10 Reasons Why the Highlander vs RAV4 Battle Heats Up in 2024
When you think about reliability and family-friendly rides, Toyota is one of the first names that comes to mind. If you’re stuck in the battle of Highlander vs RAV4, you’re not alone. Both SUVs offer their own perks, and it's a bit of a challenge to decide which one is the better fit for your needs. Each vehicle has its own appeal and audience, but how do they stack up against each other?
Let’s break down everything you need to know when comparing these popular Toyota SUVs—from space to performance, fuel efficiency to style—and help you figure out which one should be your next ride.
Toyota Highlander Overview
The Toyota Highlander is a mid-size SUV designed for families and drivers who need more space, comfort, and tech. It’s been around since 2001 and has proven to be a highly dependable SUV. The Highlander comes in various trims, with gasoline and hybrid versions available.
Pros
- Spacious seating for up to 8 passengers
- Strong V6 engine for those who need power
- A wide range of advanced safety features
- Great for long road trips with ample cargo space
Cons
- Can be a little bulky in tight city driving
- Higher price point compared to RAV4
Toyota RAV4 Overview
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV, smaller than the Highlander, yet still big on reliability and practicality. Introduced in 1994, the RAV4 is perfect for people who want an SUV but don’t necessarily need the extra bulk of a mid-size vehicle. It also comes in a hybrid version, and the Prime (plug-in hybrid) option for those who want to go green.
Pros
- Affordable price point and great value
- Better fuel economy than Highlander
- Perfect size for urban driving and parking
- Great resale value
Cons
- Smaller cargo space and seating capacity
- Less engine power compared to Highlander
Space and Comfort: Which Toyota Wins?
Cabin Space & Seating
Highlander
One of the Highlander’s biggest selling points is its ability to seat up to 8 passengers (7 with captain’s chairs in the second row). This makes it a great option for large families or those who often carpool. The third row is suitable for adults but best for kids over longer journeys.
RAV4
The RAV4, on the other hand, comfortably seats 5 passengers. While you won't have the third row like in the Highlander, the RAV4 provides a decent amount of legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats recline, which adds comfort, and the seats are positioned higher for a better view.
Comfort Levels
The Highlander shines in terms of luxury and comfort with more upscale materials and features like tri-zone climate control available in higher trims. The RAV4, while more compact, still provides a comfortable ride, with a sportier driving feel.
Winner: If you have a large family or need more seats, the Highlander is your best bet. If you value a sportier ride and don’t need that third row, the RAV4 might be a more comfortable choice for you.
Performance and Power: Engine Showdown
Engines
Highlander
The Highlander offers a 3.5L V6 engine delivering around 295 horsepower, which provides strong acceleration and decent towing capacity (up to 5,000 pounds). For a more eco-friendly option, there's also a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with electric motors.
RAV4
The RAV4 comes standard with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower. It's not quite as powerful as the Highlander’s V6, but it’s zippy enough for city driving and quick highway merges. For green enthusiasts, the RAV4 Hybrid and the plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime deliver not only excellent fuel economy but also 302 combined horsepower in the Prime, making it one of the fastest RAV4s ever built.
Fuel Efficiency
The Highlander V6 is decent on fuel with an estimated 24 mpg combined (21 city / 29 highway). However, the Highlander Hybrid raises the bar with around 36 mpg combined.
The RAV4’s smaller engine means better fuel economy: 30 mpg combined (27 city / 35 highway). The RAV4 Hybrid boasts a combined 40 mpg, and the plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime delivers up to 94 MPGe on electric power.
Winner: If you’re after raw power and towing capability, the Highlander’s V6 is your friend. But if fuel efficiency is your main concern, you can't go wrong with the RAV4 Hybrid or Prime.
Cargo Capacity: Who Holds More Stuff?
Highlander
Behind the third row, the Highlander offers 16 cubic feet of space, but folding down both the third and second rows opens up a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet.
RAV4
The RAV4 has 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and expands to 69.8 cubic feet when the back seats are folded down. While the numbers are lower than the Highlander, for a compact SUV, the RAV4 does an excellent job of offering space.
