2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was available in four trim levels in Canada, ranging from the RAV4 LE priced just over $35,000 to the RAV4 Limited, which exceeded $45,000. The design remained consistent with the 2019 model, particularly in the Trail trim, which featured a distinctive two-part face. The Trail trim, tested in its US equivalent, showcased a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and additional rugged styling elements like a faux skid plate and bridge-type roof rails. However, despite its adventurous appearance, it was more of a style statement than a true off-road performer. Inside, the Trail trim added orange accents, contrast stitching, and a stripe on the seats, enhancing the otherwise basic interior. The RAV4 offered a range of upholstery options, from fabric to synthetic leather, with varying levels of adjustability and comfort features across trims.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was a significant addition to Toyota's lineup, positioned as a larger and more spacious alternative to the standard Highlander. Built on the TNGA-K platform, it shared its underpinnings with several other Toyota models, offering a crossover experience rather than a body-on-frame SUV like the Sequoia. The Grand Highlander boasted impressive dimensions, with a length of 5,115 millimetres and a wheelbase of 2,950 mm, providing ample interior space. Its design was more conservative and blockier compared to the smaller Highlander, drawing inspiration from rugged vehicles. The Grand Highlander was available in three trims: XLE, Limited, and Platinum, with varying levels of luxury and comfort features. Inside, it offered a spacious and well-built interior, with standard features like heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, and optional upgrades like real leather upholstery and ventilated seats in higher trims.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with a single engine option for its gas-powered models, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which provided a more traditional driving experience compared to the CVTs found in some competitors. While the RAV4's performance was not particularly thrilling, it was adequate for everyday driving. The Trail trim featured 19-inch wheels with all-season tires and shared the same suspension setup as other RAV4 models, offering a comfortable ride but not excelling in off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options, starting with a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid option was available, delivering 245 combined net horsepower. At the top of the range, the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max powertrain offered a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine with 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. All powertrains came with all-wheel drive in Canada. The Grand Highlander provided a smooth and comfortable ride, with solid brakes and adequate acceleration. It featured three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal—with additional off-road modes for gas-only and Hybrid Max models.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was designed to seat five passengers, offering 958 millimetres of headroom in the front row and 1,001 mm in the back seats with the moonroof. While it provided more rear headroom than some competitors, it fell short in front-row headroom and rear legroom compared to the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. The RAV4 offered practical storage options, including a shelf along the glove compartment and generous door pockets. Cargo space was competitive, with 1,059 litres behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander excelled in interior space, surpassing its primary rivals in size. With a length of over 5 metres and a wheelbase of 2,950 mm, it offered generous cargo capacity, with 2,761 litres available in total. Even with all three rows of seats in use, it provided 583 litres of cargo space. The Grand Highlander was designed for comfort, with ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in every row. Its spacious interior made it a practical choice for families and those needing extra storage space.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system, featuring an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard and a 10.5-inch touchscreen for the Limited trim. The system supported over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The Limited trim also offered an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system, while the Trail trim had a six-speaker stereo. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a 12.3-inch version available in the Limited trim.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering a visually stunning interface. An intelligent assistant was available through a connected-services subscription, allowing voice commands for various tasks. The system included dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Grand Highlander Limited and Platinum trims featured an 11-speaker JBL stereo, providing a balanced audio experience. Streaming audio integration and Sirius XM satellite radio were also available.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The updated TSS 2.5 suite included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, demonstrating its strong safety performance.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard, offering advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert with steering assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The updated lane-departure alert could identify three-dimensional objects, reducing false warnings. Adaptive cruise control with four following-distance settings was also standard. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the Grand Highlander was equipped with a robust safety suite.