2020 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that was subtle yet refined, with its trapezoidal theme evident in various elements like the tailgate's license plate cutout and the slimmer headlights. The vehicle's exterior, while not overly exciting, was complemented by new paint colours such as the attractive Blueprint. Inside, the Highlander boasted a cabin where quality fit and finish were paramount. The interior featured silver-painted accents and a multi-layered dash with an 8-inch touchscreen. The Limited trim offered a three-tone interior with rich textures, making it one of the nicest in its class, rivalled only by the Kia Telluride.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, embraced a rugged SUV look with boxy fender flares and chiseled taillights, setting it apart from other compact crossovers. Despite its aggressive exterior, the RAV4 was built on the TNGA platform, shared with other Toyota models, which provided a solid foundation. The RAV4 Trail model added unique styling elements like an Ice Edge roof and orange interior accents, while the TRD Off-Road package included matte black wheels and all-terrain tires. The interior featured functional touches like large rubberized knobs, but material quality didn't elevate with higher trims, and real leather wasn't an option.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This engine, shared with the Lexus RX, provided smooth and brisk acceleration, though the eight-speed automatic transmission required a heavy foot for kickdown. The Highlander's steering was loose, and its soft suspension led to a floaty ride, but it offered a calming driving experience. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the FWD model rated at 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 on the highway. The AWD version had slightly different figures, and the hybrid variant achieved an impressive 6.7 L/100 km combined.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. While the engine was efficient, achieving 40% thermal efficiency, the transmission struggled to keep up, leading to a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4's steering was responsive but lacked feel, and the Sport mode only added weight to the steering. On the highway, the RAV4 was quieter and more comfortable, but its off-road capabilities were more notable, with torque-vectoring AWD and a 3,500-pound towing capacity on certain models.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight or seven with captain's chairs, with versatile second-row seats providing ample legroom. The vehicle's ergonomics were excellent, with easy ingress and egress. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,378 litres available when seats were folded. The Highlander featured practical storage solutions, though the wireless charging pad could obstruct access to the centre armrest cubby.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 provided competitive headroom and good visibility, but legroom was slightly behind competitors. The rear seats were less comfortable for long trips, and the cargo space, while above average, was not class-leading. The RAV4's interior featured oversized knobs and easy-to-use controls, but storage space on the console was limited, and the vehicle lacked large cupholders.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system was outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. However, it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Platinum trim featured a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display. The semi-automated driving system was effective, and the JBL audio system was decent.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with screen sizes varying by trim. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not particularly advanced. The RAV4 lacked a head-up display on gasoline models, and while it didn't offer much for tech enthusiasts, it provided a straightforward interface for most users.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. It received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a 2020 Top Safety Pick from IIHS.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 also featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with additional features like road-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. It earned a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though it missed the Top Safety Pick+ due to mixed headlight scores.