Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available in a limited selection of trims, focusing on the Rugged and Sport designs. The Woodland trim emphasized a robust, off-road aesthetic with its extended length and rugged features like all-terrain tires and a black roof rack. The Sport trims, including the new GR Sport, showcased a more aggressive, racing-inspired look with elements such as red brake calipers and a prominent rear wing. The RAV4's design was characterized by its boxy, truck-like presence, with distinctive features like vertical taillights and a wide front fascia. Inside, the RAV4 offered a modern and streamlined interior with a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen options, along with practical storage solutions and comfortable seating, although the interior space was slightly limited compared to some competitors.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its handsome and substantial appearance, with subtle updates to its headlights, grille, and front fascia. The SUV's design retained classic Jeep elements like trapezoidal wheel arches and a shark-nose front end, giving it a strong visual identity. The lineup was simplified to three core trim levels, each offering different wheel sizes and styling packages. Inside, the Grand Cherokee continued to justify its "grand" billing with high-quality materials and a range of upholstery options, although the interior layout was shared with the smaller Jeep Cherokee. The two-row model provided competitive cargo space, while the three-row Grand Cherokee L offered additional seating but less legroom compared to some rivals. The interior featured practical storage solutions, although the rotary shifter and drive-mode selector were not particularly user-friendly.

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. This combination resulted in a total output of 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The PHEV offered an estimated electric range of 52 miles, with all-wheel drive as standard. The vehicle excelled in EV mode for quiet city driving, while Auto mode provided a satisfying power band for more spirited driving. The RAV4 PHEV's handling was enhanced by a strengthened chassis and improved suspension, particularly in the GR Sport trim, which featured a lower ride height and performance tires. Despite its increased weight, the RAV4 PHEV maintained a comfortable ride, with seamless power transitions and paddle shifters for manual control.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee introduced the Hurricane 4 Turbo engine, delivering 324 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. This engine was standard on all trims except the base Laredo and Laredo X, which retained the Pentastar 3.6-liter V6. Both engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions and offered rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive. The Hurricane engine provided impressive power across a broad rpm range, making the Grand Cherokee feel quick and capable, with a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds. The driving experience remained truck-like, with a well-tuned suspension for comfort. Off-road capability varied by trim, with the top Summit model offering advanced 4WD systems and air suspension for increased ground clearance.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered a well-equipped interior with features like a power driver's seat, heated front seats, and multiple USB ports. The interior dimensions remained similar to the previous generation, with clever storage solutions and comfortable seating for four passengers. The cargo area was slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4, offering 33.6 cubic feet of space, expandable to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior was practical, with deep door pockets and flexible storage options, although rear legroom was less than some competitors.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided two rows of seating in the standard model, with a three-row Grand Cherokee L option. The interior offered competitive headroom but less legroom compared to some rivals. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were available on higher trims, with ventilation and massagers offered on the top Summit trim. Cargo space in the two-row model was 37.7 cubic feet, expanding to 70.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Grand Cherokee L offered less cargo space compared to some three-row competitors. The interior featured practical storage solutions, although the layout was not particularly user-friendly.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured 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 infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with customizable tiles and improved graphics. The Voice Assistant responded to a range of prompts, and a built-in dash cam recorded clips from exterior cameras. The system was user-friendly, with quick access to commonly used settings and a range of display options.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen on higher trims, with a 10.2-inch touchscreen standard on lower trims. The infotainment system relied on the Uconnect 5 interface, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Off-Road Pages display provided useful information for off-road driving, although the main touchscreen's home menu was cluttered. The Grand Cherokee offered a surround-view camera system with night vision and a low-angle off-road camera, along with a digital rearview mirror and the Fam Cam for monitoring rear passengers.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. These included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and a safe-exit alert. The system's enhancements improved responsiveness and detection, although crash-test ratings were not available at the time of writing.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered standard driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitors. Active Drive Assist, a hands-free highway driving system, was available on higher trims. Crash-test ratings for the 2026 model were not available, but the 2025 model received high ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.