Toyota RAV4 vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 presented a fresh take on its design with three distinct themes: Core, Rugged, and Sport, spread across five trim levels. This sixth-generation model adopted a blockier appearance, aligning with Toyota's other SUVs and trucks, while retaining the boxy wheel arches and a bulge over the rear fenders reminiscent of the Highlander models. The RAV4's design featured boxiness throughout, from the fascias to the hood and roof lines, with daytime running lights clipping the corners and an integrated rear roof spoiler framing a vertical tailgate. The taillights resembled vertical slash marks narrowing towards the RAV4 badge. The Core models maintained a more traditional look, while the Rugged grade, paired with the Woodland trim, embraced a boxy style with all-terrain tires and a roof rack. The Sport style introduced the RAV4 GR Sport, exclusive to the Plug-in Hybrid powertrain.

Inside, the RAV4 boasted a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with an available 12.9-inch option. The cockpit felt more streamlined, though the migration of climate controls to the touchscreen might have posed challenges for some users. The centre console housed a mechanical gear shifter, except on the Limited trim, which featured a slimmer electric shifter. USB-C ports offered varying wattage across trims, and wireless device chargers were available on all but the base LE. The RAV4's interior was designed for practicality, with flexible storage options and a focus on user-friendly technology.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged gas engine, a hybrid powertrain, and the powerful Hybrid Max configuration with full-time AWD and 362 horsepower. The Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid Max, evaluated in this review, featured a Storm Cloud paint finish and a price tag of $69,060. Toyota's design for the Grand Highlander took a conservative approach, drawing inspiration from the previous-generation RAV4, resulting in a larger version with seating for up to eight and ample cargo space.

Inside, the Grand Highlander emphasized function over form, with a layer of luxury in the Platinum trim. The interior featured glossy hard plastic and unlined storage surfaces, contributing to its value proposition. The climate system was user-friendly, with large temperature adjustment knobs, while the infotainment interface had room for improvement. The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max delivered impressive performance with its turbocharged 2.4-litre engine and electronic AWD, producing 362 horsepower. It offered a smooth ride, though handling was secure only up to a point. The vehicle's safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, though some aspects, like the Proactive Driving Assist, were found to be less satisfactory.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 featured an upgraded hybrid system with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, generating a combined 236 horsepower. The power was delivered to standard AWD through an electronically controlled CVT. The electric motor provided quick power off the line, while the four-cylinder engine supplemented under heavier acceleration. The RAV4's structural rigidity improved, enhancing its overall driving experience. The CVT offered smooth transitions, and the suspension was tuned for comfort, though body roll was noticeable in corners. The Woodland trim, exclusive to the hybrid powertrain, featured all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance, though its off-road capabilities were not significantly superior to other RAV4 models. Fuel efficiency varied across trims, with the Woodland trim being the least efficient due to its heavier equipment.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max emphasized performance with its turbocharged 2.4-litre engine and electronic AWD, producing 362 horsepower. The traditional six-speed automatic transmission avoided the droning common in CVTs. The Hybrid Max offered a balance of performance and efficiency, with a fuel economy rating of 8.8 L/100 km combined. It could tow up to 2,268 kilograms, surpassing the Grand Highlander Hybrid's capacity. During testing, the Hybrid Max achieved fuel economy in the mid-9s, with rewarding acceleration and a smooth ride. Handling was secure but limited, with excellent outward visibility aided by available camera systems.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 maintained the same dimensions as its predecessor, with a 2,690-millimetre wheelbase and unchanged interior passenger space. Cargo volume increased slightly, with 1,070 litres available with the seats up and 1,994 litres with the seats down. The interior featured clever storage solutions, including a dashboard shelf and centre console storage accessible from both sides. Heated front seats were standard in Canada, and the RAV4 accommodated four passengers comfortably, though five would be a squeeze. Rear legroom was ample, but the RAV4 trailed larger competitors in this regard.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered comfortable seating in all three rows, with more than 2,700 litres of maximum cargo space. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, providing a luxurious feel. The second-row captain's chairs allowed for easy access to the third row, which was reasonably comfortable for adults and tall teens. Cargo space behind the third row was 586 litres, expanding to 1,640 litres with the third row folded and 2,761 litres with the second row down. The Grand Highlander's interior was practical, though some storage locations were unlined, potentially contributing to noise and vibration.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 introduced a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.9-inch option on top trims. The new Arene operating system offered improved responsiveness and customizable displays. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the Voice Assistant responded to a wide range of prompts.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 7-inch digital driver display on XLE trim and a 12.3-inch panel on higher trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to music accounts. Toyota Connected Services offered various features, though the infotainment system had some usability issues. The Platinum trim included a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and premium audio system.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 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 RAV4's safety record was historically strong, with expected improvements in crash protection.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring standard safety and driver assistance technologies. The Proactive Driving Assist was found to be less satisfactory, but overall, the safety tech operated with accuracy. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating.