Plug-in hybrid SUVs offer a nice middle ground between a conventional hybrid and an all-electric vehicle. They pack two fuel types into one car: electric propulsion for short distances and a gas engine that eliminates range anxiety. A couple of competitive options in this growing segment include the midsize Mazda CX-70 PHEV and the compact Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. Although they’re both plug-in hybrid 2-row SUVs, they have some meaningful differences that shoppers should know about.
2026 Mazda CX-70 PHEV
The CX-70 is an upscale midsize SUV that impresses with its interior quality and athletic driving dynamics. Naturally, the plug-in hybrid is the most efficient version of the CX-70.
Mazda CX-70 PHEV Highlights
Excellent safety scores: The Mazda CX-70 PHEV earns the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It earns this top honor because of a combination of favorable crash-test results and its proven ability to avoid or mitigate collisions through its automatic emergency braking system. The Mazda is a safe SUV that families can trust.
More space: Although these SUVs are pretty close in price, the Mazda CX-70 PHEV is quite a bit roomier than the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. Compared to the Toyota, the Mazda has 1.6 more inches of rear legroom and 18% more cargo room behind the back seats.
Premium cabin: Mazda has been impressing us for years with interior quality that punches above its weight class, and the CX-70 PHEV is no exception. Whenever we test one, family and friends compliment how nice the interior is, with its upscale design and premium materials. The Toyota’s interior is fine, but the Mazda’s is just nicer.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-70 PHEV models near you.
2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
The famous Toyota RAV4 is fully redesigned for the 2026 model year. Part of that redesign ushers in an updated plug-in hybrid variant with impressive efficiency, modern technology, and a variety of trims to choose from.
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid Highlights
Longer all-electric range: The Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid has an impressive all-electric range of up to 54 miles. That’s considerably more than the Mazda’s 32-mile all-electric range. In addition to a longer range, the Toyota runs on regular-grade fuel, while premium gas is recommended for the Mazda, resulting in significantly lower fuel costs for the Toyota.
Surprising performance: The Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid has one more horsepower than the Mazda CX-70 PHEV. One horsepower isn’t a lot, but the Toyota is about 500 pounds lighter than the Mazda, making the RAV4 quicker on its feet. We don’t get to say this often, but the Toyota is actually more fun to drive than the Mazda, and the athletic GR Sport trim looks the part.
More variety: The Mazda CX-70 PHEV has only two trims, while the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid has four. There’s the affordable SE, the rugged Woodland, the more refined XSE, and the sporty GR Sport. No matter your style, there’s something in the RAV4 lineup for almost anyone in the market for a two-row plug-in hybrid SUV.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid models near you.
Pricing
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 MAZDA CX-70 PHEV vehicles and New 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2026 MAZDA CX-70 PHEV | 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Drive Wheels | AWD | AWD |
| All-Electric Range | 32 miles | 42 miles |
| Total Range | N/A | N/A |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 pounds | 3,500 pounds |
| Payload Capacity | N/A | N/A |
| Ground Clearance | 8.1 inches | 8.1 inches |
| Horsepower | 323 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 324 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 172 lb-ft @ 4,300 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 8-speed e-skyactiv-drive w/manual mode | Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years/100,000 miles | 8 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 122.8 inches | 105.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 201.6 inches | 181.0 inches |
| Width With Mirrors | 84.9 inches | 73.0 inches |
| Width Without Mirrors | 78.5 inches | N/A |
| Height | 68.7 inches | 66.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.1 feet | 36.9 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.7 inches | 37.9 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.3 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 41.0 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.4 inches | 37.8 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.2 inches | 57.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 56.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 39.6 feet | 33.5 feet |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 75.3 feet | N/A |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
The right plug-in hybrid for you depends on your priorities. If you’re all about efficiency and keeping costs low, the Toyota has a lower starting price, a longer electric range, and it doesn’t need premium gas. As usual, the Toyota is the value play. However, the Mazda makes a strong case. For not much more money than the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, the CX-70 PHEV offers a roomier and fancier interior. The Mazda is easy to recommend if your budget allows it.
