2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid was reminiscent of a pair of "dad jeans"—practical and offering great value, yet lacking modern flair. Despite a refresh in 2021, its design appeared outdated compared to newer crossovers like the Hyundai Palisade or Kia Sorento. The Santa Fe's exterior featured a handsome grille and flush-mounted headlights, but its overall silhouette was soft and lacked the chiseled strength of contemporary SUVs. The vehicle's length, at 188.4 inches, made it too large for compact crossover proportions and too small for a three-row crossover, resulting in a two-row midsize configuration. Inside, the Santa Fe Hybrid prioritized function over style, with a massive center console filled with physical buttons and knobs, offering ease of use but an outdated appearance.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid embraced a more modern and rugged aesthetic. Available in the Rugged Woodland trim and three Sport grades, including the exclusive GR Sport, the RAV4 PHEV maintained the same footprint as its predecessor but added buffer bumpers for a more assertive look. The vehicle's boxy design, with squared-off wheel arches and bulging fenders, gave it a truck-like presence. The Woodland trim emphasized off-road capability with chunky tires and a black roof rack, while the GR Sport showcased racier elements like red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. Inside, the RAV4 PHEV offered clever storage solutions and a well-equipped cabin, although the interior space was slightly compromised compared to larger rivals.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid delivered a balanced performance with its 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 44.2-kW electric motor, producing a combined 226 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid powertrain offered impressive fuel economy estimates of 33 mpg city, 30 highway, and 32 combined. The Santa Fe Hybrid's power was managed through a six-speed automatic transmission, and its HTRAC AWD system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels as needed. While not the quickest, the Santa Fe Hybrid provided a quiet and comfortable ride, with noise insulation and a compliant suspension that absorbed road imperfections effectively.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, on the other hand, boasted a more powerful setup with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine and a larger 22.7-kWh battery pack. This combination resulted in a total output of 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The PHEV offered an estimated electric range of 52 miles and featured a seamless transition between power sources. The RAV4 PHEV's performance was spirited, with a 0-60 mph time in the low five seconds, thanks to its dual propulsion motors and engine working in tandem. The GR Sport trim, with its lower stance and performance tires, provided enhanced handling and reduced body roll, making it a sportier option within the RAV4 lineup.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid featured a shift-by-wire, push-button transmission, freeing up space below the center stack. However, the center stack itself was massive, with limited storage space. The rear seats offered 40.8 inches of legroom, comparable to other midsize crossovers, and the cargo area provided 36.4 cubic feet of space, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Santa Fe Hybrid's interior was practical, with heated and ventilated front seats and leather upholstery available on higher trims.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained similar dimensions to its predecessor but optimized interior space with clever storage features. The cabin included multiple storage shelves and deep door pockets, accommodating various items. The RAV4 PHEV offered 37.8 inches of rear legroom, slightly less than some competitors, and a cargo area of 33.6 cubic feet, expandable to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior featured synthetic leather upholstery, with ventilated seats available on higher trims, and a panoramic sunroof that slightly reduced headroom.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid came equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, offering Over-The-Air map updates and dynamic voice recognition. The infotainment system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, although both required a wired connection. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster provided essential driving information, and the Hyundai digital key allowed for advanced connectivity features. The Limited trim included a 12-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system, enhancing the audio experience.

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 infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the touchscreen offered customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and loading times, while the Voice Assistant responded to a wide range of prompts. A built-in dash cam recorded clips from exterior cameras, adding an extra layer of security.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid prioritized safety with features like a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor, enhancing visibility and awareness. Standard safety equipment included adaptive cruise control, forward collision avoidance, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. The Santa Fe Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, highlighting its commitment to passenger safety.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. The system included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and a safe-exit alert. The RAV4 PHEV's safety features were enhanced with a wider view for cameras and a broader detection range for radar. While crash-testing results for the 2026 model were pending, the 2025 RAV4 received a five-star rating from the NHTSA.