2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid vs 2026 INFINITI QX80

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 presented a bold and commanding presence typical of body-on-frame SUVs, with its tall, upright stance and high shoulder lines. Its design featured a simple two-box profile, large wheels, and a distinctive grille inspired by a bamboo forest, flanked by LED headlights and piano-key daytime running lights. The rear was marked by a taillight light bar and wide Infiniti lettering. The QX80 Sport trim added a frameless grille, dark matte chrome exterior trim, and gloss-black accents. Inside, the QX80 offered a luxurious and modern environment with high-quality materials like aluminum and open-pore wood trim, complemented by leather upholstery options and a Dusk Blue interior theme for Sport models.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, available in Rugged and Sport trims, maintained the same footprint as its predecessor but introduced buffer bumpers for added length. The RAV4 adopted a square, truck-like appearance with boxy wheel arches and bulges over the fenders. The Woodland trim emphasized its ruggedness with a wide front fascia, solid panels replacing fog lights, and chunky all-terrain tires. The Sport trims, including the GR Sport, featured gloss black accents, red brake calipers, and a wide mesh grille. Inside, the RAV4 offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen system, with customizable displays and improved graphics. The interior was optimized for storage, with clever features like a shelf over the dashboard and deep door pockets.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 transitioned from a 5.6-liter V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, boosting power to 450 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and full-time four-wheel drive optional on base trims. The QX80's body-on-frame platform offered increased torsional rigidity and lateral stiffness, maintaining a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. The air suspension provided adjustable ground clearance, enhancing off-road capability and handling. Despite its size and weight, the QX80 delivered a comfortable ride, though it exhibited body lean and was challenging to maneuver in tight spaces.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 186 hp, and a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. The PHEV's power increased to 324 hp, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. All-wheel drive was standard, with a large front motor and a smaller rear motor. The RAV4 PHEV offered an estimated range of 52 miles in EV mode, with seamless power transitions and paddle shifters for manual control. The GR Sport trim, with its lower ground clearance and performance tires, provided enhanced handling and reduced body roll. The RAV4 PHEV's weight was noticeable in corners, but it maintained a comfortable ride.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80, measuring 211.2 inches long on a 121-inch wheelbase, offered ample interior space for up to seven passengers. Standard features included synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and front-seat heating. Higher trims added leather upholstery, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs and third-row bench provided comfort and flexibility, with power-folding capabilities. Cargo space was generous, with 22 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 101 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid retained its dimensions from the previous generation, optimizing interior space with clever storage solutions. The base SE trim included a power driver's seat, heated front seats, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims featured synthetic leather upholstery, ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The RAV4 PHEV offered 37.8 inches of rear legroom and 33.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 63.5 cubic feet with rear seats folded. The interior was designed for practicality, with deep door pockets and versatile storage options.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 was equipped with advanced technology, including dual 14.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. The infotainment system featured Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. A 5G connection provided a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote services. The QX80's standout features included a 14-speaker Klipsch audio system, with a 24-speaker upgrade on higher trims, and a biometric cooling system for rear passengers. The surround-view camera system offered multiple views, enhancing safety and convenience.

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 option on top trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with customizable displays and improved graphics. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, enhanced responsiveness and voice command capabilities. The RAV4 PHEV featured a built-in dash cam, recording clips from exterior cameras, and a range of driver-assistance features.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, ProPilot Assist 1.1, and a surround-view camera system. The optional ProPilot Assist 2.1 allowed for hands-free driving on certain highways. The QX80 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, though NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of publication.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with enhanced camera and radar capabilities. The suite included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and a safe-exit alert. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, with a five-star NHTSA rating for the 2025 model. Crash-testing results for the 2026 model were pending.