Highlander vs. RAV4

If you’re planning to buy a new Toyota SUV in Jacksonville, Florida, consider dropping by Keith Pierson Toyota to view the 2021 Toyota RAV4 and 2021 Toyota Highlander. These two SUVs are highly sought-after because of their outstanding reliability, great fuel economy, and generous infotainment and safety features. However, they have certain differences that may make them more or less suitable for you. Check out this comprehensive comparison between the Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Highlander to make a better-informed choice.

Trim Levels and Prices

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that comes in six gasoline-powered trim levels: LE, XLE, Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited. It also has five hybrid models, which are the LE Hybrid, XLE Hybrid, Premium Hybrid, XSE Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid. Base prices range from $26,350 for the LE to $37,430 for the Limited Hybrid.

The mid-size 2021 Toyota Highlander also offers six gas-fueled models: L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. Its four hybrid trims include the Hybrid LE, Hybrid XLE, Hybrid Limited, and Hybrid Platinum. The L starts at $35,085, while the range-topping Hybrid Platinum costs a minimum of $48,690. 

Exterior

As a compact SUV, the Toyota RAV4 is noticeably smaller than the Toyota Highlander. However, these two SUVs share many exterior styling features, including Toyota’s signature trapezoidal grille, eagle-eye headlamps, and side mirrors with contrasting colors. Along the sides, the RAV4 looks markedly different from its larger sibling with its squared-off wheel arches, which add a touch of ruggedness. The Highlander, on the other hand, boasts an athletic side profile with muscular curves and pronounced fenders. Both of these SUVs have a wide stance and well-balanced proportions. 

Powertrain

A gas-powered 2021 Toyota RAV4 comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid version combines the same four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a total output of 219 horsepower. This powertrain is mated to a continuously variable transmission. Regardless of whether you choose a gas or hybrid model, the crossover is able to handle most driving tasks quite effortlessly.

Despite being a relatively large vehicle, the 2021 Toyota Highlander feels surprisingly lively, thanks to its 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine and smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. With this setup, it can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, which is impressive for a mid-size SUV. A hybrid Highlander is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors for a combined 243 horsepower. When properly equipped, the Highlander has a tow rating of 5,000 pounds. 

Fuel Efficiency

If you want to save money on fuel, the Toyota RAV4 is a better option. This small SUV delivers 28/35 mpg (city/highway) with its gas-powered engine and 41/38 mpg with its hybrid powertrain, making it one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class. In contrast, the Toyota Highlander returns 21/29 mpg in the gas version and 36/35 mpg in the hybrid configuration. These figures are above average among mid-size SUVs. 

Handling

Due to its smaller size, the Toyota RAV4 is easier to drive and more agile than the Toyota Highlander. It’s a versatile vehicle that performs well in all kinds of situations, from commuting in a crowded city to carving up winding mountain roads. It delivers a smooth and composed ride without compromising driving enjoyment. If you frequently venture away from the pavement, it’s recommended that you opt for the TRD Off-Road, which has an 8.6-inch ground clearance, an off-road-tuned suspension, and all-terrain tires. 

The Toyota Highlander is primarily intended to be a family-hauler, so it’s designed for comfort more than athleticism. Still, this SUV is able to remain well-planted around corners, thanks to its precise steering and excellent body control. It also soaks up jolts and vibrations from uneven surfaces well, resulting in a comfortable and relaxing ride. 

Interior

Up to five people can sit in the Toyota RAV4. The seats are comfortable and provide ample legroom and headroom for even tall adults in both rows. This SUV also comes standard with the intuitive Entune infotainment system and plenty of tech features to keep you connected and entertained on the go. These features include a 7-inch touch-screen display, a USB port, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a six-speaker sound system, Bluetooth, satellite radio, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. 

If you have a large family, you’ll be better off getting the eight-seat Toyota Highlander. The first- and second-row seats are roomy enough for most adults, but the third row is meant for smaller occupants, as is the case with most three-row, mid-size SUVs. Standard interior features include tri-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, a six-speaker audio system, an 8-inch touch screen, five USB ports, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Bluetooth, satellite radio, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Cargo Capacity

While it can’t haul as much cargo as its bigger sibling, the Toyota RAV4 has a larger cargo capacity than most other compact SUVs. It gives you up to 37.6 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet behind the front seats. If you opt for the Toyota Highlander, you’ll have 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rearmost seats, 48.4 cubic feet behind the middle-row seats, and 84.3 cubic feet behind the front seats. 

Safety Features

Similar to other Toyota vehicles, the Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Highlander are fitted with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver-assistance systems, making them among the safest vehicles in their respective segments. These technologies help you become more aware of your surroundings when you’re driving and help you take the appropriate actions to prevent accidents. They include pre-collision warning, pedestrian monitoring, automatic high-beam headlamps, road-sign assistance, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing assistance, and dynamic radar cruise control. 

The best way to know whether the 2021 Toyota RAV4 or 2021 Toyota Highlander better fits your needs and preferences is to test-drive both of them at Keith Pierson Toyota, the leading Toyota dealership in Jacksonville. If you have any inquiries, feel free to contact us via phone, email, or our contact form. 

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