Toyota 4Runner vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation, but with a more robust and industrial look. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases that seamlessly blended with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. Paying homage to its predecessors, the new model included a slanted rearmost window reminiscent of the first-gen 4Runner, while the sliding rear window facilitated easier cargo access. Inside, the 4Runner mirrored the Toyota Tacoma's design, with beveled styling throughout the cabin. It was both purposeful and comfortable, with hard plastics for durability and light cushioning for comfort. The materials were superior to those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as refined as the Land Rover Defender.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered distinct designs across its trims, with the PHEV available in the Rugged Woodland and three Sport grades, including the exclusive GR Sport. The RAV4 maintained the same footprint as its predecessor, with some trims featuring buffer bumpers for added length. The design embraced a boxy, truck-like presence, with square wheel arches and bulges over the fenders. The Woodland trim emphasized off-road readiness with a wide front fascia, solid panels replacing fog lights, and chunky all-terrain tires. The Sport trims, particularly the GR Sport, showcased racier elements like red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. The interior featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen system, with various trims offering unique accents like red stitching. The RAV4 PHEV balanced spirited performance with comfort, thanks to a strengthened chassis and improved suspension.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The entry-level trims came with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup promised better acceleration and fuel economy compared to the previous generation's V6. Rear-wheel drive was standard on some trims, with four-wheel drive available as an option. The more off-road-oriented models came standard with 4WD. Toyota introduced the i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain, combining the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid variant offered stronger power at lower speeds, ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner was quieter inside, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys, and it handled better on pavement compared to its predecessor. The off-road prowess remained intact, with nine distinct trims offering varying levels of capability. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were the most impressive, though the Trailhunter's snorkel added wind noise.

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 estimated electric range to 52 miles for the SE and XSE models. The RAV4 PHEV delivered 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. All-wheel drive was standard, with a large front motor rated at 203 horsepower and 201 pound-feet of torque. In EV mode, the RAV4 PHEV excelled at quiet cruising, while Auto mode combined the motors and engine for a 0-60 mph time in the low five seconds. The hybrid system offered seamless power transitions, with paddle shifters allowing manual control. The RAV4 PHEV maintained comfort with a strengthened chassis, though its 4,500-pound weight was noticeable in corners. The GR Sport trim, with its lower stance and performance tires, offered improved handling over rough terrain.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner measured five inches longer than its predecessor, with a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase. Despite the increased length, passenger space gains were minimal. The front seats accommodated taller passengers, but the middle row offered only adequate legroom. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models, though it was cramped and lacked thigh support. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. The 4Runner offered various off-road features, including terrain programs and camera views for navigating tough terrain. Towing capacity ranged from 5,800 to 6,000 pounds. Storage options included door pockets, a dashboard tray, and a center armrest bin. Cargo capacity was slightly reduced to 44.8 cubic feet, with the hybrid model offering 42.6 cubic feet due to the raised floor for batteries.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's base SE trim came well-equipped 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 like a dashboard shelf and a center console with a flip-up cover. The RAV4 PHEV offered comfortable seating for four passengers, though five was a squeeze. Rear legroom measured 37.8 inches, sufficient for taller passengers. The cargo area lost about four cubic feet compared to the standard RAV4, offering 33.6 cubic feet with the seats up and 63.5 cubic feet with them folded down. A temporary spare tire was included under the cargo floor.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch option available. Both systems offered logical menus and quick responses, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A digital instrument panel was standard on hybrid models and available on others. Off-road models included external camera views for trail navigation, with automatic activation at low speeds. A 14-speaker JBL audio system was available, along with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control were possible through a smartphone app, which also offered a digital key function.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a 12.9-inch option for top trims. The touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings. The new Arene operating system improved responsiveness and loading times. The Voice Assistant responded to a wide range of prompts, and the system could locate chargers along a route. A built-in dash cam recorded clips from exterior cameras, with adjustable sensitivity settings.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner's crash test results were not available at the time of writing, but the Tacoma pickup on which it was based received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. All 4Runner models came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with enhanced camera views and radar detection. The suite featured automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and a safe-exit alert. A surround-view camera system was available on all but the base SE trim. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, with the 2025 model receiving a five-star rating from the NHTSA.