2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid vs 2025 Honda Odyssey

The 2025 Honda Odyssey retained its traditional minivan aesthetic, reminiscent of its predecessors, with a design that was more functional than stylish. Its interior followed suit, featuring a straightforward layout with buttons and knobs that were easy to use, thanks to their bright white markings on matte black backgrounds. The Odyssey was available in EX-L, Sport-L, Touring, and Elite trims, with the base EX trim discontinued, resulting in a higher starting price of $42,220. The Elite trim, priced at $51,180, offered a new Smoke Blue Pearl paint and two-tone leather seats, maintaining the high-quality materials expected from Honda. Despite its lack of visual flair, the Odyssey's practicality and comfort were its main selling points.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, on the other hand, offered a more diverse design approach with its Core, Rugged, and Sport themes, although the PHEV was limited to the Rugged Woodland and three Sport trims: SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport. The RAV4's design was boxier and more truck-like, with features like buffer bumpers and assertive grilles enhancing its rugged appearance. The Woodland trim emphasized off-road capabilities with all-terrain tires and a roof rack, while the GR Sport showcased sporty elements like red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. The interior was optimized for storage, with clever features like multiple shelves and a flexible center console, although the cargo space was slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. It lacked all-wheel drive and hybrid options, which were available in some competitors. The Odyssey's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, with real-world tests showing 21.4 mpg on a loop and 24 mpg on a longer trip. Despite its lower fuel efficiency compared to hybrid rivals, the Odyssey offered a satisfying driving experience with responsive steering and braking, and nimble handling. It performed well in various conditions, although it lacked a surround-view camera system.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower, complemented by a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. This setup increased the total power to 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The PHEV offered an estimated 52-mile electric range and standard all-wheel drive. It excelled in EV mode for quiet city driving and delivered impressive acceleration with a 0-60 mph time in the low five seconds. The RAV4 PHEV's handling was enhanced by a strengthened chassis and improved suspension, particularly in the GR Sport trim, which offered a sportier ride with less body roll and better damping.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey was designed to maximize passenger and cargo capacity, seating eight people and offering up to 140.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The Elite trim featured comfortable power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, although taller drivers might find the seating position cramped. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided flexibility but required removal for maximum cargo space. The third-row seat was spacious enough for adults, and the Odyssey offered ample storage throughout the cabin, along with features like a conversation mirror and Cabin Talk intercom.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained similar dimensions to its predecessor, with clever storage solutions like multiple shelves and deep door pockets. It seated four passengers comfortably, with a panoramic sunroof reducing headroom slightly. The rear legroom was adequate, though not as spacious as some rivals. The PHEV's cargo space was reduced to 33.6 cubic feet due to the battery, but folding the rear seats expanded it to 63.5 cubic feet. The interior featured SofTex upholstery, with ventilated seats available on higher trims to combat stickiness on hot days.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey received a technology update with a new 7-inch digital driver display and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and smartphone charging, but the system's graphics and voice recognition were outdated. The rear-seat entertainment system, featuring Amazon Fire TV, was difficult to use, requiring a personal device connection. Despite these shortcomings, the Odyssey's infotainment system allowed for easy pairing with smartphones and streaming music.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.9-inch option on top trims. The system featured customizable tiles and a quick menu, with improved graphics and a responsive interface. The Voice Assistant responded to a wide range of commands, and the system included a built-in dash cam for recording driving events. The touchscreen integrated climate controls, with physical buttons for temperature adjustments and a volume knob for convenience.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of driver-assistance features including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The Touring and Elite trims added parking sensors. While the system generally operated smoothly, the adaptive cruise control could brake too hard in traffic. The Odyssey received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and performed well in IIHS tests, except for a "Poor" rating in a new evaluation.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with enhanced camera and radar capabilities for improved detection. The suite included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. A safe-exit alert and enhanced rearview camera were also standard. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, with the 2025 model receiving a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The 2026 model's redesign aimed to address previous shortcomings in crash protection.