2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid emerged as a bold departure from its predecessors, showcasing a striking new design that was both longer and wider. Its sharp, angular cues and dramatic face set it apart from the previous models, ensuring that no shopper would mistake it for the 2021 version. The Tucson's exterior was a gamble with its hard creases and unique grille that seamlessly integrated with the LED headlights, offering a futuristic look. Inside, the Tucson boasted an open and airy interior, with a center console that felt bulkier than necessary but provided an unobstructed view thanks to the hoodless driver information display. The interior was equipped with heated front seats, cloth upholstery, and a proximity key as standard, with higher trims offering additional features like a 10.25-inch digital driver display and ambient lighting.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, available in the Rugged Woodland trim and three Sport grades, maintained the same footprint as its predecessor but introduced buffer bumpers for added length. Its design embraced a boxy, truck-like presence with squared-off features and distinctive elements like daytime running lights and an integrated rear roof spoiler. The Woodland trim emphasized off-road capabilities with chunky all-terrain tires and a black roof rack, while the GR Sport trim showcased racier elements inspired by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division. Inside, the RAV4 PHEV offered a well-equipped base SE with features like a power driver's seat and heated front seats, while higher trims added synthetic leather upholstery and ventilated seats. Clever storage solutions and a spacious interior made it a practical choice, although the cargo area was slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impressed with its 1.6-liter turbo-four engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided a noticeably quicker performance compared to the gas-powered Tucson. The Tucson Hybrid featured responsive steering and a six-speed automatic transmission that managed the power efficiently. Its suspension excelled at absorbing road imperfections, maintaining balance through corners. Fuel economy was commendable, with the EPA rating it at 37 mpg city, 36 highway, and 37 combined, making it a more efficient choice than the gas variant.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a powerful 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The PHEV's larger 22.7-kwh battery pack extended its electric range to 52 miles in the SE and XSE models. The RAV4 PHEV offered a spirited ride with seamless power transitions and a 0-60 mph time in the low five seconds. Its 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 maintained a comfortable ride, with the GR Sport trim offering sportier handling.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered impressive cargo space, with 38.8 cubic feet in the trunk and 74.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. It provided ample front and rear legroom, with over 41 inches each, and the rear seats could recline for added comfort. The Tucson's cargo floor featured a dual-level system for flexible storage, and the interior was equipped with multiple cupholders and bottle holders.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained similar dimensions to its predecessor, with clever storage features optimizing the interior space. The base SE trim included conveniences like a power driver's seat and heated front seats, while higher trims added synthetic leather upholstery and ventilated seats. The RAV4 PHEV offered 37.8 inches of rear legroom, accommodating four passengers comfortably. The cargo area provided 33.6 cubic feet, expandable to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, and included a temporary spare tire.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the Limited trim, though it required a wired connection for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The interface relied on touch-capacitive buttons, which could be frustrating, but steering-wheel controls offered an alternative. The Tucson provided ample USB ports and a premium Bose stereo in the test vehicle.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch screen available on top trims. The touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, enhanced responsiveness and voice commands, while a built-in dash cam offered additional functionality.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision avoidance, and more. The Limited trim added advanced features like a surround-view monitor and highway-driving assist. The Tucson received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with enhanced camera and radar capabilities for improved detection. The suite included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, with the 2025 model receiving a five-star rating from the NHTSA.