2025 Lincoln Navigator vs 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator presented a more refined aesthetic, moving away from its previous flashy design to embrace a subtler elegance. While it retained some sparkle, the Navigator's new look was simpler and more cohesive, with options like the Jet Appearance or Black Label Special Edition package adding blacked-out wheels and details. The SUV's exterior was further enhanced by new 24-inch wheel designs and the exclusive Sunrise Copper paint for Black Label models. Inside, the Navigator adopted a minimalist cabin design, trading shiny switchgear for a cleaner, more architectural look. The 48-inch panoramic display and Revel speaker grilles added a touch of sophistication, though some cheap-looking elements remained. The Black Label trim offered top-tier luxury, while the Navigator Reserve served as the base version. The longer Navigator L variant provided additional cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered a rugged and sporty design across its available trims, including the Woodland and three Sport grades: SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport. The RAV4 maintained its footprint from the previous generation but featured buffer bumpers that extended its length. The design was boxy and truck-like, with square wheel arches and bulging fenders. The Woodland trim emphasized off-road capability with features like all-terrain tires and a black roof rack, while the Sport trims showcased gloss black accents and racier elements, particularly in the GR Sport. Inside, the RAV4 PHEV provided a well-equipped cabin with a focus on storage and convenience. The interior dimensions remained similar to the standard RAV4, offering adequate passenger space and clever storage solutions, though cargo capacity was slightly reduced due to the PHEV's powertrain.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it offered a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. The Navigator's 4WD system and 8.9 inches of ground clearance made it capable on various terrains. Despite its three-ton weight, the Navigator accelerated swiftly, with the twin-turbo V6 providing a satisfying sound. Various driving modes allowed for adjustments in powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. However, the 24-inch wheels contributed to a rough ride, transmitting road shock into the cabin. The Navigator excelled on open roads, offering a quiet and composed ride, especially with the BlueCruise hands-free driving system.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower, complemented by a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. The PHEV's total power output increased to 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The all-wheel-drive system included a large front motor and a smaller rear motor, providing a seamless transition of power. The RAV4 PHEV offered an estimated electric range of 52 miles, with various driving modes to optimize performance and efficiency. The GR Sport trim, with its lower ride height and performance tires, enhanced handling and reduced body roll. Despite its 4,500-pound weight, the RAV4 PHEV maintained a spirited ride without sacrificing comfort, thanks to a strengthened chassis and improved suspension.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator excelled in interior space and luxury, offering standard Perfect Position seats with up to 24-way power adjustment, leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated features. The Black Label trim added 30-way adjustment and massage functionality. The Lincoln Rejuvenate system provided stress relief through scent, sound, imagery, and massage. However, the thick front seats limited knee room in the second row, and the third-row seat, while offering good leg support, also faced space constraints. The Navigator L variant provided ample cargo space, with a new Split Gate tailgate design for easier access. The standard-length Navigator offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 107 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained its interior dimensions from the previous generation, offering adequate passenger space and clever storage solutions. The base SE trim included a power driver's seat, heated front seats, and multiple USB ports. The XSE and GR Sport trims added ventilated seats and synthetic leather upholstery. The RAV4 PHEV's cargo capacity was slightly reduced compared to the standard model, with 33.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The interior featured multiple storage shelves and a versatile center console, enhancing practicality.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Lincoln Digital Experience infotainment system, featuring a 48-inch panoramic display and an 11.1-inch center touchscreen. The system integrated Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in, offering an intuitive interface. However, the reduction of physical controls made some adjustments cumbersome. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system provided an immersive listening experience. Additional tech included Phone As A Key, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and various trailering technologies. The Navigator lacked a head-up display and digital rearview mirror, which could have enhanced its tech offerings.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured a new 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 system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with customizable tiles and improved graphics. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, enhanced responsiveness and voice assistant capabilities. The RAV4 PHEV also included a built-in dash cam, recording clips from exterior cameras, and a range of plug-in hybrid system data accessible through the touchscreen.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator offered a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. BlueCruise provided hands-free driving on approved roads, with the latest version offering improved functionality. The Navigator's safety features aimed to enhance driver confidence and convenience, though crash test ratings were not available at the time of writing.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, featuring a wider view for cameras and a broader detection range for radar. The suite included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. The RAV4's safety enhancements aimed to improve responsiveness and detection, contributing to its strong safety record. Crash test ratings for the 2026 model were pending, but the 2025 RAV4 received a five-star rating from the NHTSA.