2025 Acura RDX vs 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2025 Acura RDX, positioned between the smaller ADX and the larger MDX, offered a range of packages such as Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and A-Spec Advance, replacing traditional trim levels. It came standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, with prices ranging from $44,700 to $52,450, excluding a $1,350 destination charge. The A-Spec Advance test vehicle, priced at $56,400 including destination, featured a frameless grille, new wheel designs, and paint colors like Sonic Silver and Urban Gray Pearl. The A-Spec Advance model boasted a sportier look with gloss black accents and a finned rear diffuser, complemented by full leather upholstery and a panoramic glass sunroof. Interior materials included premium leather, simulated suede, and brushed aluminum, though the red-marked gauges on a silver background were harder to read. The True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was less desirable, but the vehicle had plenty of intuitive buttons and switches.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available in the Rugged trim, Woodland, and three Sport grades, including the SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport, exclusive to the PHEV. The sixth-generation RAV4 maintained the same footprint but featured buffer bumpers for added length. The Woodland trim was an inch longer, while the GR Sport extended by 1.9 inches. The RAV4 adopted a boxy, truck-like presence with square wheel arches and bulges over the fenders. The Woodland trim emphasized boxiness with a wide front fascia and solid panels replacing fog lights. It featured all-terrain tires, a black roof rack, and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. Sport trims had gloss black accents, and the GR Sport showcased racier elements like red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. The charge port location varied by trim, and the interior featured red stitching on the GR Sport's black upholstery. All grades had a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch or 12.9-inch touchscreen, with a wide center console housing a mechanical gear shifter and drive mode knobs.

The 2025 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, capable of directing up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with adaptive-damping suspension on the Advance and A-Spec Advance trims. The RDX's performance was lively, but fuel consumption increased with turbocharged torque usage, averaging 19.3 mpg in mountainous driving. The RDX's driving dynamics improved over a week-long evaluation, with crisp steering, authoritative brakes, and an adaptive damping suspension. However, the A-Spec badge reflected sporty looks rather than performance, and the RDX lacked the thrill of a true performance model.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower, paired with a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. The PHEV's power increased to 324 hp, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. It had standard all-wheel drive, with a front motor rated at 203 hp and 201 lb-ft of torque, and a smaller rear motor. In EV mode, the RAV4 PHEV excelled at quiet cruising but plateaued at 30 mph. Auto mode delivered a 0-60 mph time in the low five seconds, with seamless power transitions. The RAV4 PHEV weighed around 4,500 pounds, affecting cornering but typical for the class. The GR Sport trim had enhanced handling with a lower ride height, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and summer performance tires. It handled desert terrain well, with less body roll due to suspension enhancements.

The 2025 Acura RDX's A-Spec Advance trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, along with a heated flat-bottom steering wheel and outboard rear seating positions. The front seats were comfortable, though drivers with longer legs might desire denser padding on the center console sides. Rear seat comfort was less satisfactory due to a flat bottom cushion and excessive backrest recline angle. Storage space was generous, with oversized cupholders and a wireless charging pad. The power liftgate revealed 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The RDX offered three underfloor storage compartments and a deep well for securing loose items. The interior layout, comfort, and cargo space made the RDX practical for daily use.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's base SE trim included 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 on the XSE grade. SofTex synthetic leather upholstery was standard on all but the base SE, with ventilated seats on the GR Sport and XSE trims. The RAV4's dimensions remained mostly unchanged, with clever storage features like a dashboard shelf for small devices and a center console storage that could be flipped up. The deep door pockets accommodated large water bottles, and the passenger space was sufficient for four passengers. The cargo area offered 33.6 cubic feet, expandable to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A temporary spare tire was included under the cargo floor.

The 2025 Acura RDX featured a 10.2-inch display atop the dashboard, controlled by the TTI touchpad on the center console. The touchpad transformed the fingertip into a computer mouse, allowing users to select functions and adjust settings. While the TTI required acclimation, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa Built-in reduced the need for touchpad interaction. The RDX also had a stereo volume knob, radio tuning buttons, and separate climate controls. The infotainment system included SiriusXM satellite radio, AcuraLink connected services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. All versions except the base model had a navigation system and an Acura/ELS Studio premium sound system with 16 speakers.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen on top trims. The digital displays were standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a quick menu for commonly used settings. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and loading times. The Voice Assistant responded to a range of prompts, and the system could locate chargers along routes. A built-in dash cam recorded clips from exterior cameras, with adjustable sensitivity settings.

The 2025 Acura RDX came with the AcuraWatch safety package, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered low-speed front and rear braking and a surround-view camera system. The RDX's lane-assist systems were irritating, but adaptive cruise control was more satisfactory. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with a wider camera view and broader radar detection range. The suite included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and a safe-exit alert. All but the base SE had a surround-view camera system. The RAV4's safety record was strong, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the 2025 model.