Toyota RAV4 or Highlander: Which is Right for You?
The RAV4 and the Highlander are two standout SUVs from Toyota. They are stylish, sophisticated SUVs that you'd be proud to drive with your family, to professional outings, or even to a first date. Both are packed with features, and they offer great performance and fuel efficiency.
When you look a little closer, there are some differences between the 2019 RAV4 and the 2019 Highlander. Some may make a difference to you, and others may just enhance your decision. Here's a look at how the Toyota RAV4 and the Toyota Highlander compare:
Exterior Comparison
The Toyota RAV4 and the Toyota Highlander look remarkably similar. But if you look closer, you will see some slight differences. They diverge the most on the front end, where the RAV4 has a geometric grille with a mesh covered by two slim bars with the logo. The RAV4 has more of a snub-nosed front end. Meanwhile, the Toyota Highlander seems to pull back more, and the grille is narrower and covered in more plastic. Both have a nice look, but buyers may prefer one over the other based on their personal style.
Overall, the RAV4 is smaller than the Highlander. The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is 181.5 inches long and 73.4 inches wide. The 2019 Toyota Highlander is 192.5 inches long and 75.8 inches wide. The RAV4 does come out at half inch taller than the Highlander, but most drivers will feel that size difference more in the length and the width.
Interior and Technology
Perhaps because the RAV4 is a bit smaller on the outside, it may come as no surprise that it's also a bit smaller on the inside. The Toyota RAV4 seats five people, while the Toyota Highlander can seat up to eight. The RAV4 offers front passengers 41 inches of leg room, while the Highlander gives them 44.2 inches. Passengers in the back of the RAV4 will get 37.8 inches of legroom, while passengers in the back of the Highlander will get 38.4 inches.
Features are about the same on each. The RAV4 does come out ahead with power driver seats, and you pick up a CD player in the Highlander, but there aren't many other differences there.
Performance
In keeping with the theme, the Highlander is the bigger SUV and it has a bigger engine that offers more power. The 2019 Toyota Highlander comes standard with a six-cylinder engine that puts out 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, while the 2019 Toyota RAV4 comes standard with a four-cylinder engine that puts out 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Not surprisingly, the RAV4 gets better fuel efficiency, with an estimated 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, compared to 20 mpg in the city for the Highlander and 27 mpg on the highway.
Which is Right for You?
If you need a larger SUV to fit a bigger family comfortably, the Toyota Highlander is probably the better choice for you. If you want an SUV that's more fuel efficient and is sportier on the road, the Toyota RAV4 might be better for you. Visit your local Toyota dealership to explore both SUVs and make the right decision for your budget and your needs.
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