2021 Jeep Renegade vs 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2021 Jeep Renegade, introduced in 2015, drew inspiration from the iconic Wrangler SUV, featuring a boxy profile, circular headlights, and an upright seven-slat grille. By 2021, it retained the subtle refresh from 2019, with some previously optional features becoming standard. Inside, the Renegade offered a modern, functional cabin with an upright center stack reminiscent of the Wrangler, making controls easily accessible. It came in various trims, including Sport, Jeepster, Latitude, Upland, 80th Anniversary, Islander, Limited, and Trailhawk, each offering unique features and equipment.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available in the Rugged Woodland trim and three Sport grades: SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport. The sixth-generation RAV4 maintained the same footprint as its predecessor but featured buffer bumpers that increased its length. The RAV4 adopted a square, truck-like presence with boxy wheel arches and bulges over the fenders. The Woodland trim emphasized off-road capabilities with features like chunky all-terrain tires and a black roof rack, while the Sport trims showcased gloss black accents and racier elements, particularly in the GR Sport, which boasted red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade offered two engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder with 177 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. While neither engine was particularly spirited, the turbocharged option provided more refined performance. The Renegade's ride quality was solid, with impressive maneuverability in tight spaces and a terrain management system for off-road capability, especially in the Trailhawk trim.

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 delivered a total of 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The PHEV offered an estimated electric range of 52 miles and standard all-wheel drive. In EV mode, it excelled in quiet cruising, while Auto mode provided a satisfying power band with a 0-60 mph time in the low five seconds. The GR Sport trim, with its lower stance and performance tires, offered enhanced handling and reduced body roll.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade provided 50.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 18.5 cubic feet with them in use. Its tall, boxy design allowed for ample headroom in both rows, with great front legroom and suitable rear seating for adults. The Renegade featured various storage solutions, including foldable front passenger seats for added versatility.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's base SE trim came equipped with conveniences like a power driver's seat and heated front seats. The interior dimensions remained similar to the previous generation, with clever storage features like a dashboard shelf and deep door pockets. The RAV4 offered 37.8 inches of rear legroom, accommodating four passengers comfortably. The cargo area provided 33.6 cubic feet of space, expandable to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with an optional 8.4-inch screen on higher trims, both running the intuitive Uconnect infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a Kenwood premium audio system available.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch screen on top trims. The touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a quick menu, while the digital cluster offered improved graphics and user interface. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, enhanced responsiveness, and the Voice Assistant responded to a wide range of prompts. A built-in dash cam recorded clips from exterior cameras, adding a layer of convenience and safety.

For 2021, the Jeep Renegade made several safety features standard, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection. However, the Trailhawk trim lacked standard emergency braking. Despite these additions, the Renegade received a four-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. These included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and a safe-exit alert. The suite's enhancements improved responsiveness and detection, contributing to the RAV4's strong safety record. The NHTSA rated the 2025 RAV4 at five stars, and the 2026 model was expected to maintain this rating.