Land Rover Range Rover vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to understated luxury, maintaining its classic design lineage while offering multiple configurations. Buyers could choose between standard-wheelbase and long-wheelbase versions, with the latter available with a third row of seats. The trim levels—SE, Autobiography, and SV—offered varying degrees of luxury, with the standard-wheelbase model available in all three trims. The long-wheelbase three-row model was limited to SE and Autobiography trims, while the two-row long-wheelbase version was available in Autobiography or SV spec. The exterior design, though not drastically different from its predecessor, featured updated headlights and taillights, contributing to its timeless appeal. The interior was minimalist, with a focus on simplicity and attention to detail, although some materials, like the plastic in the long-wheelbase SE test car, felt out of place in a luxury vehicle.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, available exclusively in the Sport design in Canada, showcased a more rugged and truck-like presence. The GR Sport trim, inspired by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division, added racier elements such as red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. The interior maintained Toyota's practical approach, with clever storage solutions and a focus on comfort. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's dimensions remained similar to its predecessor, but the interior was optimized for space and convenience. The GR Sport trim featured sporty accents like red stitching on black upholstery, while all trims boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen system. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered a spirited ride without sacrificing comfort, thanks to a strengthened chassis and improved suspension.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. The entry-level engine was a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six with a mild hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. A plug-in hybrid version of this engine delivered 543 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. The V8 option, sourced from BMW, was a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre engine, generating 523 hp and 553 lb-ft in SE and Autobiography models, and 606 hp and 553 lb-ft in the Range Rover SV. The SV model could accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 260 km/h. Despite its size, the Range Rover offered excellent ride quality and body control, with features like a two-speed transfer case, brake-based torque vectoring, and height-adjustable air suspension ensuring off-road capability.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower, paired with a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. The PHEV's total power output increased to 324 hp, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The all-wheel-drive system included a large front motor rated at 203 hp and 201 lb-ft of torque, with a smaller rear motor for assistance and traction. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid could accelerate from 0-100 km/h in the low five seconds, with seamless power transitions and paddle shifters for manual control. The GR Sport trim offered enhanced handling with a lower ride height and beefier suspension components, providing a sportier driving experience without compromising comfort.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover offered a spacious interior, with three-row models seating seven and two-row models seating five. The long-wheelbase version provided 1,220 millimetres of second-row legroom, unmatched among luxury SUVs. Cargo space was limited with the third row in place, but folding the seats increased capacity to 857 litres and 2,050 litres, respectively. The split tailgate and air suspension facilitated loading and unloading, while the Range Rover's towing capacity of 3,720 kilograms was competitive in its segment.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained its compact dimensions but optimized interior space with clever storage solutions. The base SE trim included power-adjustable and heated front seats, while higher trims featured synthetic leather upholstery and ventilated seats. The RAV4 offered 960 millimetres of rear legroom, sufficient for most passengers, though it fell short of larger rivals. Cargo capacity was 951 litres, expanding to 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded. The flat cargo floor and temporary spare tire added practicality.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover came equipped with a 13.7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.1-inch touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Pivi Pro infotainment system, though improved, suffered from a lack of physical controls, making it less user-friendly. The available 35-speaker Meridian audio system provided excellent sound quality, while the natural-language voice recognition system helped navigate the interface.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.9-inch screen on top trims. The touchscreen interface was user-friendly, with customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and loading times, while the Voice Assistant offered a range of commands. The system also provided information on charging schedules and range maps for the plug-in hybrid system.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover included standard driver assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. While the driver aids performed well, the camera view often required manual activation. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of writing.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. The system included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. The enhanced rearview camera and surround-view system improved parking and manoeuvring. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, with updates expected to address previous shortcomings.