Kia Telluride vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Telluride, available in Canada in five trim levels, offered a range of features that made it stand out in the crowded SUV market. With base prices ranging from $53,840 to $66,540, including destination charges and fees, the Telluride came standard with all-wheel drive. The X-Line trim added features like increased ground clearance and a self-levelling rear suspension, while the X-Pro trim enhanced off-roading capabilities with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, boosting towing capacity to 2,500 kilograms. The test vehicle, an X-Pro trim, featured a luxurious interior with simulated wood trim, metallic accents, and Nappa leather, although some lower cabin plastics revealed cost-cutting measures. The dual-screen display on the dashboard added a modern touch, though some controls were difficult to see in daylight.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, available exclusively in Sport design grades in Canada, featured a bold, square design with a truck-like presence. 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 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The interior was optimized for storage, with clever features like a shelf over the dashboard and deep door pockets. While the passenger space was comfortable, the cargo area was slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4, offering 951 litres with the seats up and 1,798 litres with the seats down.

The 2025 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Snow, and Smart, with the latter adapting to driver behaviour. Despite some competitors switching to turbocharged four-cylinders, the Telluride's V6 was smooth and refined, providing ample power for road trips, though it occasionally struggled at higher elevations. The X-Pro trim's all-terrain tires excelled off-road but sacrificed some on-pavement grip. The Telluride's fuel economy was respectable, aligning with the Natural Resources Canada rating of 11.7 L/100 km in combined driving. However, the brake pedal behaviour in traffic was occasionally problematic.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine with 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The PHEV's larger 22.7-kwh battery pack increased the electric range to 80 kilometres. The RAV4's AWD system included a large front motor and a smaller rear motor, providing quick acceleration in EV mode. The vehicle offered multiple driving modes, including Auto, Hybrid, and Charge, with seamless power transitions. The GR Sport trim, with its lower ride height and 20-inch wheels, provided improved handling and reduced body roll. Despite its heavier weight, the RAV4 maintained a spirited ride without sacrificing comfort.

The 2025 Kia Telluride's interior was thoughtfully designed, with features like heated and ventilated second-row seats, USB-C charging ports, and smartphone storage sleeves. The second-row captain’s chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, while the third-row seat was reasonably comfortable for adults. The Telluride offered 601 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,304 litres with the seats folded down, and a maximum of 2,455 litres with all seats down. However, accessing the hidden compartment under the load floor was cumbersome due to the carpeted cargo mat.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's interior featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, with ventilated seats standard on higher trims. The interior dimensions remained similar to the previous generation, with clever storage solutions like a dashboard shelf and deep door pockets. The RAV4 offered 960 millimetres of rear legroom, though it fell short of larger models like the Honda CR-V. The cargo area provided 951 litres with the seats up and 1,798 litres with the seats down, with a flat floor and a temporary spare tire under the cargo floor.

The 2025 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10-inch head-up display on higher trims. The head-up display provided blind-spot alerts, while the Blind Spot View Monitor showed live video feeds. However, the Telluride lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the voice recognition system was basic. The Harman Kardon audio system delivered impressive sound quality, and the SiriusXM satellite radio subscription was useful in areas with poor cell service.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen on top trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access. The Voice Assistant responded to a range of prompts, and the system allowed drivers to locate chargers along their route. The new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and loading times.

The 2025 Kia Telluride came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. The Highway Driving Assist system combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist for semi-autonomous highway driving. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

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, and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, and the redesign aimed to address previous shortcomings. Crash-testing results from the IIHS and NHTSA were pending.