2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid vs 2024 Kia Seltos

The 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a mid-cycle refresh, resulting in subtle yet impactful changes. The exterior updates included redesigned headlights and grille, along with a light strip connecting the smaller taillight assemblies, giving the vehicle a rejuvenated appearance without a significant price hike. The test model showcased the new “Pluton Blue” paint, adding a sharp aesthetic touch. Inside, the Seltos introduced two new interior colors, “Gentle Brown” and “Midnight Green,” although the test model featured the standard black interior. A prominent change was the large digital panel spanning two-thirds of the dash, integrating a fully digital instrument panel and a larger touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered a distinct design with its Rugged and Sport trims, including the Woodland and GR Sport, the latter exclusive to the PHEV. The sixth-generation RAV4 maintained its predecessor's footprint but introduced buffer bumpers, extending the length slightly. The RAV4 embraced a boxy, truck-like presence, with square wheel arches and bulging fenders. The Woodland trim emphasized off-road aesthetics with a wide front fascia, solid panels replacing fog lights, and chunky all-terrain tires. The Sport trims, particularly the GR Sport, showcased racier elements like red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. The interior featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with the option for a larger 12.9-inch screen on top trims.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The base model featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The LX trim came standard with all-wheel drive, while the S and EX trims offered front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. The X-Line and SX trims boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. This turbo engine provided noticeable acceleration improvements, especially in 40-to-60 mph scenarios, despite some turbo lag at lower speeds. The Seltos handled various road conditions well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower, complemented by a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. The PHEV's power increased to 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. All-wheel drive was standard, with a front motor rated at 203 hp and a smaller rear motor for assistance. The RAV4 PHEV excelled in EV mode for quiet city driving, while Auto mode delivered a 0-60 mph time in the low five seconds. The GR Sport trim, with its lower stance and performance tires, offered enhanced handling, particularly over rough terrain. Despite its 4,500-pound weight, the RAV4 PHEV maintained a spirited ride without compromising comfort.

The 2024 Kia Seltos provided up to 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 26.6 cubic feet with the seats in use. The SX trim offered a hands-free power liftgate. The Seltos featured an upright seating position, ample headroom, and good rear legroom, accommodating taller occupants comfortably. The front seating area included decently sized in-door cupholders and cubbies, while the center console offered a small tray for essentials. The SX trim came with a removable cargo cover.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's base SE trim included a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and five USB ports. The interior featured clever storage solutions, such as a dashboard shelf for small devices and a center console with a flip-up cover. The RAV4 accommodated four passengers comfortably, with 37.8 inches of rear legroom. The cargo area offered 33.6 cubic feet, expandable to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The PHEV's interior space was slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4 due to the battery pack.

The 2024 Kia Seltos featured a consistent digital bezel across trims, with screen sizes varying by trim. The base infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and touchscreen. The infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with physical controls for volume and climate settings. The SX trim offered an eight-speaker Bose premium stereo system and Digital Key 2 Touch for smartphone access.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.9-inch screen on top trims. The system featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy navigation. Toyota’s new operating system, Arene, enhanced responsiveness and voice command capabilities. The RAV4 PHEV included a built-in dash cam and a feature to locate chargers along routes.

The 2024 Kia Seltos came with standard driver assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and driver attention warning. The S trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The SX trim offered smart cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and highway driving assist.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with enhanced camera and radar detection. The suite included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, with expected improvements in crash protection.