Toyota RAV4 vs Toyota Highlander

RAV4

$27,975

Pictured: RAV4 Off-Road. MSRP as tested $42,700.

Highlander

$36,420

Pictured: Limited Turbo AWD. MSRP as tested $53,181. 

RAV4

The RAV4 has been the nation's top-selling SUV for many years. It offers a wide range of trim levels and options, including hybrid and plug-in models, to appeal to different budgets. The RAV4 scores highly in safety and reliability and has good fuel economy, even in the gas engine types.  If you're looking for a practical SUV that's built to last, you can't go wrong with RAV4.

The only issue you may encounter is finding one, especially if you want specific features. There's high demand for this vehicle, so you may need to order or wait to get exactly what you want.

Highlander

Toyota recently shared that the Highlander SUV is currently the No.1 selling midsize SUV in America for the 7th year running.  It's easy to see why. The Highlander is a practical SUV with a nice interior and plenty of available creature comforts.

For 2023, the Highlander ups its game with a new, more efficient gas-only engine and new upgraded tech that include two available new 12.3-inch displays. 

The Highlander is a winner in the family-friendly SUV department if you don't need a huge third row that fits adults.  

RAV4

For 2023, all RAV4 models are equipped with the new Toyota Audio Multimedia system with over-the-air updates, dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

TRD Off-Road and Limited come standard with a new 10.5-inch Multimedia display. Other models feature a new 8-inch Multimedia screen.

A new 12.3-inch Multi-Information Display is  standard on Limited and optional on TRD Off-Road. 

A 7-inch Multi-Information Display screen is standard on lower trims.

Highlander

For 2023, Highlander gas models are now equipped with a new, higher-torque, high-efficiency turbocharged engine.  It replaces the V6.

Turbo models are equipped to tow up to 5,000-pounds.

Limited and Platinum grades now have two 12.3-inch screens as standard; one Multi-Information Display (MID) screen and one multimedia screen. The touchscreen  is optional for the XLE and sporty XSE grades, which have an 8-inch screen as standard. 

Limited and Platinum grades now come standard with power folding exterior mirrors.

New Cypress green exterior color.

RAV4

• Offers off-road oriented trims
• Smaller thus easier to maneuver
• More rugged interior for adventures

Highlander

• More passenger and cargo space
• More horsepower and towing capability
• Higher trims offer more upscale interiors
• A quieter ride

RAV4

• Not as powerful or capable  
• Doesn't have as much passenger or cargo room
• Noisy engine

Highlander

• The third row isn't big enough for adults
• Not as fuel efficient as the RAV4
• Not as easy to maneuver due to larger size

28 mpg

24 mpg

25 mpg

21 mpg

32 mpg

28 mpg

RAV4

Highlander

• New 10.5-inch Multimedia display standard on TRD Off Road w/6 speaker audio, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 
  
• New 12.3-inch Multi-Information Display is optional on TRD Off Road
• Backup camera with dynamic gridlines
  
• Optional 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio 
• 1 yr trial Drive Connect subbscription — includes Cloud Navigation with Google Points of Interest (POI) data, Intelligent Assistant with Hey, Toyota, and Destination Assist.  Subscription required after trial.  4G network dependent.
  
  

• Standard 8.0-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility with 6-speaker audio.
• Available 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system w/ wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Connect trial or subscription that offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices.
  
• Available 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio,
• Lineup is available with a backup camera with projected path or a backup camera with dynamic gridlines
  
• Standard 7-inch multi-information display
• Available 12.3-inch colorLCD multi-information display
• 1 yr trial subcription to Drive Connect  — includes Cloud Navigation with Google Points of Interest (POI) data, Intelligent Assistant with Hey, Toyota, and Destination Assist.  Subscription required after trial.  4G network dependent.

• Optional wireless charging
• Five USB ports
• One 12V/120W auxiliary power outlet  in front instrument panel storage tray and one 12V/120W auxiliary power outlet in cargo area

• Available Wireless charging
• Five USB ports
• Two 12V outlets

RAV4

Highlander

• Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5 (TSS 2.5) —Pre-Collision System w/Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Road Sign Assist (RSA) 
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) 
• Backup camera with dynamic gridlines
• OPTIONAL: Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB)

• Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+)  — Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), * Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA),  Automatic High Beams (AHB),  Lane Tracing Assist (LTA),  Road Sign Assist (RSA)  and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) 
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) 
• Rear passenger seatbelt reminder
• Driver and front passenger seatbelt warning
• Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB)
• Lineup is available with a backup camera with projected path or a backup camera with dynamic gridlines
• OPTIONAL: 360 degree Panoramic View Monitor  

• 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions; driver-side Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) and Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) on all passenger seatbelts
• Front and outboard second-row seatbelts with seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) includes lower anchors on outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats
• Star Safety System™ — includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC),  Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology® (SST)  
• Child-protector rear door locks and power window lockout control
• Eight airbags  — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver's knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags

• 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions; driver's-side Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) and Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) on all passenger seatbelts
• Adjustable front seatbelt shoulder anchors and driver and front passenger seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) includes lower anchors and tethers on outboard second-row seats and tether anchor on middle of second- and third-row seats
• Star Safety System™—includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), * Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) * and Smart Stop Technology® (SST) *
• Child-protector rear door locks and power window lockout control
• Eight airbags —driver airbag, front passenger airbag, driver knee airbag, seat cushion airbag (passenger), front side airbags, curtain shield airbags

RAV4

Highlander

181.5"

194.9"

73.4"

76.0"

68.6” 

68.1"

203-horsepower 

265-horsepower

184 pound-feet

310 pound-feet

14.5 

17.9

3,370/3,490 lbs. (LE)

3,405/3,515 lbs. (XLE and XLE Premium)

3,615 lbs. (Adventure and TRD)

3,485/3,640 lbs. (Limited)

4,155/4,332 - L

4,155/4,332  - LE

4,199/4,376 - XLE

 4,221/4,420 -XSE

4,265/4,453 - Limited

4,265/4,453 Platinum

1,500 lbs. (LE, XLE, XLE Premium and Limited) 3,500 lbs. (Adventure grade/TRD)

5,000

RAV4

Highlander