Toyota RAV4 vs Highlander
If you’re looking for the ideal SUV to explore the Orleans, Eastham, and Harwich, MA, areas, either the 2021 Toyota RAV4 or 2021 Toyota Highlander could be right for you. The best way to decide is to see how these vehicles match up when placed head-to-head.
Ira Toyota of Orleans put together this Toyota RAV4 vs. Highlander comparison to do exactly that! We’ll give you a quick look over the power, dimensions, and technology of these vehicles so you can decide which you want to drive.
RAV4 vs Highlander: MPG
As two incredibly impressive Toyota SUVs, the RAV4 and Highlander offer exciting performance abilities that are sure to provide some thrill. So, what are you looking for with your next set of wheels? If it’s remarkable efficiency or breathtaking power, one of these SUVs will suit you well:
|
2021 Toyota RAV4 |
|
2021 Toyota Highlander |
|
2 |
Available Engines |
2 |
|
28 city/35 highway MPG1 |
EPA-Estimated MPG |
21 city/29 highway2 |
|
203 HP |
Horsepower |
295 HP |
|
184 lb-ft |
Torque |
263 lb-ft of torque |
While the RAV4 offers EPA-estimated 28 city MPG and 35 highway MPG, the Highlander has an exhilarating drive with 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque.1 Additionally, both vehicles have hybrid powertrains available to offer enhanced fuel efficiency.
The RAV4 Hybrid trim can offer EPA-estimated 41 city MPG and 38 highway MPG.1 The Highlander Hybrid isn’t far behind with EPA-estimated 36 city MPG and 35 highway MPG.2 While these SUVs excel in a different category, they are both highly efficient and powerful vehicles.
Toyota RAV4 vs Toyota Highlander: Compact or Full Size
The biggest difference you’ll find between these vehicles is the dimensions since the RAV4 is a compact SUV and the Highlander is a full-sized model.
Inside the RAV4, you’ll have room to seat up to five passengers while enjoying 37.7 inches of headroom in the front and 39.5 inches of headroom in the back. With a maximum of eight seats available inside the Highlander, you’ll certainly have more room to bring along the kids and their friends. Each row will also have loads of headroom inside the Highlander:
- Front Row: 39.6 inches
- Middle Row: 39.4 inches
- Rear Row: 36.1 inches
When it comes to cargo space, you’ll find that both SUVs make the most of their dimensions to give you plenty of room. The RAV4 has 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear row and 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear row folded down flat.
Behind the rear row of the Highlander, you’ll have 16 cubic feet of cargo space. Once you fold the rear row down, you’ll have 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space. However, with the middle and rear rows down, that gets boosted to an astounding 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space.
RAV4 vs Highlander: Standard Features
One of the biggest benefits of shopping for a Toyota SUV is its standard features. These vehicles both come packed with all the equipment you’ll need to have a comfortable ride from the base trim level. Both the RAV4 and the Highlander come standard with the Star Safety System™. This system will give you access to essential features such as:
- Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control
- Traction Control
- Anti-lock Brake System
- Brake Assist
- Smart Stop Technology®
Both of these vehicles also come standard with smart sensing technology designed to assist you as you drive. However, the RAV4 comes with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0, while the Highlander has Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+.
Toyota RAV4 vs Highlander: Your Choice
These unique Toyota SUVs each have something special to offer Orleans, Eastham, and Harwich, Massachusetts drivers. Those looking for a fuel-efficient compact SUV might feel right at home behind the wheel of the 2021 RAV4, while those in need of a powerful and spacious full-sized SUV will probably like the 2021 Highlander.
At the end of the day, it’s up to you. So, contact us or visit both SUVs in person here at Ira Toyota of Orleans and see which one is right for you!
1 EPA-estimated 27 city/35 hwy/30 combined mpg for 2021 RAV4 LE FWD and Limited FWD; 27 city/34 hwy/30 combined mpg for 2021 RAV4 LE AWD; 28 city/35 hwy/30 combined mpg for 2021 RAV4 XLE FWD and XLE Premium FWD; 27 city/33 hwy/29 combined mpg for 2021 RAV4 XLE AWD and XLE Premium AWD; 25 city/33 hwy/28 combined mpg for 2021 RAV4 Adventure and Limited AWD; 25 city/32 hwy/28 combined mpg for 2021 RAV4 TRD Off-Road; and 41 city/38 hwy/40 combined mpg for 2021 RAV4 LE Hybrid, XLE Hybrid, XLE Premium Hybrid, XSE Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle’s condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
2 EPA-estimated 21 city/29 hwy/24 combined mpg for 2021 Highlander; 20 city/27 hwy/23 combined for 2021 Highlander AWD; 36 city/35 hwy/36 combined mpg for 2021 Highlander Hybrid. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle’s condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
