Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of nine versions in Canada, with prices spanning from $85,400 to $172,400 before additional fees. Assembled in Alabama, the GLE lineup included the entry-level GLE 350 with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the high-end AMG GLE 63 S Coupe boasted a hand-built twin-turbo V8 engine. Our focus was on the GLE 450, featuring a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. The GLE 450e variant, a turbo-four plug-in hybrid, offered an estimated 79 kilometres of electric-only range. The GLE 450 came equipped with the Exclusive Trim Package, which included exclusive Manufaktur paint, 21-inch wheels, and a panoramic sunroof, among other features. Despite its luxurious interior with matte-finish wood and ambient lighting, the GLE's exterior design was criticized for its blandness, although the GLE Coupe's design was more favourably received.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available in Canada exclusively in the Sport design, with trims including the base SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport. The sixth-generation RAV4 maintained the same footprint as its predecessor, with the GR Sport featuring an assertive grille and rear diffuser. The RAV4's design embraced a boxy, truck-like presence, with features like daytime running lights and a rear roof spoiler. The Sport trims added gloss black accents and racier elements, such as red brake calipers and 20-inch black alloy wheels. Inside, the RAV4 offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen system, with the GR Sport trim featuring red stitching and sporty badging. The interior was optimized for storage, with features like a shelf over the dashboard and deep door pockets. Despite its compact size, the RAV4 provided ample passenger space, although the cargo area was slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine paired with a mild-hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered through a nine-speed automatic transmission, with driving modes including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual. The GLE 450 was capable of towing up to 3,500 kilograms (7,700 pounds), a notable figure for a luxury SUV. However, the standard suspension was criticized for allowing excessive body motion, making the ride less enjoyable in various driving conditions. The steering was described as numb and overassisted in Comfort mode, while the brakes were grabby in typical driving situations. Despite these issues, the GLE 450 offered decent fuel economy, with a combined rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

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 total power output was 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered an estimated electric range of 80 kilometres, with all-wheel drive as standard. In EV mode, the RAV4 accelerated smoothly, while Auto mode allowed for a 0-100 km/h time in the low five seconds. The RAV4's power transition was seamless, with paddle shifters allowing for manual control. The GR Sport trim offered enhanced handling with a lower ride height and 20-inch wheels, providing a sportier driving experience. Despite its heavier weight, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained a comfortable ride, with improved structural rigidity and damping force.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a quiet cabin with firm yet comfortable front seats, featuring "energizing seat kinetics" and optional ventilated seats. The back seat provided generous legroom and headroom, although the seating position was low relative to the windowsills. A third-row seat was available as an option, adding two extra chairs with USB-C charging ports. The GLE's cargo space measured 943 litres behind the back seat, expanding to 2,120 litres with the seats folded down. The cargo area included a netted compartment, robust hooks, and a large spare tire under the load floor.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's interior was well-equipped, with power-adjustable and heated front seats, five USB ports, and push-button start. The front seats offered adequate bolstering, with ventilated seats standard on higher trims. The RAV4's interior dimensions remained similar to the previous generation, with clever storage features like a dashboard shelf and deep door pockets. The RAV4 provided 960 millimetres of rear legroom, although the cargo area was slightly reduced to 951 litres due to the PHEV's powertrain. Folding the rear seats expanded the cargo space to 1,798 litres, with a flat floor and a temporary spare tire under the cargo floor.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The system offered lush graphics and a range of configurations, with a biometric authentication system and a digital voice assistant. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system and augmented-reality navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and Mercedes Digital Extras.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen on top trims. The touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a quick menu, with improved graphics and user interface. The new Arene operating system enhanced responsiveness, while the Voice Assistant responded to a range of prompts. The system also allowed for locating chargers along the route and accessing plug-in hybrid data.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's Active Emergency Stop Assist was a notable feature, automatically stopping the vehicle if the driver became unresponsive. However, the route-based speed-adjustment feature was criticized for its inconsistent performance. The GLE received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for 2025, but its front crash prevention tech earned low ratings.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. These included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. The RAV4's safety enhancements aimed to improve responsiveness and detection, although crash-testing results for the 2026 model were not yet available. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, with the 2025 model receiving a five-star rating from the NHTSA.