Toyota RAV4 vs. Hyundai Tucson, an Edmunds plug-in hybrid SUV comparison

If you’re looking to reduce your gas bills but buying an electric vehicle just isn’t for you, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid or 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid might be a smart solution. These are hybrid SUVs that drive like a regular gas-powered hybrid but have a rechargeable battery that lets you drive a short distance on all-electric power first. Frequently charging the battery at home for routine driving can significantly reduce your gasoline use.

But which plug-in hybrid version of these popular small SUVs is the better choice? Edmunds’ auto experts tested them both to find out. Range and Fuel Economy Toyota estimates that the main RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid trim levels will go up to 54 miles on all-electric power, while the sporty GR Sport trim will go 48 miles.

In Edmunds’ testing, a GR Sport went an impressive 58 miles before the battery ran out. After that, the EPA estimates that the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid will get up to 40 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Edmunds also found this mpg estimate to be accurate in its real-world testing.

Head-to-head, the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid comes up short on both metrics. The EPA says the vehicle can go 32 miles using all-electric power and then 35 mpg combined afterward. The Tucson Plug-in Hybrid slightly exceeded those estimates in Edmunds’ testing, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the RAV4’s big range and mpg advantage.

Winner: RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid Passenger comfort and cargo space While the regular hybrid Tucson has more cargo space than the RAV4, that advantage disappears with the plug-in hybrid. In fact, Toyota offers just a little more: 33.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats versus 31.9 cubic feet. In real-world testing, however, Edmunds found that both SUVs provide large, relatively boxy spaces that make loading luggage and gear easy.

The Tucson’s passenger space advantage is more apparent. The specs show that it has 41.3 inches of rear legroom versus the RAV4’s 37.8 inches. That’s a pretty big gap, and it’s one you’re bound to notice — both for adults and teenagers, as well as kids in child seats.