The Toyota Highlander and RAV4 are popular models with similar exteriors, off-road performance and safety systems, but like any Toyota vehicle, have their own individual features.
Exterior and interior of SUVs
All Toyota SUVs have external similarities. The main difference between the models under consideration is that Highlander is larger in size and it fits three rows of seats and 7 passengers, the RAV4 - two rows of seats, but it has a larger luggage compartment (580 liters to 484 liters in Toyota Highlander) and more space for passengers of the second row.
The RAV4 luxury interior features dual-zone climate control, leather trim on the seats, steering wheel and gear selector, LED illumination of the central console and recesses. The steering column is tiltable and adjustable, and the driver's seat is equipped with the option of memory in two positions and electric adjustment of the lumbar support. For a comfortable ride, there is a choice of driving modes: economy, normal or sporty. The second row of passenger seats folds down in the ratio of 60:40, providing roomy cargo space.
Toyota Highlander's top-of-the-line "Lux Safety" package features three-zone climate control for each row of seats. The interior and seats are finished with leather and wood grain inserts. The driver's seat and rear-view mirrors have a two-position memory option. All necessary information can be displayed on the projection screen on the windshield. Thanks to the noise-insulating side windows and panoramic roof, the interior is quiet and comfortable.
Technical specifications of the models
Toyota Highlander is a four-wheel drive SUV with a 3.5 liter (249 hp) gasoline engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. The volume of the fuel tank is 68 liters. Gasoline consumption in combined mode - 9.4-9.8 liters, on the highway - 7.2-7.5 liters per 100 kilometers. Ground clearance height is 204 mm. The model is available in options "Prestige" and "Luxury Safety".
Toyota Rav4 is available in the basic configuration "Standard" or choose the top configuration "Prestige" or "Prestige Safety". The model is available with 2.0 liter (149 hp) and 2.5 liter (199 hp) engines. The two-liter engine works with a variator, and the 2.5-liter engine - with an 8-speed hydromechanical transmission. Fuel consumption of the engine is economical, from 6.5 liters to 7.2 liters per 100 kilometers. Ground clearance is 195 mm.
Fuel Economy (Pure Gas Models)
Smaller in size and equipped with a four-cylinder engine, the RAV4 is more fuel efficient than the V-6-powered Highlander. Depending on trim, RAV4 models with FWD return as much as 28/35 mpg city/highway, while at the low end the AWD-equipped TRD Off Road gets 25/32 mpg. Meanwhile, FWD Highlanders achieve 21/29 mpg, and most AWD models get 20/27 mpg.
RAV4
27-28/35 mpg (FWD)
25-27/33-34 mpg (AWD)
25/32 mpg (TRD Off Road AWD)
Highlander
20-21/28-29 mpg (FWD)
20/27 mpg (AWD)
Price
The RAV4 has a lower starting price than the Highlander. The entry-level RAV4 LE FWD comes in at $27,325, while the basic Highlander L FWD costs $35,985. With standard gasoline engines, the most expensive trim levels are the $37,055 RAV4 TRD Off Road and the $48,915 Highlander Platinum AWD.
It's a similar story with the hybrid versions. The RAV4 Hybrid starts at $29,825 in LE trim. The least expensive Highlander Hybrid is the $39,585 LE FWD model. At the top of the ranges, the RAV4 Hybrid Limited runs for $39,585, and the Highlander Hybrid Platinum AWD is $51,490. Note that the RAV4 Prime is more expensive than the regular hybrid, starting at $39,275 in SE trim and $42,600 in XSE trim.
People reviews:
Jake:
Highlander allows you to sleep in the back. If that's important to you.
Marco:
The rav4 is fine. Will go off-road. Will be able to strap kayak. And it is cheaper. A highlander is very expensive. And with options it gets even more expensive. If you got that fancy after college job and can afford it, go ahead. If not yet... The rav 4 is better.
Max:
If you’re tight on a budget, don’t get a Highlander. You’re better off getting a rav4. If you don’t need the niceties, get a base rav4.
Ask yourself: Do you need a 295hp 3.5L engine? Extra room? Not to mention, I’m sure insurance would cost a bit more. And I know for a fact that the gas mileage is bad.
