2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid vs 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was offered in two trim levels, with the base model named the 1958, a nod to the year it first hit the U.S. market. This version had a retro aesthetic, featuring round headlights, cloth seats, and basic equipment, available in three paint colors. It was priced at $58,195, offering a nostalgic appeal but lacking some modern amenities. The more upscale Land Cruiser trim, priced at $62,965, boasted a modern look, a wider color palette, and a more refined interior with larger screens and advanced off-roading capabilities. The Premium Package added leather, more tech, and a few aesthetic upgrades, bringing the price to $71,004. Despite its utilitarian design, the Land Cruiser's interior was more sophisticated than the 1958 model, with dual 12.3-inch screens and intuitive steering-wheel controls, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of tradition and modernity.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available in the Rugged Woodland trim and three Sport grades, including the SE, XSE, and the exclusive GR Sport. The RAV4 maintained its footprint but featured buffer bumpers that extended its length slightly. Its design was boxy and truck-like, with distinctive wheel arches and bulging fenders. The Woodland trim emphasized off-road capability with all-terrain tires and a black roof rack, while the Sport trims showcased gloss black accents and racier elements, particularly the GR Sport with its red brake calipers and 20-inch black alloy wheels. The RAV4 PHEV's interior offered a mix of practicality and style, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen system that varied in size depending on the trim. The cabin was optimized for storage, and the seating was comfortable, though the panoramic sunroof reduced headroom slightly. The RAV4 PHEV's design and features made it a versatile choice for those seeking both performance and practicality.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivered 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, with a full-time 4WD system and electronic locking differentials, allowing for a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. Despite an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined, real-world testing showed a less impressive 15.7 mpg. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to features like Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and a front stabilizer bar disconnect. However, its handling on twisty roads was less than stellar due to its suspension tuning. The SUV offered a commanding view and was easy to maneuver, making it a solid choice for both urban driving and off-road adventures.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. It had a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack, providing an estimated 52-mile electric range. The RAV4 PHEV's all-wheel-drive system included a large front motor and a smaller rear motor, offering a 0-60 mph time in the low five seconds. The vehicle's power transition was seamless, with multiple driving modes, including EV, Hybrid, and Charge. The GR Sport trim, with its lower stance and performance tires, offered enhanced handling, particularly on rough terrain. Despite its 4,500-pound weight, the RAV4 PHEV maintained a spirited ride without sacrificing comfort, making it an appealing option for those seeking performance and efficiency.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a more refined interior in its higher trim, with SofTex artificial leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Premium Package added real leather and a power sunroof. While the front seats were comfortable, the second-row seats lacked support, and the running boards could be cumbersome for taller passengers. The rear window design was less than ideal, and the center console's cool box took up valuable storage space. The Land Cruiser provided 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 82.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though the high load floor could be challenging for loading heavy items.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's interior was well-equipped, with features like a power driver's seat, heated front seats, and multiple USB ports. The XSE and GR Sport trims offered ventilated seats and synthetic leather upholstery. The RAV4's interior was cleverly designed for storage, with multiple shelves and deep door pockets. It comfortably seated four passengers, though five was a tight fit, and the panoramic sunroof reduced headroom. The RAV4 PHEV's cargo space was slightly reduced compared to the standard model, offering 33.6 cubic feet, expanding to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The flat cargo floor and temporary spare tire added practicality to the vehicle's design.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured upgraded 12.3-inch digital displays and the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music. The Premium Package added a 14-speaker JBL sound system, a wireless smartphone charger, a head-up display, and digital key technology. The Drive Connect system provided cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant, enhancing the vehicle's technological appeal.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch screen on top trims. The system featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with customizable tiles and improved graphics. The Arene operating system enhanced responsiveness, and the Voice Assistant offered a wide range of commands. The RAV4 PHEV also included a built-in dash cam, recording clips from exterior cameras, adding a layer of security and convenience.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Premium Package added features like front cross-traffic alert and Traffic Jam Assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with mixed results in specific tests.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with enhanced camera and radar capabilities. The suite included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors. The RAV4's safety features were designed to improve responsiveness and detection, though crash-test ratings were pending at the time of review. The 2025 model had received a five-star rating from the NHTSA.