2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was designed with a rugged exterior that mimicked the traditional SUV style, featuring boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This aggressive look set it apart from previous RAV4 generations and most compact crossovers on the market. Despite its bold styling, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which was shared with other Toyota models like the Camry and Sienna. This meant that while the exterior suggested a 4Runner-like toughness, the mechanical components were more akin to a Camry. The RAV4 offered options like the Trail model with a retro Ice Edge roof and the TRD Off-Road package with matte black alloy wheels and red interior accents, enhancing its adventurous appeal.

Inside, the RAV4 featured rugged styling touches such as large rubberized knobs and door handles, which distinguished its cabin from other Toyota models. Material quality was decent on lower trims but did not improve significantly with higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model came with SofTex upholstery, which was lighter than leather and suited the outdoorsy theme, although real leather was not available even on the top Limited trim.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma pickup, with a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that gave it a rugged appearance. However, the design introduced some softness with a character line swooping over the rear wheel arch, which added unnecessary visual weight. The rear echoed the trapezoidal grille, but the overall design felt disjointed compared to more cohesive competitors like the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid featured an asymmetrical dash with a metallic styling element that broke up monotony and provided storage space. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned high on the dash for easy visibility.

The Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition introduced for 2022 included 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric seat upholstery with a triangle motif. This fabric was prone to attracting dirt and stains, raising durability concerns. Other trims offered more conventional materials, but SofTex remained in the Hybrid XLE trim. Genuine leather was only available on the top Limited and Platinum trims. The rear seating area had more hard plastics, typical for family SUVs, but the third row was less comfortable with unyielding armrests.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-litre 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, resulting in a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4 offered a "Sport" driving mode, but it only added weight to the steering without enhancing responsiveness.

On the highway, the RAV4 excelled with low cabin noise levels and a suspension that absorbed road imperfections well. Off-road capability was a focus, with Trail grade and TRD Off-Road models featuring torque-vectoring all-wheel drive and 21.7 centimetres of ground clearance. The TRD Off-Road also had model-specific suspension tuning and all-terrain tires, allowing it to handle rougher terrain than the average crossover. However, its limited suspension articulation and shallow approach angles were liabilities on real off-road trails.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive, with an electric motor powering the rear axle. Toyota estimated it could reach 100 kilometres per hour in just over eight seconds. The hybrid powertrain provided quick initial acceleration, but the gasoline engine's hum became a drone under heavy acceleration. Braking was smooth, with no discernible transition from regenerative to physical brakes.

The Highlander Hybrid offered a soft ride quality, with a suspension that smoothed over bumps while maintaining adequate cornering confidence. It wasn't sporty, but comfort was prioritized for a family vehicle. The cabin remained quiet on the highway, except when the engine was pushed hard.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof providing competitive headroom in both rows and good outward visibility. However, legroom was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions, making long trips less appealing. Cargo space was above average, with 1,059 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,977 litres with them folded. The cargo area had a wide aperture for easy loading, but the lip was higher than in some competitors. The interior featured oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls, but storage space on the console was limited.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well cushioned, with plenty of adjustments for drivers of all sizes. However, the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage was ample, with trays, shelves, and a large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs or an optional bench for increased passenger capacity. The third row was less accommodating, with limited headroom and legroom, suitable for occasional use by children. Cargo space was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seatbacks folded and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with most trims getting a 7-inch touchscreen. Trail and Limited models had an 8-inch screen, while the RAV4 Prime offered a 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, and a JBL premium audio system and SiriusXM satellite radio were optional. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not flashy, with shortcut buttons for navigation, Bluetooth, and audio. However, the gasoline RAV4 lacked the head-up display available on the RAV4 Prime.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch screen available on top trims. The larger display had a glossy surface that could reflect the front passenger seat. The system was responsive, with logically organized menus and physical shortcut buttons for common features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging on Limited and Platinum trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system were standard on higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. However, it missed the "Top Safety Pick+" rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests and five stars in side crash tests. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a five-star overall score from the NHTSA, with four stars for frontal collision and rollover protection. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+, with "Good" scores across the board. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. A surround view camera system and head-up display were available on the top Platinum trim. The safety systems generally worked well but could use some fine-tuning.