2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox underwent a significant redesign, adopting a modern aesthetic that aligned it more closely with Chevrolet's larger models like the Traverse and Suburban. The flat roof, upright grille, and distinctive "shark fin" C-pillar gave it a robust presence. Each trim level offered unique styling elements, with the base LT featuring chrome accents and optional Midnight Edition High Gloss Black treatment. The RS trim sported black mirrors, badges, and red RS emblems, while the new ACTIV trim showcased dark chrome and all-terrain tires. The interior was equally refreshed, with a new layout that removed the traditional cowl and relocated the shifter to the steering column, creating a more open center console. The RS and ACTIV trims featured distinct interior themes, with the RS offering a sporty look with red highlights and contrast stitching, and the ACTIV trim presenting a lighter "Maple Sugar and Black" theme.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available in the Rugged Woodland trim and three Sport grades, including the new GR Sport. The RAV4 maintained its footprint but added buffer bumpers for a more assertive look. The Woodland trim emphasized its off-road capabilities 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, a big rear wing, and a wide mesh grille. Inside, the RAV4 offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen system, with the GR Sport featuring red stitching and sporty accents. The interior was optimized for storage, with clever features like a shelf over the dashboard and deep door pockets. Despite its compact size, the RAV4 provided comfortable seating for four passengers and a spacious cargo area, although the PHEV version sacrificed some cargo space for the battery.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower. Torque varied with the drivetrain, offering 184 lb-ft in front-wheel-drive models and 203 lb-ft in all-wheel-drive versions. The Equinox featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for FWD models and an eight-speed automatic for AWD versions. The eight-speed automatic was praised for its quick gear changes and reduced noise compared to the previous six-speed. The Equinox offered a responsive accelerator at low speeds, but its small engine struggled during highway merges. The AWD models could tow up to 1,500 pounds and featured selectable drive modes, including Normal, Snow, and Off-Road.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower, paired with a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. The PHEV delivered a combined 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 and traction. The RAV4 PHEV offered an estimated electric range of 52 miles and featured multiple driving modes, including EV, Auto, Hybrid, and Charge. The transition between power sources was seamless, and paddle shifters allowed for manual control of the electronic continuously variable transmission. The GR Sport trim offered enhanced handling with a lower ride height, 20-inch wheels, and summer performance tires, providing a sportier driving experience.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard on the RS and ACTIV trims. A $950 package added front seat ventilation, heated rear seats, and driver's seat memory. The Equinox featured Evotex seats, providing a premium feel without genuine leather. The flat roof design ensured consistent headroom, with 38.2 inches in the front and 37.8 inches in the rear with the moonroof. The cargo space was slightly reduced, offering 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with them folded down. A hidden storage compartment added versatility to the cargo area.

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 XSE trim extended power adjustments to the passenger seat and featured ventilated seats. The RAV4's interior dimensions remained similar to the previous generation, with clever storage solutions like a dashboard shelf and deep door pockets. The rear legroom measured 37.8 inches, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The PHEV's cargo area offered 33.6 cubic feet, with a total of 63.5 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded down. A temporary spare tire was included under the cargo floor.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Google Built-In, offering wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen was 30% larger than the previous model, providing a more immersive experience. The system included a wi-fi hotspot and a six-speaker audio system. Wireless charging was standard on the RS and ACTIV trims and available on the LT. The voice control system had some issues with volume settings, but the overall tech package was comprehensive and user-friendly.

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 screen on top trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the touchscreen offered customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy navigation. The new Arene operating system improved responsiveness and voice assistant capabilities. The RAV4 PHEV also included a built-in dash cam, recording clips from exterior cameras and offering adjustable sensitivity settings.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered a Safety & Technology package for $1,085, adding rear pedestrian alert, HD surround vision, traffic-sign recognition, and a camera rearview mirror. The Chevy Safety Assist suite included standard features like rear park assist, lane-change alert, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Teen Driver Technology allowed parents to set speed and volume limits and provided a report card of driving behavior.

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 with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and a safe-exit alert. The surround-view camera system was available on all but the base SE trim. The RAV4's safety record was strong, with the 2025 model receiving a five-star rating from the NHTSA.