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Showdown of suvs: toyota highlander vs rav: which dominates the road?

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The Toyota Highlander and RAV4 are two of the most popular SUVs on the market, offering drivers a combination of versatility, reliability, and value.
  • If you need a spacious SUV with plenty of power and features, the Toyota Highlander is a great choice.
  • The Highlander is the better choice for those who need more space, power, and features, while the RAV4 is a more affordable and fuel-efficient option.

The Toyota Highlander and RAV4 are two of the most popular SUVs on the market, offering drivers a combination of versatility, reliability, and value. But which one is right for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive into the key differences between the Toyota Highlander vs. RAV4, examining their performance, features, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.

Performance: Power and Efficiency

The Highlander offers two engine options: a 3.5L V6 with 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5L inline-4 hybrid with 243 combined horsepower. The RAV4, on the other hand, comes with a 2.5L inline-4 engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.5L inline-4 hybrid with 219 combined horsepower.

In terms of fuel economy, the Highlander hybrid delivers an impressive 36 mpg combined, while the V6 model gets 21 mpg combined. The RAV4 hybrid offers slightly better fuel economy at 41 mpg combined, while the non-hybrid model gets 28 mpg combined.

Interior: Space and Comfort

The Highlander offers more interior space than the RAV4, with seating for up to eight passengers. The second row of seats slides and reclines for added comfort, and the third row of seats provides ample legroom for adults. The RAV4, on the other hand, seats up to five passengers and offers a more compact interior.

Both SUVs come with comfortable seats and plenty of cargo space. The Highlander offers 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, while the RAV4 offers 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row.

Features: Technology and Convenience

The Highlander and RAV4 both offer a wide range of standard and available features, including:

  • Infotainment: Both SUVs come with a touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and navigation.
  • Safety: Both SUVs offer a suite of advanced safety features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
  • Convenience: Features like keyless entry, remote start, and a power liftgate make daily use easier.

Price and Value

The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $35,850, while the RAV4 starts at $26,500. The Highlander offers more space, power, and features than the RAV4, but it also comes with a higher price tag.

Which SUV Is Right for You?

The best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you need a spacious SUV with plenty of power and features, the Toyota Highlander is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more compact SUV with better fuel economy, the RAV4 is a solid option.

Final Note: The Toyota Highlander vs. RAV4 Debate Settled

The Toyota Highlander and RAV4 are both excellent SUVs that offer a lot of value for the money. The Highlander is the better choice for those who need more space, power, and features, while the RAV4 is a more affordable and fuel-efficient option. Ultimately, the best way to decide which SUV is right for you is to test drive both and see which one meets your needs the best.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which SUV is more reliable?

A: Both the Toyota Highlander and RAV4 are known for their reliability.

Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating?

A: Both the Highlander and RAV4 have earned five-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Q: Which SUV has a longer warranty?

A: Both the Highlander and RAV4 come with a three-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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