Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000, with the base Hybrid LE starting at $51,435, including destination charges and fees. In Canada, all-wheel drive (AWD) was standard, while a front-wheel drive version was available in the U.S. The Highlander Hybrid offered upgrades to the XLE AWD with a Special Edition package or the Limited trim with a Platinum package. The Limited trim with the Platinum package had an MSRP of $61,800 in Canada. Minimal appearance changes were made for 2023, with a new Cypress Green paint colour. The Highlander Hybrid's design was considered over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was criticized for its mismatched textures, reflections, and lack of quality, with controls and storage areas feeling inexpensive and poorly designed. Despite these issues, the Highlander Hybrid was noted for its quiet ride on the road.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, redesigned in 2019, adopted a more substantial and blocky appearance, with a trapezoidal grille and angular bodywork. This design approach was later mirrored by competitors like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50. The RAV4 Hybrid's interior continued the angular theme with a multi-tiered dashboard and a practical layout. Materials quality was average, with hard plastics but lightly padded surfaces in contact areas. The base model lacked a leather-wrapped steering wheel, opting for a cheaper urethane wheel. However, build quality was strong, with no creaks or squeaks over rough pavement. The RAV4 Hybrid's design was functional and straightforward, appealing to those seeking a reliable and practical vehicle.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, plus a third motor for the rear wheels, providing standard AWD. This setup delivered 243 combined horsepower, propelling the 2,060-kilogram SUV. The electric motors assisted with acceleration and allowed for low-speed electric-only driving. However, the gas engine's 175 pound-feet of torque limited high-speed passing power. The Highlander Hybrid could tow up to 1,588 kilograms, but power was limited, and brake fade was noted during mountain driving. Drivers could choose between Eco, Normal, and Sport modes, with an additional Trail mode for light off-road use. The Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, but real-world results were higher than expected at 8.2 L/100 km. The Highlander Hybrid was described as uninspiring to drive, with soft suspension and a noisy CVT, but it offered a smooth and quiet ride on highways.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor/generator, mated to a CVT driving the front wheels. A second electric motor provided AWD, resulting in 219 horsepower and a 0-100 km/h time of approximately 7.5 seconds. This made the RAV4 Hybrid quicker than the standard RAV4 and competitive within its class. The brakes operated smoothly, with regenerative braking charging the hybrid battery. The suspension provided a comfortable ride over bumps and confident cornering, though it wasn't sporty. The RAV4 Hybrid's driving dynamics were calm and effortless, appealing to most drivers.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to accommodate seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim and configuration. Most models featured standard second-row captain’s chairs, making the third-row seat best for occasional use. The interior included three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated seats in the Platinum package. The front seats offered power adjustment but lacked thigh support. Second-row passengers enjoyed comfort and sunshades, while third-row access was tight and uncomfortable for adults. The Highlander Hybrid offered 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with the third row folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row down. However, storage areas were unlined, and the centre console design was unnecessarily complex.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided ample space for front passengers and adequate room for average-sized adults in the rear. Rear headroom was slightly more than competitors, but legroom was slightly less. The rear seat cushions were low, affecting thigh support for taller passengers. Cargo capacity was 1,059 litres, nearly matching the non-hybrid RAV4, with no significant advantage over competitors. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, though shorter owners might struggle to reach them. Interior storage was a highlight, with a wide dashboard shelf, phone tray, large cupholders, and a spacious centre armrest bin. Dual-zone climate control was standard on all trims except the base Hybrid LE.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display with various themes. However, the controls were not intuitive. The infotainment system featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 12.3-inch display on the Limited trim, with over-the-air updates, dual-device Bluetooth pairing, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected service plans were standard, with Remote Connect allowing remote access via a smartphone app. The Drive Connect service plan offered an Intelligent Assistant and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, which provided decent sound quality. The Toyota Audio Multimedia platform was user-friendly, though graphics could be improved.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received a new multimedia infotainment system with modern graphics and logical menus. The screen placement reduced distraction, with an 8.0-inch display on most trims and a 10.5-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with an optional wireless charging pad. The system supported over-the-air updates, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote vehicle monitoring. The top trim featured a fully digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The base audio system delivered decent clarity and power.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with parking sensors and a surround-view camera on higher trims. The ADAS performed well, though it struggled with certain road conditions. Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and collision notification. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received five stars from the NHTSA for overall and side crash protection, and four stars for frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick, with "Good" ratings in most tests. Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 was standard, including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a traffic sign reader. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard in Canada. The Limited trim added parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The safety systems functioned smoothly, with no false alarms.