2025 Genesis GV80 vs 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2025 Genesis GV80 was a testament to sophisticated design, offering two engine options across five trims. The top Prestige trim, featuring a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged engine, stood out with its elegant redesign. Genesis maintained its signature two horizontal bar headlights, now enhanced with a micro lens array, and a more pronounced grille and aggressive lower bumper. The subtle rear changes and new color options like Storr Green added to its allure. Inside, the GV80 impressed with quilted Nappa leather seats, a suede headliner, and unique interior accents, including basalt or recycled newspaper trims. The center console, with its tactile dials, provided a satisfying user experience, although the redundant infotainment dial seemed unnecessary.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered a distinct design with its Rugged and Sport trims, including the exclusive GR Sport PHEV. The sixth-generation RAV4 maintained its footprint but introduced buffer bumpers for added length. Its boxy, truck-like presence was consistent with Toyota's SUV lineup, featuring daytime running lights and a vertical tailgate. The Woodland trim emphasized off-road capabilities with all-terrain tires and a black roof rack, while the Sport trims showcased gloss black accents and racier elements like red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. The charge port's location varied by trim, and the interior featured accents like red stitching on the GR Sport, with a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a streamlined touchscreen design.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 retained its powertrain options, with a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The top Prestige trim featured a more powerful twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine, producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. All trims came with all-wheel drive, capable of sending up to 100% of torque to the rear wheels. The GV80 offered modes like Snow and Eco for varying conditions, with satisfying acceleration and a burly engine sound. While not a sports SUV, it excelled in comfort and cruising, with firm brakes and a quiet interior.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted an updated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower, paired with a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. This resulted in a power increase to 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The PHEV offered a 52-mile electric range and standard all-wheel drive. In EV mode, it excelled in quiet cruising, while Auto mode delivered impressive acceleration with a 0-60 mph time in the low five seconds. The GR Sport trim featured enhanced handling with a lower ride height and performance tires, providing a spirited ride without sacrificing comfort.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 came well-equipped with features like power-adjustable heated seats, power-folding mirrors, and the innovative Mood Curator for a spa-like experience. The top Prestige trim included heated armrests, three-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats. However, the seats were noted for their rigidity, making long trips uncomfortable. The GV80 offered ample legroom in the second row, with the option for a third row in the Advance trim. Cargo space remained similar to the 2024 model, with a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's base SE trim featured conveniences like a power driver's seat and heated front seats. The interior, while maintaining the same dimensions, optimized storage with clever features like multiple shelves and deep door pockets. The RAV4 comfortably seated four passengers, with 37.8 inches of rear legroom. The PHEV's cargo area was slightly reduced to 33.6 cubic feet, but folding the rear seats expanded it to 63.5 cubic feet. A temporary spare tire was included under the cargo floor.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 featured a 27-inch OLED screen for the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available later. While the infotainment system offered clean graphics, navigating menus could be cumbersome. Standard technology included wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and USB-C ports. Higher trims added features like the Genesis digital key, a head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. The 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system provided an exceptional audio experience.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid introduced a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch screen on top trims. The touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and voice assistant capabilities. The system allowed for locating chargers and managing the plug-in hybrid system. A built-in dash cam recorded clips from exterior cameras, with adjustable sensitivity settings.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids, including lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, and blind-spot monitoring. Upper trims added features like remote smart parking and a 360-degree camera system. The Highway Drive Assist system included an attention monitor, although it struggled with certain sunglasses. The GV80 had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS for 2025, but the 2024 model received high safety ratings.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, featuring enhanced camera and radar detection. The suite included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors. A safe-exit alert and enhanced rearview camera were also included. The RAV4's safety record was strong, with a five-star rating from NHTSA for the 2025 model. Crash-testing for the 2026 model was pending.