2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid vs 2025 Nissan Murano

The 2025 Nissan Murano showcased a bold redesign, particularly at the front, with a new lighting signature featuring a wing motif of horizontal lines that seamlessly integrated into the grille. This iteration was nearly three inches wider and had an additional 1.4 inches of ground clearance compared to its predecessor, offering a total of 8.3 inches. The side profile was accentuated by a chrome arch lining the windows, intersecting with black trim at the rear. While some styling elements were reminiscent of the Hyundai Tucson, the Murano's design was more cohesive and sophisticated. The interior saw a modern update with a sleeker dash layout, fewer buttons, and a push-button gear selector, complemented by a "Murano glass-inspired" treatment on the dash and door cards, adding a unique aesthetic touch.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered three distinct designs across seven trim levels, with the PHEV available in the Rugged Woodland and three Sport grades, including the new GR Sport. The RAV4 maintained the same footprint as its predecessor but featured buffer bumpers that extended its length. The design embraced a boxy, truck-like presence with square wheel arches and bulging fenders. The Woodland trim emphasized 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, highlighted racier elements like red brake calipers, a big rear wing, and a wide mesh grille. The interior offered mild differentiation with accents like red stitching on the GR Sport, and all trims featured a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen system.

The 2025 Nissan Murano introduced a new powertrain with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided a torquier and more responsive drive compared to the previous V6 and CVT combination. The Murano offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with higher trims defaulting to AWD. Visibility was generally good, although the narrow rear windshield posed some challenges. Noise cancellation was effective, particularly in the Platinum AWD trim, which featured an enhanced Bose audio system.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted 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 estimated electric range to 52 miles for the SE and XSE models. The RAV4 PHEV's total power output reached 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The vehicle offered seamless power transitions and multiple driving modes, including EV, Hybrid, and Charge. The GR Sport trim, with its lower ground clearance and performance tires, provided enhanced handling and reduced body roll. Despite its 4,500-pound weight, the RAV4 PHEV maintained a spirited ride without sacrificing comfort.

The 2025 Nissan Murano continued to offer impressive comfort features, including standard heated and power-adjustable front seats, with the Platinum trim adding massage functionality. The interior dimensions improved in the front, with increased leg and headroom, but the second row lost 2.4 inches of legroom. Cargo volume was competitive, with 32.9 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. A power liftgate was standard, with foot activation available on the Platinum trim.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained similar dimensions to its predecessor, optimizing interior space with clever storage solutions. The base SE trim offered a power driver's seat and heated front seats, while higher trims featured ventilated seats and synthetic leather upholstery. The interior accommodated four passengers comfortably, with 37.8 inches of rear legroom. Cargo space was slightly reduced due to the PHEV setup, offering 33.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The RAV4 PHEV included practical storage features like deep door pockets and multiple shelves for small items.

The 2025 Nissan Murano was well-equipped with tech features, including wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The vehicle featured a dual 12.3-inch screen setup for infotainment and driver information. Higher trims added Google Built-In, a Bose Premium audio system, and customizable ambient lighting. The Platinum trim offered a head-up display, a feature not commonly found in its class.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came with a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch screen available on top trims. The touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and voice assistant capabilities. The RAV4 PHEV also included a built-in dash cam and a feature to locate chargers along the route.

The 2025 Nissan Murano came standard with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and automatic emergency braking. The new Murano added ProPILOT Assist, offering adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, with higher trims featuring a more advanced version. The Murano also included a passenger's side airbag and reinforced seating, with SL and Platinum trims offering a 3D Intelligent Around View Monitor and Invisible Hood View.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with 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 an enhanced rearview camera were also standard. Higher trims offered a surround-view camera system. The RAV4 PHEV's safety record was expected to remain strong, with improvements addressing previous shortcomings.