Winner: The Highlander is your choice if you need tons of space for gear or luggage. But the RAV4’s cargo area is versatile and better than most vehicles in its class.
Safety Features: Toyota Takes Safety Seriously
Both the Highlander and RAV4 come equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes pre-collision systems, lane departure alerts, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control. The Highlander, however, may offer more safety tech options on its higher trims, like rear cross-traffic braking.
Winner: It's a tie. Both vehicles offer exceptional safety features, making them top choices for safety-conscious buyers.
Driving Dynamics: How They Feel on the Road
Highlander
With its V6 engine and smooth suspension, the Highlander feels like a comfortable cruiser on the highway. However, it can be a bit heavy and cumbersome in tight city streets or when trying to find parking in crowded lots.
RAV4
The RAV4’s compact size and sporty design make it easier to maneuver through city traffic and tight parking spots. It has a firm suspension, which is great for more engaged driving but might be a tad less cushioned compared to the Highlander’s ride.
Winner: If you're a city dweller, the RAV4 will make your life easier. If you enjoy long road trips or spend most of your time on the highway, the Highlander will make your drive more comfortable.
Price & Value: What’s the Budget?
Highlander
The starting MSRP of the Toyota Highlander is around $36,000, but that price can climb significantly when you opt for higher trims or the hybrid version.
RAV4
The RAV4 starts at a more budget-friendly $28,000, with hybrids starting around $31,000 and the RAV4 Prime closer to $40,000.
Winner: If you're looking for a more affordable option without compromising too much on features, the RAV4 is a clear choice.
Reliability: Which SUV Will Last Longer?
Toyota has a reputation for building reliable vehicles, and both the Highlander and RAV4 have proven track records of durability and longevity.
"Between the Highlander vs RAV4, both have a great reliability rating. You can't go wrong with either, but the RAV4 Hybrid has been a popular choice lately among our customers due to its efficiency and practicality," says Alex Collantes, owner of Avenue Motors car dealership.
To learn more about reliable Toyota models, check out this detailed guide on Avenue Motors.
Potential Drawbacks: Keeping It Real
While both SUVs are fantastic options, they aren’t without their quirks. Here’s a humorous look at what you might find bothersome:
Highlander: “The Yacht of SUVs”
While the Highlander is roomy, it can feel like you’re driving a yacht. Tight parking? Better start practicing your 17-point turn. Also, if you're looking for agility or that feeling of whipping around corners, the Highlander may feel more like a marshmallow on wheels.
RAV4: “The Pocket Rocket”
The RAV4 is more nimble, but if you pack it with camping gear and five friends, you might start to wish you had a bit more giddy-up. Its compact size is a blessing and a curse—while parking is a breeze, your kids may start feeling like sardines on those long family road trips.
Trims and Customization: Which One’s Got More Flair?
Highlander Trims
- L - Basic but still well-equipped
- LE - Adds power liftgate and leather touches
- XLE - Sunroof, wireless charging
- XSE - Sporty touches and tuned suspension
- Limited - Heated leather seats, upgraded sound
- Platinum - Panoramic sunroof, premium features
RAV4 Trims
- LE - The affordable entry model
- XLE - Adds keyless entry, upgraded interior
- XLE Premium - Leather steering wheel, power liftgate
- Adventure/Trail - More rugged features for off-roading
- Limited - Top-of-the-line luxury
Winner: This one depends on what you're looking for. The Highlander has more trim levels that cater to a wide range of tastes, while the RAV4 keeps things a bit simpler but still offers plenty of customization.
Final Verdict: Which SUV Takes the Crown?
Choosing between the Highlander vs RAV4 comes down to your personal needs. If you want more room, more power, and more comfort, then the Highlander is the better choice for families who need that extra space. But if you're looking for affordability, fuel efficiency, and a more compact size, the RAV4 is the way to go.
Both vehicles are reliable, and they each have their own strengths. The Highlander is the family hauler while the RAV4 is the city-savvy adventurer.
In the end, the choice is yours—but no matter which Toyota you choose, you're getting a vehicle that’s built to last, loaded with safety features, and sure to hold its value for years to come.
Ready to make your choice?
Visit your local Toyota dealership to test drive both models and see which one feels like the right fit for you.