Toyota RAV4 or Highlander: Which is Right for You?

How To Decide Between Toyota's Popular SUVs

If you're comparing the latest models of the Toyota RAV4 or Highlander and wondering which one is right for you, Irwin Toyota is here to take a look at some key differences between the two to help you make the right choice. 

Size Makes a Difference

The most obvious difference between these two Toyota SUVs is size. The Highlander is a larger, midsize SUV with more room, but that also makes it feel different to drive, and it may be less maneuverable. The RAV4 is a compact SUV with a shorter and narrower body. Its small turning radius makes it ideal for navigating urban streets and parking lots. The Highlander is 14 inches longer and three inches wider than the RAV4.

Three Rows vs. Two Rows

If you're not sure whether to get the Toyota RAV4 or Highlander, it's important to know that the Highlander comes with three rows compared to the RAV4's two rows. This could be the ultimate decision-maker if you have a family and need three rows. You can seat up to eight people in the Highlander. The maximum number of passengers that can ride in the RAV4 is five. Both SUVs have a lot of cargo room for their size, but the Highlander will obviously have more if you fold the third row down.

More Towing Capacity in the Highlander

As with everything else about the Toyota Highlander, it also has the bigger engine option. The only RAV4 option with more horsepower is the plug-in model. However, this additional horsepower doesn't translate to more towing power.

Most Highlander models make more horsepower than the RAV4 overall, and the ICE model can tow up to 5,000 pounds compared to the ICE powertrain of the RAV4, which can tow 1,500 pounds. Just like size and seating, this is a huge difference if you have something on the larger side to tow.

The RAV4 Wins in Efficiency

The downside of more power and towing capacity is that fuel economy usually takes a hit, and that is the case with the Highlander vs. the RAV4. The gas model of the RAV4 makes up to 30 mpg combined, while the RAV4 Hybrid makes up to 39 mpg combined. On the other hand, the gas Highlander makes 25 mpg combined, and its hybrid version makes about 35 mpg combined. It's a fairly big difference if good fuel economy is important to you. The plug-in version of the RAV4 goes even further with about 94 mpg when in electric mode.