Toyota’s RAV4 and Highlander are frequently at the top of SUV shoppers’ lists, and it’s no surprise why: Toyota’s reputation for reliability and value is built on solid products that have proved themselves over the years, including the RAV4 and Highlander, two of the most popular SUVs on the market. What’s not so obvious, however, is what makes the RAV4 different from the Highlander. Fortunately, we’re here to help.
Here are the top 10 differences you should know between the 2024 Toyota RAV4 and the 2024 Toyota Highlander.
1. Size and Seating Capacity
RAV4: The RAV4 is a compact SUV with seating for five. In base form across all three powertrains, the RAV4 is 180.9 inches long, 67.0 inches tall, and 73.0 inches wide. Inside, you’ll find 41.0 inches of first-row legroom and 37.8 inches of second-row legroom. The RAV4’s wheelbase is 105.9 inches in all models.
Highlander: The Highlander is a midsize SUV with three rows and seating for either seven or eight, depending whether you opt for a bench or two captain’s chairs in the second row. It’s 194.9 inches long (197.4 inches in XSE form), 68.1 inches tall, and 76.0 inches wide. Inside, you’ll find 42.0 inches of first-row legroom and 38.7 inches of second-row legroom, plus a third row with 28.0 inches of legroom. The Highlander’s wheelbase is 112.2 inches in standard and hybrid forms.
2. Cargo Space
RAV4: The standard RAV4 offers 69.8 cubic feet of total cargo space behind the front row and 37.6 cubic feet behind the back row.
Highlander: The Highlander’s extra size is even more apparent here. It has 84.3 cubic feet of total cargo space, including 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 16 cubic feet behind the third row.
3. Engine Options
RAV4: The 2024 Toyota RAV4 is available with gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. The base conventional gasoline engine is a 203-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, while the RAV4 Hybrid gets an additional electric motor that boosts total output to 219 horsepower while also achieving better gas mileage. The RAV4 Prime also uses the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, but with a larger battery pack and a stronger electric motor for a total output of 302 horsepower.
Highlander: The 2024 Toyota Highlander is available in gasoline and hybrid forms but doesn’t offer a PHEV variant. The standard Highlander uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rated at 265 horsepower. The Highlander Hybrid has a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with either two electric motors (front-wheel-drive models) or two electric motors up front and one at the rear (all-whee-drive models), with 243 horsepower total output.
4. Towing Capacity
RAV4: Because the 2024 RAV4 has three main powertrains and several configurations, it offers a range of performance and towing capacity. Starting with the standard combustion-powered RAV4, the LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited trims can tow up to 1,500 pounds, while the Adventure and TRD grades can tow 3,500 pounds. The 2024 RAV4 Hybrid can tow 1,750 pounds in all variants, and the 2024 RAV4 Prime can tow 2,500 pounds. The gasoline RAV4 comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), with available all-wheel drive (AWD) optional, while the RAV4 Hybrid and Prime both come with AWD. The TRD Off-Road and Adventure trims also have AWD standard.
Highlander: With just two powertrains, the 2024 Highlander’s towing capacity and performance is a bit more straightforward. The standard internal combustion engine (ICE) Highlander can tow 5,000 pounds, while the Highlander Hybrid can tow 3,500 pounds.
5. Fuel Efficiency
RAV4: The standard 2024 RAV4 gets 30 mpg combined, while the RAV4 Hybrid is rated 39 mpg combined, and the RAV4 Prime rates 94 MPGe combined with a full charge, or 38 mpg combined on gasoline only.
Highlander: The 2024 Highlander gets up to 25 mpg combined with FWD and 24 mpg with AWD, while the Highlander Hybrid scores 36 mpg combined with FWD, or 35 mpg combined when equipped with AWD.
6. Price Range
RAV4: The standard 2024 Toyota RAV4 starts at $30,025 including destination fee, the RAV4 Hybrid starts at $33,075, and the RAV4 Prime starts at $45,040.
Highlander: The standard 2024 Highlander starts at $40,665, and the Highlander Hybrid starts from $42,365.
7. Interior Features
RAV4: A panoramic glass roof is available, as is dual-zone climate control with rear vents. An in-dash shelf for the passenger’s belongings is standard, and available heated/ventilated front seats are a way to take the RAV4 into near-luxury territory.
