Toyota RAV4 vs Highlander
When you drive daily, you should enjoy your ride. You need an SUV that will make you want to take the long way home as it spices up your daily routine with a great performance and incredible features.
We want to help you find the perfect SUV for your drives near Amherst, Manchester, and Derry, New Hampshire. That’s why our team at Ira Toyota of Manchester has this comprehensive comparison for you, so you can have all the information you need about the 2021 Toyota RAV4 vs. Toyota Highlander and make the best decision for you.
Toyota RAV4 vs Toyota Highlander: Quick Facts
| Maximum Horsepower | Maximum Towing Capacity | Maximum EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy | |
| Toyota RAV4 | 203 Horsepower | 3500 lbs. | 28 City/35 Highway MPG1 |
| Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | 219 Horsepower | 2500 lbs. | 41 City/38 Highway MPG1 |
| Toyota Highlander | 295 Horsepower | 5000 lbs. | 21 City/29 Highway MPG2 |
| Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 243 Horsepower | 3500 lbs. | 36 City/35 Highway MPG2 |
RAV4 vs Highlander: Power and Performance
With the 2021 RAV4 vs. Highlander, both vehicles have reliable performance. The Toyota Highlander offers up to 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, which is great for exploring lands high or low. This SUV can also be proud of its maximum towing capacity: up to 5,000 pounds, so you can tow a lightweight boat or camper for weekend fun.
However, the Toyota RAV4 has plenty of power and performance for a commute or getaway. With a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, the RAV4 could easily tow a small trailer or outdoor recreational vehicles like a pair of dirt bikes or motorcycles. For many drivers, the 2021 RAV4 will fit their needs.
When comparing these two vehicles, it is important to consider which one is better suited to your personal lifestyle.
RAV4 vs Highlander: High-Powered & Efficient Hybrid Vehicles
Want to look into a hybrid? Both the 2021 RAV4 and Highlander offer hybrid varieties that improve the EPA-estimated fuel economy while also delivering an impressive amount of power.
While the Toyota Highlander Hybrid surpasses the RAV4 hybrid options in terms of maximum horsepower, the best fuel economy belongs to the RAV4. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 LE Hybrid, XLE Hybrid, XLE Premium Hybrid, XSE Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid all boast an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 41 city/38 highway MPG.1
The RAV4 also gives hybrid drivers a choice. The LE Hybrid, XLE Hybrid, XLE Premium Hybrid, XSE Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid come with a 2.5L Dynamic Force 4-cylinder engine, while the RAV4 Prime SE and Prime XSE are plug-in hybrid varieties. Both come with NORMAL, SPORT, ECO, and TRAIL modes to customize your driving experience.
Either way, both the 2021 RAV4 and Highlander hybrids are powerful and efficient options worth consideration.
Toyota RAV4 vs Highlander: Room to Roam
When you buy a new SUV, you want to make sure it has the space for every one of your traveling companions. Both the 2021 Toyota RAV4 and the Toyota Highlander offer a decent amount of space on all sides:
| Headroom (first/second/third row) | Legroom (first/second/third row) | Shoulder Room (first/second/third row) | Hip Room (first/second/third row) | |
| Toyota RAV4 | 37.7 in./39.5 in./NA | 41.0 in./37.8 in./NA | 57.8 in./56.4 in./NA | 54.3 in./47.7 in./NA |
| Toyota Highlander | 41.2 in./39.4 in./36.1 in. | 42.0 in./41.0 in./27.7 in. | 59.0 in./58.7 in./55.0 in. | 57.2 in./57.0 in./45.6 in. |
The Toyota RAV4 has a spacious cabin and seats up to five, but the Toyota Highlander slightly inches it out in terms of space. The Highlander’s third-row seating also means you can bring more fellow travelers along on your next adventure, seating up to eight whether you’re shopping, camping, or just enjoying the scenic route.
2021 Toyota RAV4 vs Highlander: In Conclusion
Ultimately, there are benefits to both sides of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 vs. Toyota Highlander debate. While the EPA-estimated fuel economy and timeless look of the RAV4 are a triumph, the Highlander has a roomier cabin and stronger performance for the more adventurous driver.
Need help deciding which of these SUVs will better suit your driving needs near Amherst, Manchester, and Derry, NH? Our team at Ira Toyota of Manchester is happy to assist you! Contact or visit us today.
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.
