Toyota RAV4 vs Toyota bZ

The 2026 Toyota bZ was offered in XLE and Limited trims, with options for single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) or dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD), and two battery sizes. Models with the larger battery were priced higher but provided enhanced power, performance, and range, with prices ranging from $36,495 to $46,895, including the destination charge. The XLE test vehicle featured FWD and the optional larger battery, transforming it into the XLE Plus for an additional $3,000. The vehicle's exterior was enhanced with Heavy Metal paint and other accessories, bringing the MSRP to $40,468. The 2026 bZ's design was improved with body-color trim, offering a more appealing look compared to its predecessor. Inside, the dashboard and center console were redesigned for a cleaner appearance, and the fabric seats featured an upscale pattern. The center touchscreen was increased to 14 inches, integrating climate control functions, although the digital driver display's placement and size remained a concern.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4, in its sixth generation, presented three distinct designs—Core, Rugged, and Sport—across seven trim levels. The new RAV4 adopted a blockier appearance, aligning with Toyota's other SUVs and trucks, while maintaining its boxy wheel arches and bulging rear fenders. The Core models evolved from past RAV4s with a cheese grater-like upper grille and familiar robot pout lower grille. The Rugged grade, paired with the Woodland trim, featured a boxy design with a skid plate-like lower grille and standard AWD. The Sport style, inspired by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, included a large rear spoiler and a single large mesh grille. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with an available 12.9-inch touchscreen on top trims. The interior was streamlined, with climate controls integrated into the touchscreen, and a wide center console with flexible storage options.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a range of performance options. The XLE with FWD featured a single electric motor and a 57.7-kilowatt-hour battery pack, delivering 165 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles and an efficiency rating of 26 kWh/100 miles. Upgrading to the 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles, while the Limited trim's range dropped to 299 miles with slightly reduced efficiency. Dual-motor models, available only with the larger battery, produced 338 hp and offered varying ranges and efficiency ratings. The bZ could be recharged using a DC fast charger or a Level 2 home charger, with different charging times depending on the battery size. Efficiency tests showed favorable results, with the bZ averaging 4.5 miles per kWh in Eco mode and 3.9 miles per kWh in Normal mode. The bZ's driving experience was generally agreeable, though it lacked one-pedal driving capability and had some issues with traction and steering.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 featured a more robust and efficient hybrid system. The RAV4 Hybrid introduced FWD for the first time, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors generating 226 horsepower. AWD models added a third motor, increasing output to 236 hp. The hybrid system provided quick power delivery, and the electronic continuously variable automatic transmission offered smooth transitions. The RAV4's suspension was tuned for comfort, with some body roll in corners but effective absorption of road imperfections. The Woodland trim, part of the Rugged style, included all-terrain tires and standard AWD, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The RAV4's EPA ratings were expected to be 44 mpg combined for FWD and AWD models, with slightly lower ratings for top trims and the Woodland trim.

The 2026 Toyota bZ was built on a skateboard-style EV platform, providing 8.1 inches of ground clearance and easy access. Both front seats featured standard height adjustment, with eight-way power adjustment available in XLE and Limited trims. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but offered ample storage options, including a large bin under the center armrest and a sizable tray beneath the center console. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed comfortable seating and standard rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The bZ provided 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space, with an underfloor storage well and a maximum cargo capacity of 56.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 maintained the same dimensions as its predecessor, with a 105.9-inch wheelbase and similar interior passenger space. Cargo volume increased slightly, offering 37.8 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 70.4 cubic feet with them down. The RAV4's interior featured clever storage solutions, including multiple shelves and a versatile center console. Deep door pockets and door handle recesses provided additional storage options. The RAV4 comfortably seated four passengers, with ample rear legroom, though it trailed larger competitors in this regard.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came standard with a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The driver display's placement and size were criticized for being difficult to read, while the infotainment system was generally user-friendly but lacked a home screen for simultaneous data display. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and various connected service plans. The Drive Connect feature powered the native navigation system and the Intelligent Assistant, which responded well to voice commands.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 featured a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen available on top trims. The new Arene operating system offered improved responsiveness and graphics, with customizable tiles and a broader range of voice commands. A built-in dash cam recorded clips from exterior cameras, triggered by aggressive driving, and allowed for customizable recording settings.

The 2026 Toyota bZ was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist provided additional safety through subtle braking and steering inputs. The bZ also featured blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, safe-exit assist, and parking sensors. The Limited trim added Traffic Jam Assist and other advanced features. The bZ received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with high marks for front-crash avoidance but lower ratings for headlights and frontal-impact crash tests.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. The system included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and an emergency stop system. A limited hands-free driving system allowed brief self-piloting on highways, with a driver monitor ensuring attention. The RAV4's safety enhancements aimed to maintain its strong safety record, with crash-testing results pending from the IIHS and NHTSA.