2026 Buick Envista vs 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2026 Buick Envista was offered in three trim levels: Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir, with prices ranging from $26,495 to $31,295, including a $1,795 destination charge. The Sport Touring Studio Series test vehicle had no additional options and was priced at $31,855, including destination. Configured today, the same vehicle would have cost $32,355. The Envista's design was striking, with a trendy Ceramic paint option that aligned with fast-fashion trends. However, the interior revealed its affordability, with plastic materials, fake leather, and hard seats. The car's cheapness was evident in the noises from the center armrest, turn signal stalk, and transmission shifter, reminding drivers of its budget-friendly nature.

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, exclusive to the PHEV. The RAV4 maintained the same footprint as its predecessor, with some trims featuring buffer bumpers for added length. The design was boxy, with a truck-like presence, consistent with Toyota's SUV lineup. The Woodland trim emphasized off-road capabilities with features like all-terrain tires and a black roof rack, while the Sport trims showcased gloss black accents and racier elements, especially in the GR Sport. The interior offered mild differentiation, with standard features like a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen system, providing a streamlined design.

The 2026 Buick Envista was powered by a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 162 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm. It was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered only front-wheel drive. The Envista's base curb weight was 3,137 pounds, resulting in a slow and not very fuel-efficient performance. Turbo lag was noticeable, making it challenging to maneuver in traffic. Over 300 miles of travel, the Envista averaged 28.1 mpg, falling short of the EPA rating of 30 mpg combined. The six-speed automatic transmission was a positive aspect, preventing steady-state droning. However, the steering lacked precision, and the brakes were rudimentary. The ride quality remained unsettled, and the cabin was not as quiet as expected.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 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 large front motor rated at 203 hp and 201 lb-ft of torque. The RAV4 PHEV offered a seamless transition of power, with an unofficial 0-60 mph time in the low five seconds. The GR Sport trim had enhanced handling attributes, sitting 0.6 inches lower than other grades and equipped with 20-inch black alloy wheels. The RAV4 PHEV's ride was spirited without sacrificing comfort, and the chassis was strengthened for a quieter ride.

The 2026 Buick Envista offered easy entry and exit due to its higher seating position, though rear-seat passengers needed to be cautious of the sloping roofline. The single-zone automatic climate control was basic but effective, and heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were available on higher trims. The front seats were hard but supportive, with power adjustment for the driver. Storage space was decent, though unlined surfaces caused items to rattle. Rear-seat passengers found the Envista accommodating, with generous legroom and a comfortable backrest angle. The cargo space was 20.7 cubic feet, expanding to 42 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's base SE trim was well-equipped with features like a power driver's seat, heated front seats, and five USB ports. The interior dimensions remained similar to the previous generation, with clever storage features like a dashboard shelf and a wireless device charger. The RAV4 PHEV offered 37.8 inches of rear legroom, accommodating four passengers comfortably. The cargo area was slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4, with 33.6 cubic feet of space, expanding to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The cargo floor was flat, and a temporary spare tire was included.

The 2026 Buick Envista featured an 8-inch digital driver display and an 11-inch touchscreen housed within a single trapezoidal glass surface. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Studio Series upgrade added wireless smartphone charging, though it operated slowly. OnStar Basics connected services were free for eight years, providing valuable features like automatic crash response. The six-speaker audio system was adequate, with convenient stereo volume and radio/track tuning buttons on the steering wheel.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10.5-inch touchscreen system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen available on top trims. The touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy navigation. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and loading times. The Voice Assistant responded to a wide 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 Buick Envista offered basic driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear parking sensors. The Studio Series Package added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the Envista received poor safety ratings from the IIHS, with a Poor rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention and a Marginal headlight rating. The NHTSA had not released safety ratings for the Envista at the time of writing.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came with 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, blind-spot monitors, and a safe-exit alert. The RAV4 PHEV's safety features were enhanced with a wider view for cameras and a broader detection range for radar. The IIHS and NHTSA had not yet completed crash-testing for the 2026 RAV4 PHEV, but the 2025 model received a five-star rating from the NHTSA.