2026 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2026 Hyundai Kona was offered in four distinct trim levels: SE, SEL Sport, SEL Premium, and Limited, with prices ranging from $27,100 to $34,135, including a $1,600 destination charge. Each trim was distinguishable by its wheel size and design, along with subtle styling modifications. The Kona's design was polarizing, with the Limited trim's Neoteric Yellow paint adding to its divisive appearance. Despite its bold looks, the Kona was praised for its quality and refinement, featuring H-Tex artificial leather and a spacious interior that comfortably accommodated four adults. The vehicle's technological sophistication was highlighted by its widescreen digital instrumentation and touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by traditional analog controls for ease of use. However, the use of white control labels on a metallic background posed readability issues during the day.

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 certain trims featuring buffer bumpers that extended its length. The design embraced a boxy, truck-like presence, with distinctive features such as daytime running lights, an integrated rear roof spoiler, and vertical taillights. The Woodland trim emphasized off-road capabilities with all-terrain tires and a black roof rack, while the Sport trims showcased gloss black accents and racier elements, particularly in the GR Sport. The charge port location varied by trim, and the interior offered mild differentiation with accents like red stitching on the GR Sport. All trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen system, with the GR Sport offering enhanced handling attributes.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona offered two engine options, with the SEL Premium and Limited trims featuring a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a more satisfying eight-speed automatic transmission, unlike the base engine's continuously variable transmission (CVT). The turbocharged engine provided better acceleration and ride quality, especially with the AWD upgrade, which included a multi-link rear suspension. Fuel economy for the turbo ranged from 26 to 28 mpg, with AWD producing the lower number. However, the Kona's ride and handling were criticized for lacking suspension isolation and exhibiting brittleness with the Limited trim's 19-inch wheels. The brakes also showed signs of overheating during testing, raising concerns about their robustness.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower, complemented by a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. The PHEV's power output increased to 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The vehicle offered a seamless transition of power with multiple driving modes, including EV, Auto, Hybrid, and Charge. The RAV4 PHEV's 0-60 mph time was estimated in the low five seconds, with the front motor supplementing the engine for quick acceleration. The GR Sport trim, with its lower ground clearance and performance tires, provided enhanced handling attributes. 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 2026 Hyundai Kona was a practical small SUV with generous interior room and cargo space. The Limited trim offered interior upgrades such as ambient lighting, H-Tex artificial leather, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Kona's front storage space was impressive, with a tray embedded into the dashboard and a roomy center console bin. The rear passengers benefited from additional storage options, and the "smart" hands-free power liftgate provided convenience, although it could open unintentionally. The Kona offered 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 63.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained similar dimensions to its predecessor, with optimized interior space and clever storage features. The base SE trim included conveniences like a power driver's seat and heated front seats, while higher trims offered synthetic leather upholstery and ventilated seats. The RAV4's interior featured multiple storage shelves and deep door pockets, accommodating four passengers comfortably. The cargo area offered 33.6 cubic feet of space, expandable to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The PHEV's cargo space was slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4 due to the battery pack.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona featured a widescreen digital display, with the Limited trim offering two 12.3-inch screens. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a lifetime complimentary subscription to Bluelink+ connected services. The Kona also offered digital key technology and Hyundai Pay for convenient transactions. The infotainment system was praised for its ease of use, with a responsive digital voice assistant. Additional tech features included a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system, a surround-view camera system, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen available on top trims. The infotainment system featured customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and voice assistant capabilities. The RAV4 PHEV also offered a built-in dash cam for recording and saving clips from exterior cameras, with adjustable sensitivity settings.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Kona also featured a rear occupant warning system, a safe exit warning system, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Bluelink+ connected services plan included emergency assistance and remote car finder functions. The Kona received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. The system included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and a safe-exit alert. The RAV4 PHEV also offered a surround-view camera system on higher trims. The enhancements aimed to improve the RAV4's safety record, with crash-testing results pending from the IIHS and NHTSA.