Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of ten versions, with prices spanning from $63,600 to $134,500, including a destination charge. Assembled in Alabama, the base model was the GLE 350 with rear-wheel drive and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. At the higher end, the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe featured standard 4Matic all-wheel drive and a hand-built twin-turbo V8 engine. Our focus was on the GLE 450, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology. The GLE 450e, a plug-in hybrid, provided an estimated 49 miles of electric-only range. The GLE 450 came with standard all-wheel drive, except for the base GLE 350, and included the Exclusive Package and the Manufaktur Edition Package, priced at $79,100. The Manufaktur Edition added exclusive paint, 21-inch wheels, and a Night Package with blacked-out trim, among other features. Despite its exterior styling, the GLE's interior was elegantly detailed with quality materials, featuring matte-finish wood, ambient lighting, and sophisticated digital displays. The climate controls were separate from the center touchscreen, and the steering wheel had touch-sensing controls, although the volume thumbwheel on the center console was preferred for adjustments.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available in the Rugged trim, the Woodland, and three Sport grades, including the SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport, exclusive to the PHEV. The sixth-generation RAV4 maintained the same footprint as its predecessor, with the Woodland and GR Sport trims slightly longer due to buffer bumpers. The RAV4's design embraced a boxy, truck-like presence, with square 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. The Sport trims featured gloss black accents, with the GR Sport showcasing racier elements like red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. The charge port location varied by trim, and the interior offered mild differentiation with accents like red stitching on the GR Sport. All trims had a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen, with the option for a larger 12.9-inch display. The center console housed a mechanical gear shifter, and drive mode knobs allowed easy switching between modes.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450, with its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid system, produced 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered driving modes such as Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual. Despite being a luxury crossover, the GLE 450 was equipped for off-roading and towing, with a capacity of 7,700 pounds. However, the standard suspension allowed excessive body motion, making it less enjoyable for city driving and mountain roads. The steering felt numb in Comfort mode and firmed up in Dynamic mode, but remained unresponsive. The sport braking system performed well in spirited driving but felt grabby in typical situations. The automatic engine stop/start system caused delays in acceleration, and the transmission's downshifts were noticeable. The GLE 450 achieved 21 mpg in combined driving, matching EPA estimates.

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. 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. In EV mode, the RAV4 PHEV excelled in quiet cruising but plateaued at 30 mph. In Auto mode, it delivered a 0-60 mph time in the low five seconds. The Hybrid and Charge modes optimized battery use and recharging. The transition of power was seamless, and paddle shifters allowed manual control. The RAV4 PHEV's ride was spirited, with a strengthened chassis for a quieter experience. The GR Sport trim, with its lower stance and performance tires, handled better on rough terrain, though differences were minor.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a quiet cabin with firm yet comfortable front seats, featuring heating and "energizing seat kinetics." The Exclusive Package added ventilated seats, while the Manufaktur Edition upgraded to Nappa leather. The back seat was roomy but positioned low for a flat load floor, providing ample headroom and legroom. An optional third-row seat added two chairs with USB-C ports. The GLE's cargo space measured 33.3 cubic feet, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The cargo area included a netted compartment, hooks, lighting, and a spare tire under the load floor.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's base SE trim included a power driver's seat, heated front seats, and five USB ports. The front seats offered adequate support, with power adjustments for the passenger on the XSE trim. SofTex upholstery was standard on most trims, with ventilated seats on the GR Sport and XSE. The interior retained clever storage features, such as a dashboard shelf and a wireless charging deck. The RAV4 accommodated four passengers comfortably, with 37.8 inches of rear legroom. 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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch displays. The system offered lush graphics, biometric authentication, and a digital voice assistant. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound system, Dolby Atmos, and augmented-reality navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM and Mercedes Digital Extras.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.9-inch option on top trims. The touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a quick menu, with improved graphics and user interface. Toyota's Arene operating system enhanced responsiveness, and the Voice Assistant handled a range of prompts. A built-in dash cam recorded clips from exterior cameras, with adjustable sensitivity settings.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's Active Emergency Stop Assist and touch-sensing steering wheel were notable features. The IIHS awarded the GLE a "Top Safety Pick+" for 2025, but its front-crash prevention tech received low ratings.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came 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 record was strong, with the NHTSA rating the 2025 model five stars. The 2026 redesign aimed to address previous shortcomings.