2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid vs 2025 Lexus GX

The 2025 Lexus GX underwent a significant redesign, presenting a striking new exterior that drew inspiration from classic Land Rover models. Its boxy shape, LED headlights, and a well-proportioned grille gave it a robust yet refined appearance. The Overtrail+ model, in particular, stood out with its 33-inch tires, matte grey wheels, and elevated ride height, all contributing to its adventurous aesthetic. Inside, the GX maintained a luxurious atmosphere with high-quality switchgear, chic design elements, and ample headroom. The seats, upholstered in NuLuxe faux leather, offered heating, ventilation, and massaging functions, ensuring comfort for all passengers. The elevated ride height and tall windows provided excellent visibility, making it a practical choice for both city and off-road driving.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered a distinct design with its Rugged and Sport trims, each adding unique elements to the vehicle's appearance. The Woodland trim emphasized off-road capabilities with its extended length, buffer bumpers, and all-terrain tires. The GR Sport trim, inspired by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, showcased a sportier look with red brake calipers, a wide mesh grille, and a rear wing. Inside, the RAV4 PHEV featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with the option for a larger 12.9-inch display on higher trims. The interior was optimized for storage, with clever features like a wireless charging deck and deep door pockets. Despite its compact footprint, the RAV4 PHEV provided comfortable seating for four passengers and a versatile cargo area, although it fell short of some rivals in terms of rear legroom and cargo space.

The 2025 Lexus GX was powered by a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, allowed the GX to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds. Despite its hefty 5,666-pound curb weight, the GX offered impressive performance both on and off the road. Its adaptive dampers and all-terrain tires contributed to a smooth ride, while its off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like a locking center differential and downhill assist control. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an EPA rating of 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 324 horsepower with the help of a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. This made it the most powerful RAV4 to date, with an estimated electric range of 52 miles. The RAV4 PHEV's all-wheel-drive system, with a front motor rated at 203 hp, provided quick acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in the low five seconds. The vehicle offered multiple driving modes, including EV, Hybrid, and Charge, allowing drivers to optimize performance and efficiency. Despite its 4,500-pound weight, the RAV4 PHEV maintained a spirited ride, with the GR Sport trim offering enhanced handling thanks to its lower ground clearance and performance tires.

The 2025 Lexus GX offered a spacious interior, accommodating tall passengers with headroom ranging from 39 to 41 inches in the front and 43 inches in the rear. Legroom was generous, with 41 inches in the front and nearly 37 inches in the second row. The GX excelled in cargo space, providing up to 90.5 cubic feet with the second row folded in the Overtrail trim. Its towing capacity of 9,063 pounds further highlighted its versatility. Despite its size, the GX was easy to maneuver and park, making it a practical choice for urban environments.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained similar dimensions to its predecessor, offering clever storage solutions and comfortable seating for four passengers. The interior featured a shelf over the dashboard, a wireless charging deck, and deep door pockets for added convenience. Rear legroom measured 37.8 inches, accommodating taller passengers, although it fell short compared to some competitors. The cargo area provided 33.6 cubic feet of space, expanding to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Despite the loss of cargo space due to the battery pack, the RAV4 PHEV remained a practical choice for everyday use.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, with a Mark Levinson Premium Audio system available as an option. The GX provided multiple USB-C ports for connectivity and charging, with ample storage space in the armrest.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10.5-inch touchscreen system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. The touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy navigation, while the Voice Assistant responded to a range of prompts. A built-in dash cam and enhanced safety features further added to the RAV4 PHEV's technological appeal.

The 2025 Lexus GX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, road sign assist, and more. The Overtrail+ trim included pedestrian detection and a 360-degree camera system. Although not yet rated by safety organizations, the GX featured 10 airbags for occupant protection.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with enhancements for improved detection and responsiveness. The suite offered automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. The RAV4 PHEV's safety features contributed to its strong safety record, with crash-testing results pending.