxury and practicality.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available in Canada with the Sport design, including the SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport trims. The GR Sport, exclusive to the PHEV, featured an assertive grille and rear diffuser, extending the vehicle's length. The RAV4 adopted a boxy, truck-like presence with square lines and bulging fenders. The Sport trims added gloss black accents and racier elements like red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. Inside, the GR Sport trim offered red stitching on black upholstery and a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The RAV4's interior was optimized for storage, with features like a wide centre console and a wireless device charging deck. The GR Sport trim sat lower than other grades, enhancing handling with beefier suspension braces and damping force adjustments.

The 2025 Kia Sorento LX was equipped with a 191-horsepower, 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering an estimated fuel economy of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, standard in other trims, delivered 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, with a fuel economy rating of 10.3 L/100 km. The Sorento X-Pro, with its 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, provided a comfortable ride and impressive grip on winding roads. The all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring and a locking centre differential enhanced traction and nimbleness. The dual-clutch automatic transmission, while efficient, required some acclimatization due to its unique shifting feel.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower, and a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. The PHEV's power increased to 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The all-wheel-drive system included a large front motor and a smaller rear motor, providing a seamless transition of power. The RAV4 PHEV offered an estimated range of 80 kilometres in EV mode, suitable for quiet city driving. The vehicle's handling was enhanced by a strengthened chassis and improved suspension, although its weight was noticeable in corners. The GR Sport trim, with its lower stance and 20-inch wheels, offered a sportier ride with less body roll and improved damping.

The 2025 Kia Sorento was appealing for families, offering spacious first and second rows, with a third-row seat suitable for short trips. The X-Pro trim featured heated and ventilated front seats with power adjustments, while second-row passengers enjoyed heated seats and USB ports. The Sorento's cargo space was generous, with 357 litres available with the third row up and up to 2,139 litres with seats folded. The Sorento's interior combined practicality with luxury, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained its dimensions from the previous generation, optimizing interior space with clever storage solutions. The base SE trim included power-adjustable heated front seats and multiple USB ports. The GR Sport and XSE trims featured ventilated seats with SofTex upholstery. The RAV4's interior offered 960 millimetres of rear legroom, accommodating four passengers comfortably. The cargo area provided 951 litres of space, expandable to 1,798 litres with rear seats folded. The RAV4's interior was designed for practicality, with deep door pockets and multiple storage shelves.

The 2025 Kia Sorento featured a 24-inch panoramic display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, while Kia Connect offered additional features like 911 Connect and remote access. The Sorento's infotainment system included a touch-sensing strip for dual-function controls, and Digital Key technology transformed smartphones into key fobs. The surround-view camera system enhanced parking ease, providing comprehensive visibility.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch screen on top trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a quick menu. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and user interface. The Voice Assistant responded to "Hey Toyota" prompts, and the system allowed for locating chargers along routes. The RAV4's technology suite was designed for convenience and efficiency.

The 2025 Kia Sorento came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, with higher trims offering advanced collision avoidance systems and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Highway Driving Assist 2 system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, although it required regular driver input. The Sorento earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, though future ratings were uncertain due to new testing criteria.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with enhanced camera and radar detection. Standard safety systems included automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. The RAV4's safety enhancements aimed to improve responsiveness and detection, contributing to its strong safety record. Crash-testing results for the 2026 model were pending, but improvements were expected to address previous shortcomings.