Nissan Kicks vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2025 Nissan Kicks was designed with a youthful audience in mind, drawing inspiration from sneaker culture to create a vehicle that exuded comfort, agility, and style. The Kicks designers aimed to deliver a tougher-looking crossover without veering into sporty territory, utilizing the new CMF-B platform to offer a slightly larger and higher vehicle than its predecessors. The Kicks stood out with its bold colour options, particularly the two-tone configurations that were expected to be popular among buyers. Small details, like the Kicks logo on the side-mirror supports and sneaker-tread-like rocker panel trim, added a distinctive touch that elevated the vehicle's aesthetic appeal. The interior featured a mix of textures, with some cost-saving measures evident, but overall, the design improvements contributed to a premium feel at an affordable price.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available exclusively in the Sport design in Canada, with the GR Sport trim showcasing racier elements inspired by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division. The RAV4 maintained the same footprint as its predecessor but featured buffer bumpers and a more truck-like presence. Gloss black accents and red brake calipers on the GR Sport added to its sporty appeal. Inside, the RAV4 offered a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen system, with the GR Sport and XSE trims featuring ventilated seats to combat the stickiness of the SofTex upholstery. The interior was optimized for storage, with clever features like multiple shelves and deep door pockets, although the panoramic sunroof slightly reduced headroom. The RAV4's cargo space was slightly compromised compared to the standard model, but it still offered a flat floor with the seats down for added versatility.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks addressed previous criticisms by introducing a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a new CVT, delivering 141 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant improvement over the previous generation's 1.6-litre engine, which produced 122 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque. The new Kicks offered a more balanced driving experience with minimal body roll and improved noise control in the cabin. AWD was available, featuring torque vectoring and a multi-link suspension for enhanced traction and handling. The Kicks achieved fuel economy ratings of 8.1 L/100 km city, 6.6 highway, and 7.4 combined with FWD, and slightly higher with AWD. While acceleration was sometimes sluggish, especially at high elevations, the Sport mode provided a peppier feel without altering suspension or steering tuning.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine with 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The PHEV featured a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack, offering an estimated range of 80 kilometres. The RAV4's AWD system included a large front motor and a smaller rear motor, providing a seamless transition of power. In EV mode, the RAV4 excelled at 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 new suspension tweaks, particularly in the GR Sport trim, which offered a sportier ride with less body roll. Despite its heavier weight, the RAV4 maintained a comfortable and spirited driving experience.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks offered a low seating position, but once adjusted, provided a good view of the road and easy access to controls. The proximity lock and unlock feature added convenience, while the panoramic moonroof brightened the cabin and improved the second-row experience. The Kicks maximized interior volume, accommodating a 65-inch TV with the rear seats folded. Cargo space was 849 litres with FWD and 676 litres with AWD, expanding to 1,699 litres and 1,418 litres, respectively, with the seats down. However, wind buffeting was an issue with only the driver's window open, requiring additional windows or the moonroof to be opened for relief.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid retained its dimensions but optimized interior space with clever storage solutions. The base SE featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, while higher trims offered SofTex upholstery and ventilated seats. The RAV4's interior included multiple storage shelves and deep door pockets, accommodating four passengers comfortably. Rear legroom was 960 millimetres, sufficient for taller passengers, but cargo space was reduced to 951 litres due to the PHEV system. Folding the rear seats provided 1,798 litres of space, with a flat floor and a temporary spare tire under the cargo floor.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base S model included a four-speaker stereo and two USB-C ports, while the SV grade added a wireless charging pad and extra speakers. The SR trim boasted dual 12.3-inch screens, wireless connectivity, and a Bose audio system with 10 speakers, including headrest speakers. The screens were well-integrated, and the Bose system enhanced the driving experience with its immersive sound quality.

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 screen on top trims. The touchscreen featured 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 allowed for locating chargers along routes. The climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with physical temperature buttons and a volume knob for convenience.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks included a rearview camera and Safety Shield 360, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. ProPilot Assist was standard on the SR trim, offering advanced driver-assistance features. The Kicks also offered a 360-degree monitor system, a rare feature in its class. The Kicks received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, but the NHTSA had not yet crash-tested it.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with enhanced camera and radar detection. Standard systems included automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. The RAV4's safety record was strong, and the redesign aimed to address previous shortcomings. Crash-testing results from the IIHS and NHTSA were pending.