Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs Toyota bZ

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid had a robust and angular design that set it apart from its predecessors. The trapezoidal grille, borrowed from Toyota's truck line, added a sense of heft, while the beveled and angled bodywork framed the headlights, giving it a more substantial appearance. Inside, the angular theme continued with a multi-tiered dashboard featuring beveled cutouts, adding visual interest to an otherwise plain surface. The materials used were average for its class, with hard plastics prevalent, but most contact surfaces were lightly padded. However, the base model and the new Woodland trim opted for a urethane steering wheel and center armrest, which felt rubbery and cheap. Fortunately, other trims offered a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the build quality was strong, with no creaks or squeaks over rough pavement.

The 2026 Toyota bZ presented a more refined and modern look, especially with body-color trim that improved its aesthetic appeal. The interior featured a cleaner dashboard and center console, enhancing the sense of quality and organization. The XLE’s fabric seats had an upscale pattern, and the 14-inch center touchscreen integrated climate control, which, despite initial concerns, proved user-friendly with large temperature dials and buttons for essential functions. However, the digital driver display was criticized for its placement and readability. Overall, the bZ's design improvements made it a more attractive option for those seeking a contemporary electric vehicle.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor/generator, producing a combined 219 horsepower. This setup allowed the RAV4 Hybrid to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, making it quicker than the standard RAV4 by half a second. The hybrid system's regenerative braking was smooth, transitioning seamlessly to physical brakes when needed. The suspension provided a comfortable ride over bumps and potholes, with confident cornering, though it wasn't particularly sporty. Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid offered a balanced driving experience, appealing to most drivers.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a range of powertrain options, starting with a single electric motor and a 57.7-kWh battery pack, delivering 165 horsepower and 198 lb-ft of torque. The optional 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles. Dual-motor models with the larger battery produced 338 hp, offering a range of up to 288 miles. The bZ's regenerative braking system was adjustable, though it lacked one-pedal driving capability. The bZ excelled in urban environments with its instant torque, but its mid-range passing power on highways was less robust. The ride was comfortable, though somewhat choppy on uneven surfaces, and the steering lacked feedback, making it less suitable for spirited driving.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided ample space for front passengers, while the rear seats comfortably accommodated average-sized adults. The cargo area offered 37.5 cubic feet of space, nearly matching the non-hybrid RAV4, and the rear seatbacks folded flat for additional storage. Interior storage was a highlight, with a wide dashboard shelf, a phone tray, large cupholders, and a spacious center armrest bin. However, the lack of a wireless charging pad was a drawback.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on an EV platform, offered easy entry and exit with 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The front seats featured eight-way power adjustment, providing excellent lumbar and thigh support. Interior storage was well thought out, with a large bin under the center armrest, dual wireless smartphone chargers, and roomy cupholders. Rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom, though foot space was limited. The cargo area provided 27.7 cubic feet of space, with an underfloor storage well for extra room. Folding the rear seats expanded the cargo capacity to 56.9 cubic feet.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system with modern graphics and logical menu arrangements. Most trims featured an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.5-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the wireless charging pad was optional. The system supported over-the-air updates and included a Wi-Fi hotspot. The top trim offered a fully digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL audio system.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came standard with a 7-inch digital driver display and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the driver display was criticized for its placement and readability, the infotainment system was generally user-friendly. However, it lacked a home screen for simultaneous data display and had low-contrast colors in daytime mode. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and various connected service plans. The Intelligent Assistant voice command system worked well, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA for overall and side crash protection. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick, with "Good" ratings in most tests. Standard safety features included Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5 suite, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. The systems performed reliably, with smooth adaptive cruise control.

The 2026 Toyota bZ featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist added subtle braking and steering inputs for extra safety. The Limited trim offered advanced features like Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park Assist. However, the IIHS ratings were mixed, with "Good" for front-crash avoidance but "Poor" for headlights. The adaptive cruise control's response was inconsistent, and the driver monitoring system was overly sensitive.