2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe was available in several trims, including SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy, with prices ranging from $36,650 to $49,400, factoring in the $1,600 destination charge. The XRT trim, which we tested, came with optional carpeted floor mats, bringing the MSRP to $44,380. Redesigned in 2024, the Santa Fe aimed to enhance practicality with a third-row seat, resulting in a boxy rear design that polarized opinions. The XRT trim featured a rugged, blacked-out look that was striking in white but less so in darker colors due to the lack of contrast. Its taller stance gave it a larger appearance, and the interior boasted a high-tech display, quality materials, and ample storage space. The controls were user-friendly, though the gloss-black panel attracted dust.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was offered in the Rugged Woodland trim and three Sport grades: SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport, exclusive to the PHEV. The sixth-generation RAV4 maintained the same footprint as its predecessor, with some trims featuring buffer bumpers for added length. The RAV4 adopted a boxy, truck-like design with square elements and bulging fenders. The Woodland trim emphasized its ruggedness with a wide front fascia, solid panels replacing fog lights, and chunky all-terrain tires. Sport trims added gloss black accents and racier elements, particularly in the GR Sport, which featured red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. The charge port location varied by trim, and the interior offered mild differentiation with accents like red stitching on the GR Sport. All trims included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen, with the GR Sport and XSE offering ventilated seats for added comfort.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 277 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Hyundai replaced the previous eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with a traditional eight-speed automatic, resulting in a smoother driving experience. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive optional on most trims and standard on the XRT. The XRT trim included all-terrain tires, a raised suspension with 1.3 inches of extra ground clearance, and additional driving modes for off-road conditions. However, its aerodynamics were less efficient, leading to a lower EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg combined for the XRT. The Santa Fe Hybrid offered better fuel efficiency at 34 mpg combined with AWD but was not available in XRT trim. The XRT excelled in off-road conditions but lacked a front-view and surround-view camera system for tighter trails. On-road, the engine provided effortless acceleration, and the new automatic transmission was smooth and unobtrusive. The XRT's towing capacity increased to 4,500 pounds with trailer brakes.

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. This combination delivered a total power output of 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. All-wheel drive was standard, with a large front motor rated at 203 hp and 201 lb-ft of torque. The PHEV offered an estimated electric range of 52 miles in the SE and XSE models. In EV mode, the RAV4 PHEV provided quick acceleration off the line but plateaued at 30 mph. Auto mode allowed for a seamless power transition, achieving a 0-60 mph time in the low five seconds. The GR Sport trim featured enhanced handling with a lower stance, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and summer performance tires. The RAV4 PHEV's handling was more pronounced in the GR Sport trim, with improved damping and reduced body roll. Despite its 4,500-pound weight, the RAV4 PHEV maintained a spirited ride without sacrificing comfort.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe prioritized practicality and utility, offering easy entry and exit for front and second-row seats. The XRT trim lacked features like a panoramic sunroof and ventilated front seats, which would have enhanced comfort. The interior was spacious, with thoughtful touches like dual wireless charging pads and bi-directional access to storage areas. The Santa Fe's cargo space was limited to 14.6 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, expanding to 40.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 79.6 cubic feet with the second row down. A power hands-free liftgate added convenience.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's interior was optimized for storage, with clever features like a dashboard shelf and multiple storage compartments. The base SE trim included a power driver's seat and heated front seats, while higher trims offered ventilated seats and synthetic leather upholstery. The RAV4 PHEV's passenger space was similar to the standard RAV4, with 37.8 inches of rear legroom. The cargo area was slightly reduced to 33.6 cubic feet due to the PHEV's powertrain, expanding to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A temporary spare tire was included under the cargo floor.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a dual-screen panel with digital gauges and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluelink+ connected services. Optional features included a native navigation system and dynamic voice recognition. Bluelink+ offered safety-related features and conveniences like remote engine starting and door lock/unlock.

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 touchscreen featured 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 range of prompts, and a built-in dash cam recorded clips from exterior cameras. The system also provided data for the plug-in hybrid system, including charging schedules and a range map.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a junction turning detection system and front and rear parking sensors. Higher trims offered Highway Driving Assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a 2026 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The suite also offered blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alerts, and a safe-exit alert. All but the base SE trim included a surround-view camera system. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, with the 2025 model receiving a five-star rating from the NHTSA.