GMC Yukon vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2022 GMC Yukon was a testament to the allure of chrome, offering a premium look even in its base SLE model. As one ascended the trim levels to the Denali, the chrome accents became even more pronounced, with the front of the Denali almost entirely constructed of chrome. This included a vast, multi-dimensional grille that resembled an industrial-sized cheese grater, flanked by GMC's signature C-shaped headlights. The Denali's 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels, part of the optional Ultimate package, stood out against the dark Redwood Metallic paint. The off-road-oriented AT4 trim had its own unique styling, featuring a dark grille, skid plate, and horizontal red recovery hooks. Inside, the Yukon offered a spacious cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim boasted four exclusive interior designs, with our test vehicle showcasing the Teak/Light Shale color combo, adding layers and textures for a premium feel.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, available in the Rugged Woodland trim and three Sport grades, maintained the same footprint as its predecessor but introduced buffer bumpers for added length. The Woodland trim was an inch longer, while the GR Sport's assertive grille and rear diffuser extended it by 1.9 inches. The RAV4 adopted a boxier, truck-like presence, with boxy wheel arches and bulges over the fenders. The Woodland trim emphasized its ruggedness with a wide front fascia, solid panels replacing fog lights, and chunky all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels. The Sport trims featured gloss black accents, with the GR Sport showcasing racier elements like red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. The interior offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with the option for a larger 12.9-inch screen. The RAV4's interior was optimized for storage, with clever features like a shelf over the dashboard and deep door pockets.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, standard on all trims except the Denali. The Denali and AT4 trims featured a 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 hp and 460 pound-feet of torque. A new 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, available on all trims except the AT4, delivered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, offering excellent fuel economy and a range of up to 648 miles on a tank. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive optional. The AT4 trim was exclusively 4WD, featuring a two-speed transfer case for better off-road control. The Yukon's maximum towing capacity was 8,400 pounds with the 5.3-liter engine and Max Trailering Package. The Denali trim, with its 6.2-liter V8, had an 8,200-pound tow rating. The Yukon's independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality, though some bouncing was noted over rough pavement.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower, paired with a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. This combination increased the RAV4's power to 324 hp, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The PHEV offered an estimated range of 52 miles in EV mode, with all-wheel drive standard. The front motor was rated at 203 hp and 201 lb-ft of torque, while a smaller rear motor provided assistance and traction. The RAV4 PHEV excelled in Auto mode, delivering a 0-60 mph time in the low five seconds. The vehicle offered Hybrid and Charge modes for different driving scenarios. The RAV4's handling was enhanced by a strengthened chassis and improved suspension, though its 4,500-pound weight was noticeable in corners. The GR Sport trim, with its lower ride height and performance tires, offered more pronounced handling attributes, particularly on rough terrain.

The 2022 GMC Yukon provided ample space for passengers and cargo, with a redesign that increased third-row legroom by over 10 inches to 34.9 inches. Cargo space behind the third row also grew to 25.5 cubic feet. The Yukon's nearly five-inch wheelbase stretch and six inches of additional length contributed to the increased space, along with the move to an independent rear suspension. The second-row seats folded flat, and power fold-and-tumble bucket seats were available for easier access to the third row. The Denali trim featured a power-sliding center console with hidden storage, and power-retractable, illuminated assist steps were part of the Denali Ultimate Package. The pushbutton transmission controls, located to the left of the infotainment touchscreen, required some acclimation but offered a modern touch.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained similar dimensions to its predecessor, with optimized interior storage features. The base SE trim included conveniences like a power driver's seat and heated front seats, while higher trims offered synthetic leather upholstery and ventilated seats. The RAV4's interior featured clever storage solutions, such as a shelf over the dashboard and deep door pockets. The vehicle accommodated four passengers comfortably, with 37.8 inches of rear legroom, though five passengers were a tighter fit. The cargo area offered 33.6 cubic feet of space, with a total of 63.5 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded down. A temporary spare tire was located under the cargo floor.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came equipped with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center, providing access to phone, audio, and navigation functions. The Denali trim featured a 15-inch multi-color head-up display, offering driving speed, safety aids, and off-road inclinometer information. The Yukon's 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose 14-speaker audio system. The Denali Ultimate Package added a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch LCD HD touchscreens, compatible with various media formats.

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 available 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 loading times. The Voice Assistant responded to a range of prompts, and a built-in dash cam recorded clips from exterior cameras. The RAV4's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with climate controls integrated into the touchscreen.

The 2022 GMC Yukon included GMC's Pro Safety suite, featuring automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The Pro Safety Plus package added lane-change alert, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Safety Alert Seat and adjustable rear camera mirror enhanced safety. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection, five stars for side crash protection, and three stars for rollover resistance.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with enhanced camera and radar detection. The suite included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and more. The RAV4's safety features contributed to its strong safety record, with the NHTSA rating the 2025 model at five stars. The 2026 model's redesign aimed to address previous shortcomings in front crash protection.