Ford Bronco vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2025 Ford Bronco successfully captured the essence of its 1960s predecessor while incorporating modern design elements. Its boxy silhouette was softened with rounded corners, and the front featured a prominent rectangular grille flanked by round headlamps. The Bronco offered various top options, including soft, hard, or both, which could be removed along with the doors for an open-air experience. The Sasquatch package added 17-inch aluminum wheels with 35-inch all-terrain tires, a HOSS 2.0 suspension, and electronic-locking axles, enhancing its off-road capabilities and giving it a more aggressive appearance. With seven different versions, including the high-performance Bronco Raptor, the Bronco catered to a wide range of buyers. The Big Bend model, equipped with the Sasquatch package, stood out with its Velocity Blue Metallic color, offering a balance of style and functionality.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available in the Rugged Woodland trim and three Sport grades: SE, XSE, and the exclusive GR Sport. The RAV4 maintained the same footprint as its predecessor but featured buffer bumpers that extended its length. Its design embraced a square, truck-like presence with boxy wheel arches and bulging fenders. The Woodland trim emphasized its ruggedness with a wide front fascia, solid panels replacing fog lights, and chunky all-terrain tires. The Sport trims added gloss black accents and racier elements, with the GR Sport showcasing red brake calipers, a rear wing, and a wide mesh grille. The RAV4 PHEV's charge port location varied by trim, and the interior featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen system, offering a streamlined design and improved user interface.

The 2025 Ford Bronco offered two engine options, with the Bronco Raptor featuring a unique, more powerful engine. The base 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for city and highway driving. The optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine increased output to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, enhancing road performance but not towing capacity. The Bronco Raptor, with its 4,500-pound towing capacity, was the choice for those needing more towing power. The standard seven-speed manual transmission included a low gear for off-road crawling, while a 10-speed automatic was available on most trims. The Sasquatch package, with its locking differentials and large tires, improved off-road capabilities, and the Badlands model featured a front sway-bar disconnect for better wheel articulation. All Bronco models came with four-wheel drive, with advanced systems available on higher trims.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower, and a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. The PHEV's power increased to 324 hp, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. All-wheel drive was standard, with a front motor rated at 203 hp and 201 lb-ft of torque, and a smaller rear motor for assistance and traction. The RAV4 PHEV offered multiple driving modes, including EV, Auto, Hybrid, and Charge, allowing drivers to optimize performance and efficiency. The transition of power was seamless, with paddle shifters for manual control. The GR Sport trim, with its lower ground clearance and performance tires, offered enhanced handling and reduced body roll. Despite its 4,500-pound weight, the RAV4 PHEV maintained a spirited ride without sacrificing comfort, thanks to a strengthened chassis and improved suspension.

The 2025 Ford Bronco's two-door model provided ample space for two passengers, though rear seat access was challenging. The four-door version offered more rear space and easier access. Models with the Sasquatch package sat high off the ground, requiring a step up into the cabin. Cargo space varied, with the two-door offering 22.4 cubic feet (53.3 with seats folded) and the four-door providing 38.3 cubic feet (83 with seats folded) with the soft top. The Bronco featured numerous storage options, including armrest compartments, door pockets, and MOLLE mounting points. The four-door model added rear air conditioning vents and improved insulation for reduced road noise.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's base SE trim included a power driver's seat, heated front seats, and multiple USB ports. The interior featured SofTex upholstery, with ventilated seats on higher trims. Despite maintaining similar dimensions to its predecessor, the RAV4 optimized interior space with clever storage solutions, including multiple shelves and deep door pockets. The RAV4 accommodated four passengers comfortably, with 37.8 inches of rear legroom, though five passengers were a squeeze. The cargo area offered 33.6 cubic feet, expanding to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A temporary spare tire was included under the cargo floor.

The 2025 Ford Bronco came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen running Sync 4 infotainment software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A seven-speaker audio system was standard, with an optional Bang & Olufsen system available on higher trims. A second 12-inch screen served as a digital gauge cluster, customizable with various modes. The Bronco featured five G.O.A.T. modes, with additional modes on higher trims, each with unique animations on the gauge cluster.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured 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 offered customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and voice assistant capabilities. The RAV4 PHEV included a built-in dash cam and the ability to locate chargers along routes, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2025 Ford Bronco offered the Co-Pilot360 safety suite as an option on the base trim and standard on higher trims. Features included blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Post-collision braking, hill-start assist, and hill-descent control were standard. The Bronco received top "Good" ratings from the IIHS for crash tests but had a "Marginal" headlight rating. The NHTSA awarded it four stars for frontal crash safety and three stars for rollover testing.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came standard 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, and blind-spot monitors. The RAV4's safety enhancements aimed to improve detection and responsiveness, contributing to its strong safety record. The NHTSA rated the 2025 RAV4 at five stars, and updates were expected to address previous shortcomings.