2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade

$44,815 · Crossover

$39,435 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the nimble efficiency of the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid and the sheer size of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade can be tough, especially when they are both crossovers. The RAV4 PHEV commands a higher starting MSRP at $44,815, versus the Palisade's $39,435, a difference of $5,380. However, the RAV4's advanced powertrain delivers substantial savings, boasting a 42-mile all-electric range and a combined MPG of 38, utterly dwarfing the Palisade's 21 combined MPG—a difference of 17 MPG. While the RAV4 offers 302 hp, its smaller footprint (180.9 inches long) prioritizes daily driving over maximum hauling. The Palisade counters with superior space, measuring 199.2 inches long and offering a taller 69.5-inch stance, making it the more physically imposing choice for larger hauls.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

The RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid offers an impressive 42 miles of electric range, drastically cutting daily fuel costs for commuters.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is significantly larger, offering greater interior volume and a longer 199.2-inch body length, which generally translates to better passenger comfort.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

The RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid produces more power with 302 hp compared to the Palisade's 287 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

Despite a higher initial cost, the RAV4's 17 MPG advantage in combined efficiency offers superior long-term operational value.

Choose the Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid if...

You want the lowest possible running costs, leveraging the 42-mile EV range for most daily trips.
You value performance, as the RAV4 boasts 302 hp from its hybrid system.
You prefer a more compact, manageable size with a length of 180.9 inches for easier city parking.

Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...

You frequently need maximum cargo hauling, as the Palisade is substantially longer (199.2 inches).
You prioritize a lower upfront purchase price, saving $5,380 compared to the RAV4 PHEV's MSRP.
You prefer a traditional automatic transmission setup over the RAV4's continuously variable automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid	Hyundai Palisade
Length	180.9"	199.2"
Width	73.0"	78.0"
Height	67.0"	69.5"
Wheelbase	105.9"	116.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	gas
Horsepower	302 hp @ 6000 rpm	287 hp @ 6400 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Torque	—	260 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

Drive Train

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	40/36 MPG	19/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	38 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	580.0/522.0 mi.	361.0/475.0 mi.
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	94 MPGe	—
EPA Electric Driving Range	42 mi.	—
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	36	—
Charging Time (240V)	4.5 hr.	—
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	19.0 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Front Head Room	39.5 in.	41.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	44.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.8 in.	61.4 in.
Front Hip Room	54.3 in.	58.8 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	40.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.8 in.	43.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.4 in.	61.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	47.7 in.	56.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.0 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/60R18	235/65R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	10 yr./ 150000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	2 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 25000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Hyundai Palisade.

How much more fuel-efficient is the 2025 RAV4 PHEV compared to the 2026 Palisade?

The difference is significant; the RAV4 PHEV achieves 38 combined MPG, while the Palisade is rated at 21 combined MPG. This results in a 17 MPG advantage for the Toyota, which saves substantial money over time.

Does the Hyundai Palisade offer better space for people and cargo?

Yes, the Palisade is designed for space; it is nearly 19 inches longer than the RAV4 and is over 5 inches wider. Although the RAV4 has 33.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, the Palisade is built on a larger platform overall.

Which vehicle is cheaper to purchase outright?

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is significantly cheaper with an MSRP of $39,435. The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid starts at $44,815, creating a $5,380 difference at the showroom floor.

How does the power output compare between the two crossovers?

The 2025 RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid holds a slight edge in pure horsepower, producing 302 hp, while the 2026 Palisade offers 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.

Are there significant differences in driving hardware, like AWD versus FWD?

Yes, the RAV4 PHEV comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and a CVT, making it better suited for varied conditions. Conversely, the Palisade lists front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard and uses a more conventional 8-speed automatic transmission.