Toyota Highlander vs Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota Highlander boasted a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window that gave it a compact appearance despite its spacious interior. Inside, the Highlander offered ample cabin space and clever storage solutions, making it ideal for families. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior, unique exterior styling, ambient lighting, and sport-tuned suspension, providing a blend of luxury and sportiness. The Highlander was available in several trims, each offering a range of features from standard all-wheel drive and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the base LE trim to premium features like a panoramic moonroof and a JBL audio system in the Limited and Platinum trims.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 maintained the design introduced in 2019, with the Trail trim featuring a more aggressive grille and blacked-out wheels. The interior of the Trail trim was enhanced with orange accents and contrast stitching, adding a touch of flair to its otherwise basic design. The RAV4 offered a range of trims, from the entry-level LE to the more luxurious Limited, which included features like heated and ventilated seats and a premium audio system. The RAV4's interior was practical, with convenient storage options and a rugged feel, although it lacked the premium touch found in some competitors. The RAV4's design and features catered to those seeking a balance between practicality and style.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, offering a smooth and composed driving experience. The Highlander featured drive modes such as Sport, Normal, and Eco, along with AWD modes like Mud/Sand and Rock, enhancing its versatility. While the V6 provided good pickup at higher speeds, it was less lively from a standstill. The Highlander could tow up to 2,268 kilograms and had a max payload of 775 kilograms, making it suitable for various hauling needs.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which, while preferable to a CVT, did not enhance acceleration. The RAV4's performance was more subdued, focusing on practicality rather than excitement. The Trail trim featured 19-inch wheels and a suspension setup similar to other RAV4 models, providing a comfortable ride but lacking the sporty edge of the Highlander.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered impressive cargo space, with up to 2,387 litres available with the second and third rows folded. With all seats in use, it provided 453 litres behind the third row. The interior was designed for convenience, with deep cargo pockets, multiple storage compartments, and second-row captain’s chairs for added comfort. The third row was less spacious, suitable for short trips. The Highlander’s power liftgate, available on higher trims, added to its practicality.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, designed to seat five, provided 1,059 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded. While it offered less headroom in the front compared to some competitors, it provided more in the rear. The RAV4's interior featured practical storage solutions, including a shelf along the glove compartment and generous door pockets. The cargo space was competitive, though not class-leading, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth connectivity and five USB ports. The system was user-friendly, with hard buttons complementing the touchscreen. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system were available on higher trims, enhancing the multimedia experience.

For 2023, the Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen in the Limited trim. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with over-the-air updates. The RAV4 also featured connected services like Safety Connect and Drive Connect. The Limited trim offered an 11-speaker JBL audio system, while the Trail trim retained a more basic setup.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including features like forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and dynamic radar cruise control. It also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. The Highlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 featured the updated TSS 2.5 suite, offering advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. It also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RAV4 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, reflecting its commitment to safety.