2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid vs 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was a standout in Toyota's lineup of crossovers and SUVs, offering a range of options from all-gas to hybrid-powered models. Built on the TNGA-K platform, it shared its underpinnings with the regular Highlander, RAV4, Sienna, and Camry, distinguishing itself from the body-on-frame Sequoia. With a length of 201.4 inches and a 116.1-inch wheelbase, it was larger than competitors like the Kia Telluride, providing a spacious interior. Its design, inspired by rugged vehicles, featured a blockier style with a trapezoidal grille and narrow headlights, reminiscent of the 4Runner. Available in XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims, the Grand Highlander offered a comfortable interior with features like heated front seats, a large center console, and second-row sunshades, making it an excellent choice for road trips.

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 added buffer bumpers for a more assertive look. The Woodland trim emphasized off-road capabilities with features like chunky all-terrain tires and a black roof rack, while the Sport trims, including the GR Sport, showcased racier elements like red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. The interior offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with options for a larger 12.9-inch display. The RAV4 PHEV's design focused on practicality, with clever storage solutions and comfortable seating for four passengers, although it fell short of larger models in terms of rear legroom and cargo space.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options, starting with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid option delivered 245 combined net horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. At the top of the range, the Hybrid Max powertrain generated 362 combined net horsepower and 400 combined net lb-ft of torque. The Grand Highlander was available with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, while the Hybrid Max was AWD only. Despite its size, the Grand Highlander provided adequate acceleration, with the Hybrid Max achieving a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds. It offered three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal—with additional modes for AWD-equipped models. While the steering felt a bit numb, the brakes were solid, and the overall performance was satisfactory for its class.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower, paired with a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. This combination resulted in a power output of 324 hp, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The PHEV offered an estimated range of 52 miles in EV mode, with all-wheel drive as standard. The RAV4 PHEV excelled in Auto mode, delivering a 0-60 mph time in the low five seconds. It featured three modes: Hybrid, Charge, and EV, allowing for versatile driving experiences. The GR Sport trim, with its lower ground clearance and performance tires, provided enhanced handling, while the overall ride remained comfortable and spirited. Despite its weight, the RAV4 PHEV maintained structural rigidity and offered a seamless transition of power.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander boasted impressive dimensions, measuring 201.4 inches in length with a 116.1-inch wheelbase, making it larger than most rivals. This translated to a spacious interior with a total cargo capacity of 97.5 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Kia Telluride. With 57.9 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and 20.6 cubic feet with all three rows up, it offered ample storage space. The Grand Highlander provided excellent headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in every row, ensuring comfort for passengers, even in the third row.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid retained its dimensions from the previous generation, offering clever storage solutions despite its compact footprint. The interior featured a power driver's seat, heated front seats, and multiple USB ports. While the passenger space was adequate, it fell short of larger models in terms of rear legroom. The cargo area offered 33.6 cubic feet, with a total of 63.5 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded down. The RAV4 PHEV's interior was optimized for practicality, with deep door pockets and versatile storage options.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An intelligent assistant, available via a connected-services subscription, responded to voice commands for tasks like adjusting the temperature. The system included cloud-based navigation and 24/7 live agent assistance. The Limited and Platinum trims featured an 11-speaker JBL stereo, providing a balanced audio experience. While the tech offerings were impressive, shoppers were advised to review subscription options carefully.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch display available on top trims. The touchscreen offered customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings. The Voice Assistant responded to a wide range of prompts, and the system included features like a built-in dash cam and a range map for the plug-in hybrid system. The RAV4 PHEV's technology was enhanced by Toyota's new operating system, Arene, providing a more responsive and user-friendly experience.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing assist, road-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control with four following-distance settings was also standard. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the comprehensive suite of safety features provided peace of mind for drivers.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, offering a wider view for cameras and a broader detection range for radar. The suite included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and a safe-exit alert. The RAV4 PHEV's safety features were designed to enhance responsiveness and detection, contributing to its strong safety record. Crash-test ratings were pending, but the enhancements addressed previous shortcomings.