Highlander: An available panoramic glass roof, Qi wireless device charging, seating configurations for seven or eight passengers, a two-tone interior on XSE models, available heated/ventilated front seats, and plenty of interior space are among the Highlander’s interior feature highlights.
8. Technology and Infotainment
RAV4: Depending on trim, either an 8-inch or 10.5-inch multimedia center display is the heart of most interactions with the 2024 Toyota RAV4’s technology, while a 12.3-inch driver information display is available. Available front and rear parking assist makes light work of fitting into small spaces — the available panoramic view monitor can help with that — while both USB ports and Qi wireless charging make it easy to keep your gadgets charged on the go. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration is standard, a JBL premium audio system is available, and you can even subscribe to Toyota’s Connected Services platform for features like remote start/lock/unlock, a mobile 4G-powered in-car hot spot, and more.
Highlander: Depending on trim, the Highlander comes with either an 8-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen display and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Like the RAV4, the Highlander offers a 12.3-inch driver information display. A SiriusXM 3-month trial is also included, with an available JBL premium audio system. The Highlander is also available with a head-up display (HUD), JBL premium audio system, and the subscription-based Connected Services features.
9. Safety Features
RAV4: Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5+ is included with the RAV4, bringing with it Toyota’s Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, full-speed-range dynamic radar cruise control, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning with steering assist, road sign assist, lane-tracing assist, and more. The RAV4 also offers blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. It comes with eight airbags and Toyota’s traction and ABS management system. Every RAV4 gets Toyota’s 2-year, unlimited-mileage roadside assistance plan.
Highlander: The Highlander also gets Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ and has blind-spot monitoring standard. Like the RAV4, a 2-year, unlimited-mileage roadside assistance plan is also included with every Highlander.
10. Driving Experience
RAV4: The RAV4 is a maneuverable, easy-to-drive crossover SUV with a comfortably high seating position, good outward sight lines, and plenty of power for daily use, including merging and passing. The RAV4 Hybrid’s low-end electric torque helps it accelerate even more snappily, and the RAV4 Prime’s 50% greater power output makes it even more athletic when called upon.
Highlander: The Highlander is a family SUV first and foremost. Its comfortable ride and easygoing demeanor help it live up to that role. The punchy 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in the standard Highlander proves there’s no need for a V6, with plenty of torque and brisk acceleration. The Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, is more focused on easygoing, efficient driving, but still with plenty of power for the rigors of daily driving a 3-row family vehicle.
Toyota RAV4 vs. Highlander: Top 10 Differences You Should Know
- Size and Seating Capacity
- Cargo Space
- Engine Options
- Towing Capacity
- Fuel Efficiency
- Price Range
- Interior Features and Space
- Technology and Infotainment
- Safety Features
- Driving Experience
Been torn on what to buy lately….
I have a GMC Terrain as a loaner,
drove the Buick Envision yesterday.
I like the chunky looks of the Envision &
I like sitting in it, and exiting it easily.
The lumbar feels good. It’s just right getting in and out.
Then…It Felt very different sitting in the Buick, and I like whats under the hood and the quietness of the Buick drive.
The seats were not comfortable, had no lumbar in the Buick? That’s crazy no lumbar in a Buick? Even after adjusting the seats getting in and out just didn’t feel the same, even though the Dims are similar.
I wish the GMC had the quietness and what’s under the hood of a Buick✅
That would be perfect for me.
Yeah, sadly, I’m 65 now things are different.
Someone just totalled my 2021 AUDI Q3
and I don’t think I want another one?
I Find my self always trying to get something similar, but not another AUDI.
My AUDI had just under 12,000 miles on it. I don’t drive like I used to. I don’t put 30,000 miles on it like I used to….
It’s called age🙋♀️
Do you have any recommendations for me? I love reading your articles.
Thanks I think you’re great
Maryann
Cle, Ohio
Hi Marbear, thank you. We’re happy you enjoy reading. Choosing the right car to buy often involves difficult decisions based on personal preferences. Sounds like you like the Envision but don’t find it comfortable. That’s a deal-breaker for many folks, while other people might choose performance over comfort. Some buyers only consider finances and vehicle reliability guides their decision. There are a lot of considerations! If you like the Envision except for its seats, you might want to take a look at the Mazda CX-5, which does have manual lumbar support.