Subaru Ascent vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2024 Subaru Ascent had a design that was both functional and practical, though it lacked a sophisticated or modern appearance. Subaru's design choices were often hit or miss, and the Ascent was no exception. The vehicle's styling was marred by visually offensive elements like tusks and a spear-like grille design that extended into the headlights. Despite these design quirks, the Ascent offered a range of trim levels in Canada, from Convenience to Premier, with prices ranging from $44,674 to $57,674. The Premier trim, which was tested, included premium features such as Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a surround-view camera, making it the most equipped version of the Ascent.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available exclusively in the Sport design in Canada, with trims including the SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport. The RAV4 maintained the same footprint as its predecessor but featured buffer bumpers that extended its length. The GR Sport trim showcased a more aggressive look with a prominent grille and rear diffuser. The RAV4's design was characterized by a boxy, truck-like presence, with square elements and bulging fenders reminiscent of Toyota's other SUVs. The Sport trims added gloss black accents and sporty features like red brake calipers and 20-inch black alloy wheels, giving the RAV4 a racier appearance.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 pound-feet of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. It featured a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive with active torque vectoring. The Ascent could tow up to 2,270 kilograms, making it versatile for various driving conditions. It excelled in urban and rural settings, handling speed humps and off-road terrain with ease. However, its performance was limited on twisty mountain roads due to its weight and suspension tuning. Fuel economy was a concern, with ratings of 12.3 L/100 km in the city and 9.4 on the highway, though real-world tests showed higher consumption.

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 RAV4 offered an estimated electric range of 80 kilometres, with all-wheel drive as standard. It excelled in EV mode for quiet city driving and offered impressive acceleration in Auto mode, achieving 0-100 km/h in the low five seconds. The RAV4's handling was enhanced by a strengthened chassis and improved suspension, though its weight was noticeable in corners. The GR Sport trim offered sportier handling with lower ground clearance and beefier suspension components.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent prioritized function over form, with features like a dashboard shelf, large cupholders, and backpack pegs for added convenience. The Premier trim offered comfortable Nappa leather seats, though the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. The Ascent's rear doors opened wide, making it easy to load children and cargo. It provided 458 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 1,232 litres with the third row folded, and up to 2,140 litres with the second row down. The panoramic sunroof slightly reduced these measurements.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid retained its dimensions from the previous generation, optimizing interior space with clever storage solutions. The SE trim included power-adjustable heated front seats and multiple USB ports. The RAV4's interior featured storage shelves and deep door pockets for added convenience. It offered 960 millimetres of rear legroom, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The cargo area provided 951 litres of space, expandable to 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded. The RAV4's interior was well-designed, though the panoramic sunroof reduced headroom slightly.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent came equipped with the Starlink infotainment system, featuring an 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims included a navigation system and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. While the system worked well, the display washed out in direct sunlight, and the voice-recognition system was subpar. Physical buttons and knobs controlled essential functions, and a surround-view camera was available on the Premier trim.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted 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 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 user interface. The Voice Assistant responded to a wide range of prompts, and the system allowed for locating chargers along routes.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent was synonymous with safety, featuring a high-strength steel platform and the EyeSight suite of safety features. It received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for rollover resistance, which earned four stars. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The EyeSight package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. However, the lane-centring assist technology was criticized for its unpredictability.

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, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and more. The enhancements improved responsiveness and detection, though crash-testing results were pending. The RAV4's safety features contributed to its strong safety record, and the redesign aimed to address previous shortcomings.