2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was an extended version of the standard Escalade, featuring a complete redesign for the model year. It was notably longer at 226.9 inches compared to the Escalade's 211.9 inches, with a slightly lower height of 76.4 inches. This additional length was primarily at the rear, enhancing cargo space and providing a more stable ride with a 134.1-inch wheelbase. The Escalade ESV boasted a luxurious appearance with chrome styling on various trim levels, while Sport models featured blacked-out accents. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with finishes varying by trim. The vehicle's exterior was equipped with standard features like LED headlights, roof rails, and power-extending assist steps, while optional packages added further luxury touches. However, the interior, despite its spaciousness, was criticized for its use of hard plastics and lack of unique design elements, which detracted from its overall poshness.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available in the Rugged Woodland trim and three Sport grades, including the SE, XSE, and the exclusive GR Sport. The RAV4 maintained the same footprint as its predecessor, with slight length variations due to buffer bumpers. Its design embraced a boxy, truck-like presence, with distinctive features like daytime running lights, a rear roof spoiler, and vertical taillights. The Woodland trim emphasized off-road capability with features like all-terrain tires and a black roof rack, while Sport trims showcased gloss black accents and racier elements, particularly in the GR Sport. The RAV4 PHEV's interior offered practical storage solutions and comfortable seating, with the GR Sport and XSE trims featuring ventilated seats. Despite its compact size, the RAV4 provided ample passenger space, though cargo capacity was slightly reduced compared to the standard model.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered a choice between a 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six engine producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and buyers could choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). The Escalade ESV's V8 engine provided sufficient power, though it could have benefited from more low-end torque for passing at higher speeds. The vehicle's weight, ranging from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, posed challenges for the engine when towing. Fuel economy was not officially rated by the EPA, but the RWD version averaged around 18 mpg during testing.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower, paired with a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. This setup increased the RAV4 PHEV's power to 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. All-wheel drive was standard, with a front motor rated at 203 horsepower and 201 lb-ft of torque, and a smaller rear motor for assistance and traction. The RAV4 PHEV offered an estimated electric range of 52 miles and achieved a 0-60 mph time in the low five seconds. The vehicle's handling was enhanced by a strengthened chassis and improved suspension, particularly in the GR Sport trim, which featured 20-inch black alloy wheels and summer performance tires. Despite its 4,500-pound weight, the RAV4 PHEV delivered a spirited ride without sacrificing comfort.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed as a luxurious people and cargo hauler, offering leatherette seating surfaces with available leather upholstery. Standard features included 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated first- and second-row seats, and a hands-free power liftgate. The ESV provided ample legroom in the first two rows, while the third row was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 126.6 cubic feet behind the first row, 81.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 42.9 cubic feet behind the third row. The power-adjustable third row could be folded using a switch in the cargo area, though it occasionally required manual adjustment. The hands-free power liftgate was convenient but sometimes unreliable, and the vehicle featured an adaptive air suspension for easier entry and exit.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's base SE trim was well-equipped with features like a power driver's seat, heated front seats, and five USB ports. The interior offered clever storage solutions, including a shelf over the dashboard and a center console with flexible storage options. The RAV4 PHEV provided comfortable seating for four passengers, with 37.8 inches of rear legroom, though five passengers would be a tight fit. Cargo capacity was slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4, with 33.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The vehicle's interior space was optimized for practicality, with deep door pockets and versatile storage compartments.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was equipped with advanced technology, including a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system, with an optional upgrade to a 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. The vehicle featured a curved 38-inch OLED screen, housing three displays for driver information and infotainment. The system offered wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, allowing hands-free driving on certain highways. While Super Cruise generally performed well, it occasionally struggled in bright sunlight or poorly-lit areas, and its lane-change technology could be slow in heavy traffic.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen available on top trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with climate controls integrated into the touchscreen. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and user interface, while the Voice Assistant responded to a wide range of prompts. The RAV4 PHEV also offered a built-in dash cam, capable of recording and saving clips from exterior cameras, with adjustable sensitivity settings.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with a range of safety features, including front automatic braking, front and rear park assist, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Additional technologies were available, such as adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and night vision. The NHTSA awarded the Escalade ESV a four-star rating, with a three-star rating in the rollover test due to its top-heavy design.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. The system included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors. The RAV4 PHEV also offered a safe-exit alert and an enhanced rearview camera. While crash-testing results were pending, the RAV4's safety record was historically strong, with the 2025 model receiving a five-star rating from the NHTSA.