Toyota RAV4 vs. Highlander: Two Quality SUVs

How to Choose Between the Toyota RAV4 and the Highlander

It is no secret that Toyota makes some of the best sport utility vehicles on the market. The RAV4 and the Highlander are two cars from Toyota's incredible lineup. 

Many buyers wonder which SUV is the best option. Here is a breakdown of these two sport utility vehicles to help you decide which one fits your lifestyle.

Size

The first, and most obvious, difference between these two vehicles is the size. The RAV4 is technically classified as a crossover, while the Highlander is a midsize SUV. This distinction comes from the platform of each vehicle.

The RAV4 can fit five passengers, but not if they are too big. Four people can comfortably ride for longer trips. The Highlander is designed for larger groups and can easily carry seven or eight passengers, depending on the seat configuration.

When it comes to cargo capacity, the RAV4 has about 70 cubic feet, while the Highlander has around 85 cubic feet of space.

Performance

Sport utility vehicles are versatile and equipped to handle all of life’s adventures. Both of these vehicles can tow different loads. The Highlander has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

The RAV4, on the other hand, has a lower capacity of 1,500 pounds. This is understandable as the platform is smaller.

When it comes to engine performance, the two models have varying capabilities. The RAV4 generally sports a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower with 184 pound-feet of torque. The Highlander comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, you should be happy with the performance of either of these SUVs. With the rising cost of fuel, buyers are naturally concerned with how much it will cost to fill the tank. If you’re looking for a traditional engine and not a hybrid, both the Highlander and RAV4 are stellar contenders in their classes.

The RAV4 gets about 32 miles per gallon on the highway. This number varies slightly depending on trim level and all-wheel or front-wheel drive. The Highlander clocks in at around 28 miles per gallon, which is understandable with its larger size.

Hybrid Options

With the changing times, Toyota has hybrid options for both of these vehicles. The RAV4 hybrid utilizes a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with a 40-kW electric motor and a combined 219 horsepower. The Highlander, on the other hand, has a 2.5-liter engine and electric motor with about 243 horsepower.

Starting Price

Thankfully, both the Highlander and the RAV4 are affordable options. However, the price increases a bit depending on the trim, especially when you get to the premium levels. The starting MSRP of the RAV4 is right around $26,000 but increases to the mid $40,000s. The Highlander starts at just under $32,000 but can come in at $50,000 for the top trim.

How to Choose

You can’t go wrong with either of these SUVs. If you are looking for a smaller option with better gas mileage and a lower starting price point, then consider the RAV4. However, if you need to haul more people, or want to tow heavier items, then consider the Highlander.