Lincoln Navigator vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator embraced a more refined aesthetic, moving away from its previous flashy design to a subtler, yet still glamorous, appearance. The Black Label Special Edition package added a touch of sophistication with blacked-out wheels and details, allowing the illuminated star logo and light bars to stand out. The overall design was cleaner and more cohesive, with new 24-inch wheel designs and a striking Sunrise Copper paint option exclusive to Black Label models. Inside, the Navigator featured a minimalist cabin with a 48-inch panoramic display and quality materials, although some cheaper elements persisted. The Black Label trim made its Canadian debut, offering luxurious features and ample cargo space, especially in the longer Navigator L version.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, available exclusively in Sport design trims in Canada, maintained the same footprint as its predecessor but added buffer bumpers for a more assertive look. 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 streamlined design with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a choice of touchscreen sizes. The interior was optimized for storage, with clever features like deep door pockets and multiple shelves. Despite its compact size, the RAV4 provided comfortable seating for four passengers and a spacious cargo area, although it fell short of larger rivals in terms of interior space.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and a towing capacity of up to 3,950 kilograms with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. The Navigator's 4WD system and 22.6 centimetres of ground clearance made it capable on various terrains. Despite its weight, the Navigator accelerated swiftly, with driving modes like Excite enhancing responsiveness. However, the 24-inch wheels contributed to a rough ride, and the steering wheel design felt awkward. On highways, the Navigator excelled in comfort and quietness, with BlueCruise providing hands-free driving on approved roads.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The PHEV's larger 22.7-kwh battery pack offered an estimated range of 80 kilometres. The RAV4's all-wheel drive system included a large front motor and a smaller rear motor for assistance and traction. In EV mode, the RAV4 excelled in quiet cruising, while Auto mode delivered impressive acceleration with a 0-100 km/h time in the low five seconds. The RAV4's handling was enhanced by a strengthened chassis and suspension tweaks, particularly in the GR Sport trim, which offered improved damping and reduced body roll.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space and luxury, with Perfect Position seats providing up to 24-way power adjustment. The Black Label trim added 30-way adjustment and massage functionality. The Lincoln Rejuvenate system enhanced comfort with scent, sound, imagery, and massage. However, rear seat space was tighter than expected due to thick front seats. The Navigator L provided generous cargo space, with a new Split Gate tailgate design for easier access. The standard-length Navigator offered 611 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 3,030 litres with seats folded. The Navigator L increased these volumes to 1,022 and 3,443 litres, respectively.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained its compact dimensions but optimized interior space with clever storage features. The base SE trim included power-adjustable and heated front seats, while higher trims offered ventilated seats. The RAV4's interior featured multiple storage shelves and deep door pockets. Passenger space was comfortable for four, with 960 millimetres of rear legroom, although it fell short of larger rivals. The cargo area offered 951 litres of space, expanding to 1,798 litres with rear seats folded. The RAV4's flat cargo floor and temporary spare tire added practicality.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Lincoln Digital Experience infotainment system with a 48-inch panoramic display and an 11.1-inch touchscreen. The system integrated Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in, offering an intuitive interface. However, some controls, like air vent adjustments, required navigating the touchscreen, which could be distracting. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system provided excellent sound quality. Additional tech included Phone As A Key and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The Navigator lacked a head-up display and digital rearview mirror, which could be useful for a vehicle of its size.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10.5-inch touchscreen system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen available on top trims. The touchscreen offered 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 wide range of prompts, and the system provided data for the plug-in hybrid system, including charging schedules and a range map.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance. Additional features included intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and Turn Signal View. BlueCruise provided hands-free driving on approved roads, with the latest version offering driver-signaled automatic lane changes and in-lane repositioning. As of this writing, the Navigator had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, which 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 system's enhancements improved responsiveness and detection at night. All but the base SE trim included a surround-view camera system. The RAV4's strong safety record was expected to continue, with improvements addressing previous shortcomings in crash protection.