Kia Telluride vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Telluride presented a sophisticated and robust design with five core trim levels, ranging from the Telluride LX to the SX Prestige. Prices varied from $36,390 to $51,390, excluding a $1,415 destination charge. The X-Line package, available on all but the LX and S trims, added features like standard all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance, and a blacked-out aesthetic, with prices starting at $46,485. The X-Pro trim further enhanced the EX X-Line and SX Prestige X-Line with all-terrain tires and increased towing capacity, pushing prices to $47,385 and $53,685, respectively. The SX Prestige X-Pro model, tested with additional features like Midnight Lake Blue paint and Terracotta Nappa leather, reached an MSRP of $56,240. The Telluride's design stood out in a crowded SUV market, though the X-Line and X-Pro treatments somewhat muted its personality. Inside, the luxurious black-over-Terracotta interior contrasted sharply with the exterior, featuring high-end materials and a dual-screen display that, while advanced-looking, retained user-friendly buttons and knobs.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered a distinct design with its Rugged and Sport trims, including the Woodland and GR Sport, the latter exclusive to the PHEV. The RAV4 maintained its predecessor's footprint but added buffer bumpers for a more truck-like presence. The Woodland trim emphasized off-road capability with features like all-terrain tires and a black roof rack, while the Sport trims, particularly the GR Sport, showcased racier elements like red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. The interior maintained Toyota's efficient use of space, with clever storage solutions and a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The RAV4 PHEV's interior was optimized for comfort, though the panoramic sunroof slightly reduced headroom. Cargo space was slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4, but the flat floor with seats down provided ample room for most needs.

The 2025 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on most trims, with all-wheel drive available or standard on others. The Telluride offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode adapting to driver behavior. Despite some competitors switching to turbocharged four-cylinders, the Telluride's V6 was smooth and powerful, achieving 20.2 mpg over a 1,200-mile trip, aligning with its EPA rating. The X-Pro package's all-terrain tires provided excellent off-road capability but sacrificed some on-road grip. The Telluride's suspension handled rough terrain well, though brake pedal behavior was occasionally inconsistent in heavy traffic.

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 setup increased the RAV4's power to 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The PHEV offered a 52-mile electric range and standard all-wheel drive, with a front motor rated at 203 hp and a smaller rear motor for assistance. The RAV4 excelled in EV mode for quiet city driving, while Auto mode provided a satisfying power band. The GR Sport trim, with its lower stance and performance tires, offered enhanced handling, though the RAV4's weight was noticeable in corners. The PHEV's power transition was seamless, and the strengthened chassis improved ride comfort.

The 2025 Kia Telluride's interior was thoughtfully designed, with features like heated and ventilated second-row seats, USB-C ports, and smartphone storage sleeves. The driver's seat offered a lumbar massage function, enhancing long drives. The second-row captain's chairs provided comfort and ample legroom, while the third-row seat, though folded for luggage during testing, was accessible and comfortable for adults. The Telluride offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 87 cubic feet with seats folded, though not class-leading, it was sufficient for most needs.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's interior was well-equipped, with features like a power driver's seat, heated front seats, and multiple USB ports. The XSE trim extended power adjustments to the passenger seat, and ventilated seats were standard on higher trims. The RAV4's interior space was optimized with clever storage solutions, though rear legroom was slightly less than some competitors. The cargo area offered 33.6 cubic feet, expandable to 63.5 cubic feet with seats down, with a flat floor and a temporary spare tire under the cargo floor.

The 2025 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a 10-inch head-up display on the SX Prestige trim. The system included features like a Blind Spot View Monitor and a blue light filter, though it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Telluride's native voice recognition system was basic, but the Harman Kardon audio system provided excellent sound quality.

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 wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. The touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a quick menu, while the Voice Assistant responded to a wide range of prompts. The RAV4 also included a built-in dash cam and a system for locating chargers along routes, enhancing its tech offerings.

The 2025 Kia Telluride came with a comprehensive suite of safety features under the Drive Wise branding, including forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Highway Driving Assist system offered semi-autonomous highway driving, though the lane-centering assist was occasionally problematic. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with enhancements for improved camera and radar detection. The suite included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control with limited hands-free driving. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, with the 2025 model receiving a five-star rating from the NHTSA.