2024 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2024 Buick Encore GX was a striking addition to Buick's lineup, drawing inspiration from the 2022 Wildcat concept. This refreshed model boasted a completely new front design, featuring sleek daytime running lights positioned above the grille, with angular LED lamps flanking it lower on either side. The introduction of a new Buick logo added to its modern appeal. The top-tier Avenir trim showcased a unique grille and chrome accents, while the rear remained largely unchanged from the 2023 model, except for the new LED tail lights on the upper trims. The Encore GX was particularly eye-catching with its available 19-inch wheels and a vibrant color palette, including options like brilliant red, deep blue, maroon, and the distinctive Copper Ice Metallic. Some colors even offered a contrasting black roof, mirrors, and roof rails.

Inside, the most significant update was the relocation of the HVAC vents to accommodate a new 19-inch glass panel that housed the digital gauge cluster and touchscreen. While the large glass panel initially gave the interior a premium, tech-savvy appearance, some users noted issues when the car was running. Despite a few cheap-feeling plastics and limited color options of black or cream, the Encore GX's interior was competitive for its price point. The vehicle offered a smooth ride, especially in urban settings, with a suspension that absorbed rough pavement effectively.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available in a limited range of trims, including the Rugged Woodland and three Sport grades: SE, XSE, and the exclusive GR Sport. The sixth-generation RAV4 maintained the same footprint as its predecessor, but the new trims added buffer bumpers, extending the length slightly. The Woodland trim was an inch longer, while the GR Sport's assertive grille and rear diffuser added 1.9 inches. The RAV4 embraced a boxy, truck-like design, with squared-off wheel arches and bulges over the fenders reminiscent of the Highlander models. Daytime running lights bracketed the corners, and an integrated rear roof spoiler extended over a vertical tailgate. The taillights featured vertical slash marks that narrowed towards the RAV4 badge.

The Woodland trim accentuated the boxy design with a wide front fascia and solid panels replacing fog lights. It featured chunky all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels and a black roof rack with crossbars, enhancing its off-road appeal. The Sport trims added gloss black accents, while the GR Sport, inspired by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, showcased racier elements like red brake calipers, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and a wide mesh grille. The charge port location varied by trim, with the XSE and Woodland having it on the driver's side, and the SE and GR Sport on the passenger's side. Inside, the RAV4 offered a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with an available 12.9-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The interior design was streamlined, with a wide center console housing a mechanical gear shifter and stylish drive mode knobs.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX retained its previous engine options, offering a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque on the base Preferred trim. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and was available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. For those seeking more power, a 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine was available, delivering 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission. In testing, the turbocharged engine provided a responsive feel, achieving 0-60 mph in about nine seconds. However, the transmission exhibited a delay in downshifting during highway passing, which could be frustrating for drivers seeking quick maneuvers. Despite this, the Encore GX excelled as a city car, with a smooth suspension and a selectable AWD system that allowed drivers to engage all-wheel drive when needed.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower, up from 177 hp in the previous model. The PHEV benefited from a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack and more efficient silicon carbide semiconductors, resulting in an estimated electric range of 52 miles for the SE and XSE models. With a total power output of 324 horsepower, the RAV4 PHEV was the most powerful RAV4 to date. It featured standard all-wheel drive, with a large front motor rated at 203 hp and 201 lb-ft of torque, and a smaller rear motor for assistance and traction. In EV mode, the RAV4 PHEV offered quick acceleration off the line, but performance plateaued at around 30 mph. In Auto mode, the vehicle delivered a 0-60 mph time in the low five seconds, thanks to the combined efforts of the propulsion motors and engine. The RAV4 PHEV offered seamless power transitions, with paddle shifters allowing drivers to override the electronic continuously variable transmission. The GR Sport trim, with its lower ride height and performance tires, provided enhanced handling and reduced body roll, making it a sportier option within the RAV4 lineup.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX, as a subcompact SUV, offered limited utility but was competitive within its class. It had a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds and featured an available hands-free liftgate for convenient access to the rear cargo area. Behind the rear seats, the Encore GX provided 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which expanded to 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The vehicle could accommodate items up to eight feet long with the front seat folded. Inside, the Encore GX offered available heated seats and a heated steering wheel, though seat ventilation was not available. Standard two-way power-adjustable seats could be upgraded to eight-way adjustable seats on the top Avenir trim or with the Comfort package on lower trims. An available seven-speaker Bose audio system enhanced the in-car experience.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's base SE trim came well-equipped with a power driver's seat, heated front seats, five USB ports, and push-button start. The front seats provided adequate bolstering and thigh support, with power adjustments extended to the passenger seat on the top XSE grade. Most trims featured synthetic leather upholstery branded SofTex, which could become sticky on hot days, but ventilated seats were standard on the GR Sport and XSE trims. Despite maintaining similar dimensions to the previous generation, the RAV4's interior was optimized with clever storage features, including a dashboard shelf for small devices and a wireless device charger on all but the base SE model. The center console storage was versatile, with a flip-up cover that could be removed and turned into a tray on Woodland trims. The RAV4 offered 37.8 inches of rear legroom, accommodating four passengers comfortably, though five passengers would be a tighter fit. The cargo area provided 33.6 cubic feet of space, expanding to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, and included a temporary spare tire under the cargo floor.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX featured an 11-inch touchscreen paired with an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, all housed under a single pane of glass. While the setup initially appeared impressive, users noted a significant amount of unused screen space once the displays were illuminated. The Encore GX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with USB-A and USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and an available 120-volt outlet. An available rear camera mirror provided a wider-angle view of the rear surroundings. The infotainment system was straightforward, with a home screen featuring tiles for smartphone mirroring, climate control, settings, camera views, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted 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 higher trims. The digital displays were standard, as were wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota integrated the climate controls into the lower portion of the touchscreen, with temperature buttons and a physical volume knob below. The touchscreen featured large customizable tiles and a quick menu for commonly used settings, while the cluster graphics and user interface were significantly improved. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, enhanced responsiveness and loading speed, and the Voice Assistant responded to a wide range of "Hey Toyota" prompts. The system also allowed drivers to locate chargers along their route and access data for the plug-in hybrid system. A built-in dash cam recorded and saved clips from the exterior cameras, with adjustable sensitivity settings.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX came standard with Buick's Driver Confidence package, which included lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, a following distance indicator, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was also standard across all trims. However, features like rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera were optional. The Encore GX included unique safety features like Teen Driver, which allowed parents to monitor their child's driving habits, and Buckle to Drive, which prevented the vehicle from shifting out of park if the driver's seat belt wasn't fastened. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2024 Buick Encore GX a full five-star overall safety rating, with five stars for frontal and side crash ratings and four stars for rollover. The 2023 model received a Good rating for crashworthiness and Superior for front crash prevention from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. The new system offered a wider view for cameras and a broader detection range for radar, enhancing responsiveness and detection at night. The suite included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, updated lane-departure alert and lane-keep assist systems, adaptive cruise control with limited hands-free driving, blind-spot monitors with rear cross-traffic alerts, and a safe-exit alert. All but the base SE trim had a surround-view camera system. The RAV4's safety enhancements aimed to maintain its strong safety record, with the NHTSA rating the 2025 RAV4 at five out of five stars. The 2026 model's redesign was expected to address previous shortcomings in front crash protection.