Volvo XC60 vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

In Canada, the 2026 Volvo XC60 was available as the B5 mild hybrid and the T8 Plug-in Hybrid, with the B5 coming in Core, Plus, and Ultra trim levels. The Ultra trim, also offered in a Black Edition, ranged from $60,370 to $72,820, including a $2,770 destination charge. The B5 Ultra model, provided for review, featured numerous upgrades that pushed its MSRP past $80,000. These included 22-inch wheels, active air suspension, front seat massage, and a Bowers & Wilkins high-end audio system, all of which were deemed worth the extra cost. The new Forest Lake paint, with its blue flecks and undertones, added to the vehicle's appeal, while the 22-inch wheels enhanced its presence. The XC60's design, despite being nearly a decade old, continued to impress with its clean Scandinavian interior, plush Nappa leather, premium wood trim, and classy metal speaker grilles. The minimalist design, however, posed some challenges with controls, though familiarity improved usability over time.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available exclusively in Sport design grades, including the base SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport, the latter offered only as a PHEV. The sixth-generation RAV4 maintained the same footprint as its predecessor, with the GR Sport's assertive grille and rear diffuser extending its length by nearly five centimetres. The RAV4's design embraced a boxy, truck-like presence, with daytime running lights bracketing the corners and an integrated rear roof spoiler. The Sport trims featured gloss black accents, while the GR Sport, inspired by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, showcased racier elements like red brake calipers, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and a wide mesh grille. Inside, the RAV4 offered a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a 12.9-inch option on higher trims. The interior design was streamlined, with a wide centre console housing a mechanical gear shifter on lower grades and a shift-by-wire setup on higher trims.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 B5 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain included a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with regenerative braking. While not exceptionally fast, the XC60's 6.9-second sprint to 100 km/h was adequate for most drivers. However, turbo lag and transmission reluctance caused uneven power delivery. The XC60's fuel efficiency fell short of expectations, with a real-world return of 9.5 L/100 km compared to the official 9.0 L/100 km rating. The 22-inch wheels impacted ride quality, but the air suspension in Comfort mode filtered most road imperfections. In Firm mode, the XC60 demonstrated grace and athleticism on mountain roads, though the light steering lacked feedback, and the brakes faded under hard use. The XC60 was equipped with Standard and Off-Road modes, but its 20.9 cm ground clearance limited off-road capabilities. The XC60 excelled as a road trip vehicle, with compact dimensions aiding parking.

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. The PHEV's power output increased to 324 hp, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. All-wheel drive was standard, with a large front motor rated at 203 hp and a smaller rear motor for assistance and traction. In EV mode, the RAV4 accelerated smoothly but plateaued at 50 km/h. In Auto mode, the combined powertrain delivered a 0-100 km/h time in the low five seconds. The RAV4 offered Hybrid and Charge modes for different driving scenarios. The transition of power was seamless, with paddle shifters allowing manual control. The RAV4's ride was spirited yet comfortable, with a strengthened chassis for improved rigidity. The GR Sport trim, with its lower stance and 20-inch wheels, offered enhanced handling, though the RAV4's weight was noticeable in corners. The GR Sport's suspension tweaks resulted in less body roll and improved damping.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 excelled in long-distance travel comfort, with top-shelf front seats featuring heating, cooling, massage, and extending leg supports. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, with firm cushions and low positioning. The XC60 offered a four-zone automatic climate control system and a panoramic sunroof. In-cabin storage was adequate, with tamboured covers for cupholders and large door bins. The XC60's cargo space was limited by the spare tire, mild-hybrid, and air suspension components, offering 613 litres behind the rear seats and 1,410 litres with the seats folded.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's base SE trim included power-adjustable heated front seats, five USB ports, and push-button start. The front seats provided 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 centre console storage. The RAV4 accommodated four passengers comfortably, though five was a squeeze. The cargo area offered 951 litres, expanding to 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded. The PHEV's cargo space was slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 featured an updated infotainment system with an 11.2-inch touchscreen in portrait orientation. The Volvo Car UX software powered the system, offering a four-year subscription to Digital Services, including Google built-in apps. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though Apple CarPlay required a wired connection. The optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system provided 15 speakers and 1,410 watts of power.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a 12.9-inch option on higher trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with climate controls integrated into the touchscreen. Toyota's Arene operating system improved responsiveness, and the Voice Assistant responded to a range of prompts. The system allowed for charger location along routes and provided data for the plug-in hybrid system.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS due to an Acceptable rating in the side-impact crash test. However, it received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC60 featured a comprehensive suite of safety tech, including forward collision warning, oncoming collision mitigation, and intersection braking assist. However, the driver assistance tech was less sophisticated than competitors, with issues in lane centring and adaptive cruise control.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. These included automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a safe exit alert. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, and the redesign aimed to address previous shortcomings. Crash-testing results for the 2026 model were pending.