Buick Envision vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2021 Buick Envision underwent a significant redesign, following two years of facelifts in 2019 and 2020. This two-row compact crossover, positioned between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave, was sold exclusively in China and North America. The 2021 model was lower and wider than its predecessor, boasting a premium crossover styling that gave it a more grounded appearance. It featured a sculpted look, distinguishing it from its cousin, the Cadillac XT4, though it wasn't as sleek as the Acura RDX. The Envision offered three trim levels: Preferred, Essence, and Avenir, with the latter being the most premium option, featuring upgraded exterior elements and a luxurious interior. The Avenir trim included a Black Ice Chrome mesh grille, 20-inch Avenir-specific wheels, and a head-up display, among other features. The Envision's cabin was driver-centric, with a protruding center stack housing the infotainment screen and climate controls, angled toward the driver. However, the use of piano black plastic on the dashboard and center console attracted dust, detracting from its premium feel.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available in the Rugged trim, Woodland, and three Sport grades, including the SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport, exclusive to the PHEV. The sixth-generation RAV4 maintained the same footprint as its predecessor, with some trims featuring buffer bumpers that increased the length. The RAV4 adopted a boxy, truck-like presence, consistent with Toyota's other new SUVs. The Woodland trim emphasized the boxiness with a wide front fascia and chunky all-terrain tires, while the Sport trims featured gloss black accents and racier elements, such as red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. The GR Sport trim, inspired by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, showcased performance-oriented features like 20-inch black alloy wheels and summer tires. The RAV4 PHEV's interior offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen available on top trims. The cabin was equipped with convenient storage features, and the passenger space was comparable to standard RAV4 models, though the cargo area was slightly reduced due to the PHEV's powertrain.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This was a downgrade from the previous model's 252 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Despite shedding 200 to 300 pounds, the Envision's weight savings didn't fully compensate for the power loss. The turbo-four engine was adequate for daily driving, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available. The 2021 Envision was more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, with the FWD model achieving an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined. The AWD version fared slightly worse, with 22 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. However, engine and road noise permeated the cabin, detracting from its premium feel. The Envision's drivability was more akin to a Lincoln, offering comfortable cruising without sporty dynamics. The Sport mode altered revs but didn't significantly enhance performance.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-liter 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 201 lb-ft of torque. The RAV4 PHEV offered an estimated range of 52 miles in EV mode, with seamless power transitions and paddle shifters for manual control. The GR Sport trim, with its lower ride height and performance tires, offered enhanced handling and reduced body roll. The RAV4 PHEV's weight, around 4,500 pounds, was typical for the class, but its handling was more pronounced in the GR Sport trim. The PHEV's various drive modes, including Hybrid and Charge, allowed for optimized performance and efficiency, making it a versatile option for different driving conditions.

The 2021 Buick Envision's redesign didn't significantly improve cabin functionality. Despite a longer wheelbase, the 2021 model had less headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the front row, with rear-seat passengers losing two inches of legroom and nearly six inches of hip room. The Envision's cargo capacity was also reduced, with 25.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The driver-centric cockpit limited passenger access to controls, and forward visibility was challenging for shorter drivers. However, the Envision offered standard features like heated seats, power-adjustable seats, and a heated steering wheel, providing a comfortable ride.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained similar dimensions to its predecessor, with optimized interior storage features. The base SE trim included a power driver's seat, heated front seats, and five USB ports, while higher trims offered synthetic leather upholstery and ventilated seats. The RAV4 PHEV's passenger space was comparable to standard RAV4 models, with 37.8 inches of rear legroom. The cargo area was slightly reduced, with 33.6 cubic feet of space, expanding to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The RAV4 PHEV's interior featured clever storage solutions, such as deep door pockets and multiple shelves for small items, enhancing its practicality.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, responsive to touch and displaying necessary functionalities. The driver information display was available in 8.0-inch and 4.2-inch sizes, with standard features including USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available features included navigation, a surround-view camera, and wireless device charging. However, the Envision's tech offerings were not particularly advanced or revolutionary.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen available 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, while the Voice Assistant responded to a broader range of prompts. The RAV4 PHEV also offered a built-in dash cam, recording clips from exterior cameras, and a feature to locate chargers along the route.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, as it was the start of a new generation with significant body structure changes. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Envision's Buckle to Drive feature ensured drivers were latched in before shifting from park to drive. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic park assist were available on Avenir models, but the Envision lacked GM's Super Cruise and lane-centering technology.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features as standard. The suite included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors. The RAV4 PHEV also offered a safe-exit alert and an enhanced rearview camera with guidelines. The enhancements aimed to improve the RAV4's safety record, with crash-testing results pending from the IIHS and NHTSA.