2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid vs 2025 Toyota Sienna

The 2025 Toyota Sienna, despite Toyota's efforts to add style, still retained the quintessential minivan look. Its trapezoidal grille and upswept body lines gave it a distinctive appearance, but the overall design remained boxy to maximize interior space. The Platinum trim introduced new flower-petal wheel designs and a Magnetic Gray paint color, adding a touch of elegance. Inside, the Sienna's updated interior featured a new woodgrain finish, though opinions on its aesthetics varied. The Sienna's practicality was undeniable, offering seating for up to eight and a range of trims from LE to Platinum, with prices starting at $40,980.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered a more rugged and sporty design. Available in Rugged and Sport trims, it featured a boxy, truck-like presence with assertive grilles and rear diffusers. The GR Sport trim, inspired by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, showcased racier elements like red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. The RAV4 PHEV's interior was optimized for storage, with clever features like a shelf over the dashboard and deep door pockets. Despite its compact footprint, it provided ample passenger space and a versatile cargo area, making it a practical choice for those seeking a sportier SUV.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It delivered a net horsepower of 245, which, while not particularly high, was sufficient for city driving and highway cruising. The Sienna's hybrid system prioritized fuel economy, achieving an EPA rating of 36 mpg in combined driving. However, during testing, it averaged 26.3 mpg. The Sienna's handling was predictable but not particularly engaging, with a smooth and absorbent ride. The CVT's droning noise was noticeable during hard acceleration, but the overall highway experience was quiet.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a more powerful 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 324 horsepower. It featured a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack, providing an estimated electric range of 52 miles. The RAV4 PHEV's all-wheel-drive system included a large front motor and a smaller rear motor, delivering impressive acceleration with an unofficial 0-60 mph time in the low five seconds. The transition between power sources was seamless, and the vehicle offered multiple driving modes, including EV, Hybrid, and Charge. The GR Sport trim, with its sportier suspension and performance tires, provided enhanced handling and reduced body roll, making it a more spirited ride.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna excelled in form and function, offering power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. However, the cushions felt hard during long drives. The Platinum trim's second-row captain's chairs with ottoman-style leg rests were popular with passengers, and the third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably. The Sienna's cargo space was generous, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum capacity of 101 cubic feet. However, it fell short of rivals due to its non-removable second-row seats, limiting its versatility for maximum load space.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained its compact dimensions while optimizing interior space. The base SE trim offered a power driver's seat, heated front seats, and ample storage options. The interior featured clever storage solutions, including a shelf over the dashboard and deep door pockets. The RAV4 PHEV provided 37.8 inches of rear legroom, accommodating passengers comfortably. Its cargo area offered 33.6 cubic feet of space, expandable to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The flat cargo floor and temporary spare tire added practicality to the design.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAM) infotainment system. The Platinum trim featured a four-zone automatic climate control system, a 10-inch head-up display, and a camera-based digital rearview mirror. The TAM system offered various connected services plans, with a digital assistant that responded to voice commands. The JBL premium audio system, while powerful, produced excessive bass. The Sienna's climate control system and digital rearview camera were appreciated for their functionality.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10.5-inch touchscreen system. The touchscreen offered customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings. The Arene operating system improved responsiveness, and the Voice Assistant responded to a wide range of prompts. The RAV4 PHEV also included a built-in dash cam that recorded and saved clips from exterior cameras. The system's sensitivity could be adjusted to avoid unnecessary recordings, adding a layer of convenience and safety.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. While the Sienna's safety systems generally performed well, the adaptive cruise control required human intervention during sudden traffic braking events. The Sienna received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but scored lower in frontal crash protection. The new rear-seat reminder technology was a thoughtful addition for families.

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, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and a safe-exit alert. The RAV4 PHEV's enhanced rearview camera and surround-view camera system added convenience and safety. While crash-testing results were pending, the RAV4's safety enhancements were expected to address previous shortcomings.