Lexus GX vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available exclusively in the Sport design in Canada, with trims including the base SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport. The GR Sport trim, inspired by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division, featured a more aggressive look with a prominent grille, rear diffuser, and red brake calipers visible through 20-inch black alloy wheels. The RAV4 maintained its boxy, truck-like presence, with square lines and bulging fenders reminiscent of the Highlander models. The interior offered a streamlined design with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a choice between a 10.5-inch or 12.9-inch touchscreen. The GR Sport trim added sporty elements like red stitching on black upholstery and a low-profile shift-by-wire setup.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus GX presented a rugged yet stylish appearance, particularly in the Overtrail trim. This model featured grey wheel arch cladding, skid plates, and ladder-type roof rails, enhancing its off-road capability. The GX's interior, while not traditionally luxurious, exuded quality with its industrial design themes and advanced digital displays. The cabin offered comfortable seating with options for NuLuxe artificial leather or real leather in higher trims. The GX's exterior design included the iconic Lexus grille and triple-beam LED headlights, while the interior provided ample visibility and a sense of spaciousness. The Overtrail trim, with its off-road enhancements, was particularly suited for adventurous drivers.

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. This combination resulted in a total power output of 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The PHEV offered an estimated electric range of 80 kilometres, with all-wheel drive as standard. The front motor delivered 203 horsepower and 201 lb-ft of torque, while the rear motor provided additional assistance and traction. The RAV4's performance was characterized by a seamless transition of power, with paddle shifters allowing for manual control of the CVT. The GR Sport trim offered enhanced handling with a lower ride height and beefier suspension components.

The 2026 Lexus GX was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, generating 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD system were standard, along with a locking centre differential. The Overtrail trim added an electronic locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select off-road settings, and an adaptive variable suspension. The GX's off-road prowess was evident in its improved approach, breakover, and departure angles. On-road, the GX offered a smooth ride, with the adaptive suspension absorbing bumps and the twin-turbo V6 providing brisk acceleration. However, its fuel consumption was relatively high, with observed figures around 14.0 L/100 km.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered a well-equipped interior with power-adjustable and heated front seats, five USB ports, and push-button start. The interior dimensions remained similar to the previous generation, with clever storage solutions like a dashboard shelf and centre console storage. The RAV4 accommodated four passengers comfortably, though five would be a squeeze. Rear legroom measured 960 millimetres, and the cargo area offered 951 litres of space, expandable to 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Lexus GX provided comfortable power-adjustable front seats with NuLuxe upholstery and standard heating and ventilation. The Overtrail trim lacked a third-row seat, offering more cargo space with 1,291 litres behind the second row and a maximum of 2,548 litres. The GX's interior, while utilitarian, featured adequate storage, though door bins were not particularly spacious. The high load height and protruding bumper made loading and unloading easier, though it could be inconvenient in certain situations.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen available on top trims. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and loading times. The Voice Assistant responded to a range of commands, and the system provided data for the plug-in hybrid system, including charging schedules and a range map.

The 2026 Lexus GX came with a 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster, offering data panels for off-roading and trailering. The 14-inch touchscreen housed the Lexus Interface infotainment system, which was user-friendly but had limitations in displaying multiple menus simultaneously. The system included complimentary trial subscriptions to connected services, with features like cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the GX offered a panoramic view monitor and multi-terrain monitor for enhanced visibility.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, featuring a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems. These included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a safe exit alert. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, with anticipated improvements in crash protection.

The 2026 Lexus GX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included high beam assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. Additional safety features included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The GX's safety systems were generally effective, though some features required manual intervention for optimal performance.