2026 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox was positioned as a larger and more expensive option compared to the Chevy Trax and Trailblazer, yet it remained below the Blazer and Traverse in Chevrolet's lineup. Its styling was consistent with other Chevrolet crossovers, making it difficult to distinguish without the model name on the doors. Despite this, the Equinox's design was well-received, featuring broad fenders, a squat roofline, and a tall grille with high-mounted daytime running lights, giving it a distinct SUV character. The Equinox was available in LT, Active, and RS trims, each offering unique styling elements such as chrome grille mesh, black trim, and varying wheel sizes. Inside, the Equinox's cabin was well-assembled with some neat details, although the plastic surfaces revealed its price point. The Activ model featured unique microfiber and Evotex seats, while the RS trim offered sportier touches like a flat-bottom steering wheel.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available in the Rugged Woodland trim and three Sport grades: SE, XSE, and 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 ruggedness with a wide front fascia, solid panels replacing fog lights, and chunky all-terrain tires. The Sport trims, including the GR Sport, showcased gloss black accents, red brake calipers, and a wide mesh grille. The RAV4 PHEV's interior offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen system, with customizable displays and improved graphics. The GR Sport trim featured sporty elements like red stitching and a wide center console with drive mode knobs. The RAV4 PHEV's design and features catered to both rugged adventurers and those seeking a sportier ride.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four engine producing 175 horsepower. It came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for front-wheel drive models, while all-wheel drive versions had an eight-speed automatic transmission. The AWD models offered 203 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate performance for highway driving, though overtaking required a heavy foot. The Equinox's suspension, featuring MacPherson struts in the front and a four-link rear setup, offered a comfortable ride but lacked sharp handling. The Equinox excelled as a highway cruiser, thanks to active noise cancellation, although the all-terrain tires on the Activ trim added some noise and reduced grip.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower, paired with a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. The PHEV's power output increased to 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. All-wheel drive was standard, with a front motor rated at 203 hp and a smaller rear motor for assistance. The RAV4 PHEV offered an estimated electric range of 52 miles. In EV mode, it provided quick acceleration but plateaued at 30 mph. The RAV4 PHEV's Auto mode delivered impressive acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in the low five seconds. The GR Sport trim featured enhanced handling with a lower ride height, 20-inch wheels, and summer performance tires. The RAV4 PHEV's ride was spirited yet comfortable, with improved structural rigidity and damping for a smoother experience.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offered competitive headroom and first-row legroom, though some rivals provided slightly more rear-seat legroom. The seats were supportive but under-cushioned. The Equinox Activ test car included a Convenience Package with features like a power-adjustable front passenger seat and heated rear seats. The driver enjoyed an elevated SUV-like perch, but forward visibility was somewhat limited. The Equinox provided ample storage space, including a wireless phone charger and a spacious center console. Cargo space measured 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, falling short of segment leaders. The Equinox's towing capacity was 1,500 pounds for AWD models.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's base SE trim came well-equipped with features like a power driver's seat and heated front seats. The interior offered clever storage solutions, including multiple shelves and a center console with a flip-up cover. The RAV4 PHEV accommodated four passengers comfortably, though five was a squeeze. Rear legroom measured 37.8 inches, providing ample space for taller passengers. The cargo area offered 33.6 cubic feet of space, with a total of 63.5 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded. The RAV4 PHEV's cargo area featured a flat floor and a temporary spare tire.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offered good value in terms of technology, featuring an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch touchscreen. The Android-based infotainment system included Google built-in apps, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with easy-to-identify icons and a shallow menu structure. The Equinox's touchscreen was larger than some competitors, providing clear icons and text. While it lacked options for a head-up display or an elaborate audio system, the Equinox covered the basics for the average user.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10.5-inch touchscreen system. The digital displays were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreen offered customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and loading times. The Voice Assistant responded to a wide range of prompts, and the system included features like a built-in dash cam and charging data for the plug-in hybrid system.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitors. GM-specific features included a vibrating driver's seat for warnings and the Teen Driver system. The Safety and Technology Package added a surround-view camera system and traffic-sign recognition. The Equinox received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with top ratings in some tests but lower ratings in others. The NHTSA had not released safety ratings for the 2026 model.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. The system included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors. The RAV4 PHEV's safety suite was enhanced with a wider view for cameras and a broader detection range for radar. The RAV4 had a strong safety record, with the 2025 model receiving a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The 2026 model's redesign aimed to address previous shortcomings.