2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior, reminiscent of a traditional SUV, with boxy fender flares and chiseled taillights. Its aggressive styling set it apart from previous generations and other compact crossovers, giving it a distinctive presence. Despite its bold appearance, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other models like the Camry, which meant its mechanical underpinnings were more conventional. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models offered additional styling options, such as unique wheels and interior accents, enhancing its adventurous appeal.

Inside, the RAV4 featured rugged styling touches, including large rubberized knobs and door handles, which added functionality and differentiation from other Toyota models. While material quality was decent on lower trims, it didn’t improve significantly with higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model came with SofTex upholstery, which was lighter and durable, but real leather wasn’t available, even on the top-tier Limited trim.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, with its blunt and bulbous nose, offered a distinctive look that required some acclimation. Its design included black windshield pillars for a floating roof effect and swollen haunches for balance. Despite its bold styling, the Highlander Hybrid’s cartoonishly-flared quarter panels could overwhelm the design. The vehicle was available in various trims, with the hybrid powertrain offered in LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum specifications. The test vehicle, a Highlander Hybrid Limited, featured optional electronic all-wheel drive and a range of amenities, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen and leather upholstery.

Inside, the Highlander Hybrid provided a comfortable and upscale cabin, especially with the two-tone interior and leather seats in higher trims. However, the dashboard’s asymmetrical design and glossy black detailing could cause reflections. The mix of illumination colors in the gauges created a busy appearance at night. While the Highlander Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, it lacked driving excitement, with adequate power but a strained engine sound during acceleration. The steering was lifeless, and the ride could become sloppy on uneven roads, though it remained comfortable and quiet on highways.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive, with optional all-wheel drive. The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically found in racing engines, and delivered impressive output for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder. However, the transmission struggled to keep up, and the steering lacked feel, making the driving experience less dynamic. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models featured off-road enhancements, including a torque-vectoring rear axle and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, but lacked traditional off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. It produced 243 horsepower, with optional all-wheel drive. The hybrid used an "E-CVT" to mimic an automatic transmission. While the Highlander Hybrid improved in efficiency, it sacrificed driving enjoyment. The engine sounded strained during acceleration, and the steering was dull. The regenerative brakes were an improvement, but the ride exhibited unwanted body movement. On smooth roads, the Highlander Hybrid handled well, but on uneven surfaces, it became less composed. Around town, the electric motor torque and EV Mode were highlights, but overall, the driving experience was uninspiring.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof, providing good headroom and visibility. However, legroom was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were flat and hard. Cargo space was above average at 37.6 cubic feet, but the rear seats didn’t slide like some rivals. The interior featured oversized knobs and easy-to-use controls, but storage space was limited.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid provided roomy and supportive accommodations for front passengers, with power-adjustable seats and leather upholstery. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight but felt narrow. The third-row seat was uncomfortable, with limited legroom and headroom. Storage was less generous than the previous generation, and the wireless charger blocked access to the storage area. Cargo space measured 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. Most trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen, with higher trims offering larger screens. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not flashy, lacking features like a head-up display available on the RAV4 Prime.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa as standard. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio system, and navigation. The infotainment system was well-designed, with easy-to-use controls. The JBL sound system had mixed audio quality, and the Driver Easy Speak technology projected the driver’s voice to rear passengers. A video rearview mirror provided an unobstructed view, and a driver information display offered detailed data.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. It missed the highest rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with additional features like blind-spot monitoring available on higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, adding intersection support and emergency steering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard from the LE trim. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance had some quirks, but overall, the safety tech was effective. The Highlander received a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.