Jeep Grand Wagoneer 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 more off-road-ready appearance with its extended length and robust features like a black roof rack and all-terrain tires. The Sport trims, including the exclusive GR Sport, showcased a racier aesthetic with elements inspired by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division, such as red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. The RAV4 maintained its boxy, truck-like presence, with design elements like boxy wheel arches and bulging fenders, giving it a broader stance. Inside, the RAV4 offered a streamlined design with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a choice between a 10.5-inch or 12.9-inch touchscreen, enhancing the user experience with improved graphics and a more integrated layout.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer retained its classic upright stance and large windows, but introduced a modernized front with an illuminated grille inspired by the all-electric Wagoneer S. The new Upland trim added utility with front recovery hooks without compromising its elegant design. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer featured a clean, modern interior with strong horizontal lines and a 12-inch infotainment screen. The seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, even for long drives, and the cabin materials were premium, with options for Nappa and Palermo leather. The overall fit and finish were rated highly, with solid-feeling components like the gearshift dial and door closures.

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 increased the total power output to 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 front motor delivered 203 horsepower and 201 lb-ft of torque, while a smaller rear motor provided additional traction. The RAV4 PHEV excelled in EV mode for quiet city driving, while Auto mode unleashed its full power potential, achieving a 0-60 mph time in the low five seconds. The GR Sport trim, with its lower stance and performance tires, offered enhanced handling and reduced body roll, making it a sportier option without sacrificing comfort.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque. Despite its 6,000-pound weight, the Grand Wagoneer provided smooth and effortless power, surpassing the performance of the previous Hemi V8. A range-extended electric powertrain was also available, combining a 92-kwh battery pack with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, offering an estimated 647 horsepower and 620 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Wagoneer was surprisingly agile for its size, with large windows and squared-off corners aiding visibility. It absorbed road imperfections well, providing a quiet and comfortable ride, with seats that remained comfortable even after extended periods behind the wheel.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained its compact dimensions, optimizing interior space with clever storage solutions. The base SE trim was well-equipped with conveniences like a power driver’s seat and heated front seats. The interior featured synthetic leather upholstery, with ventilated seats available on higher trims. The RAV4 offered 37.8 inches of rear legroom, accommodating four passengers comfortably, though five would be a squeeze. The cargo area provided 33.6 cubic feet of space, expandable to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though it lost some space compared to non-PHEV models.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer excelled as a people mover, offering three rows of seating with ample leg and hip room. The optional second-row bench seat allowed for up to eight passengers, with the third row accommodating three people comfortably. While using the third row reduced cargo space to 27.9 cubic feet, a long-wheelbase version increased it to 42.6 cubic feet. The Grand Wagoneer could tow up to 10,000 pounds when properly equipped. It featured three-zone automatic climate controls, heated-and-ventilated front seats, and power-operated front seats, with the Upland trim offering additional off-road capabilities.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch option on higher trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy navigation. Toyota’s new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and voice command functionality. A built-in dash cam recorded clips from exterior cameras, with adjustable sensitivity settings to avoid unnecessary triggers.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12-inch touchscreen display, a 10.25-inch digital cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included a wireless phone charger, though it had issues with overheating during testing. The Grand Wagoneer offered a range of available features, such as a 23-speaker McIntosh premium sound system and a front passenger interactive display. However, the 12-inch infotainment screen felt small for the vehicle’s size, and adjustable pedals were no longer available for 2026.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was 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, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and a safe-exit alert. The system’s enhancements improved responsiveness and detection, though crash-testing results were pending at the time of review.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered a robust array of safety features, including lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and intersection-collision assist. Available features included automated parking assist and a surround-view camera system. The Grand Wagoneer received mixed safety ratings, with a four-star rating from the NHTSA and a combination of Good and Marginal scores from the IIHS.