2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

$44,815 · Crossover

$40,075 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The big question when cross-shopping plug-in hybrids is balancing upfront cost against long-term electric utility. The 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid undercuts the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid by a significant $4,740, starting at $40,075 versus Toyota's $44,815. However, the RAV4 PHEV delivers a more robust performance, boasting 302 hp compared to the Tucson's 268 hp, making it noticeably quicker. Furthermore, Toyota's efficiency advantage shines through in electric-only driving, offering an impressive 42 miles of range, which is 10 miles more than the Tucson's 32-mile capacity. While both offer AWD and use regular unleaded, the RAV4 sacrifices a bit of cargo space (33.5 cu ft vs 31.9 cu ft) to achieve its superior electric range and power output, creating a clear trade-off between budget savings and premium electric driving.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

The RAV4 PHEV offers a superior 42 miles of electric range, meaning fewer trips to the gas pump for typical daily commutes.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson PHEV offers a slightly lower entry price point at $40,075, making it a more accessible option for budget-conscious families.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

With 302 hp, the RAV4 PHEV clearly outperforms the Tucson's 268 hp rating, promising a more engaging driving experience.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson provides compelling PHEV technology for nearly $5,000 less, offering better immediate monetary value.

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

You prioritize maximum efficiency, as the RAV4 achieves a higher 38 combined MPG.
You need the segment-leading 42 miles of all-electric driving range.
You want quicker acceleration thanks to its superior 302 horsepower output.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...

Sticking to a strict budget is key, given the RAV4 costs $4,740 more.
You prefer a traditional geared transmission, as the Tucson uses a 6-speed shiftable automatic over the RAV4's CVT.
You value slightly more external dimensions, as the Tucson is marginally longer at 182.7 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Length	180.9"	182.7"
Width	73.0"	73.4"
Height	67.0"	66.3"
Wheelbase	105.9"	108.5"

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	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	302 hp @ 6000 rpm	268 hp
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Torque	—	271 lb-ft

Drive Train

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	40/36 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	38 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	580.0/522.0 mi.	388.5/388.5 mi.
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	94 MPGe	77 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	42 mi.	32 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	36	44
Charging Time (240V)	4.5 hr.	2.0 hr.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	11.1 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	SAE J1772
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	80/73 MPGe

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	—	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	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.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.8 in.	57.6 in.
Front Hip Room	54.3 in.	54.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.8 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.4 in.	56.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	47.7 in.	53.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/60R18	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside 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.	10 yr./ 100000 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 Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.

How much further can I drive purely on electricity with the RAV4 versus the Tucson?

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 PHEV is the clear winner for electric-only driving, offering 42 miles of range. This provides a 10-mile advantage over the 2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV, which is rated for 32 miles.

Is the extra cost of the RAV4 PHEV worth the extra horsepower?

The 2025 RAV4 commands a $4,740 premium to deliver 302 hp, whereas the Tucson offers 268 hp for less money. If spirited driving is important, the RAV4’s power justifies the extra outlay for many enthusiasts.

Which vehicle offers better fuel economy once the battery is depleted?

Even relying solely on gasoline, the RAV4 PHEV maintains a slight edge with a 38 combined MPG rating. The Tucson PHEV settles for 35 combined MPG.

Do both all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrids use the same fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 RAV4 PHEV and the 2026 Tucson PHEV are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, avoiding premium fuel requirements.

Which crossover provides more room for luggage behind the rear seats?

The Toyota RAV4 PHEV offers slightly more utility in the back, providing 33.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Tucson's 31.9 cubic feet.

Are there significant differences in the transmissions used between these two models?

The RAV4 uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), while the Tucson opts for a more conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which some drivers prefer for a more traditional feel.