Toyota RAV4 vs Toyota Highlander 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 was standard, while the U.S. offered a front-wheel drive version. The Highlander Hybrid XLE AWD came with a Special Edition package, and the Limited trim allowed for a Platinum package upgrade. The Bronze Edition for the XLE sold out quickly. Our test vehicle was the Limited trim with the Platinum package, priced at $61,800 in Canada. The 2023 model saw minimal appearance changes, 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. Despite these drawbacks, the vehicle was noted for its quietness on the road.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 aimed for a tough appearance, with aggressive styling and dual exhaust outlets hinting at non-existent performance. The TRD Off-Road trim was available in the U.S., while the Limited trim topped the Canadian lineup. Prices ranged from $36,215 for the LE to $47,815 for the Limited, with hybrids costing slightly more. The RAV4's interior focused on utility, with practical features like storage shelves and easy-clean surfaces. Higher budgets allowed for more upscale interiors. The TRD Off-Road trim included a digital rearview mirror, and the RAV4's cabin was designed for practicality, with features like SofTex upholstery and heated seats. The RAV4 was noted for its comfort and visibility, with a spacious cargo area and competitive cargo space for the segment.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, providing standard AWD. It delivered 243 combined horsepower, but the gas engine's 175 pound-feet of torque limited high-speed passing power. The Highlander Hybrid could tow up to 1,588 kilograms, though it wasn't recommended due to limited power. The vehicle offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with a Trail mode for light off-road use. The Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, but the test vehicle averaged 8.2 L/100 km, higher than the expected 6.7 L/100 km. The Highlander Hybrid was described as uninspiring to drive, with soft suspension and a CVT that made it feel sluggish. It was best suited for city and suburban driving, offering a quiet and smooth ride.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. AWD was standard in Canada, with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RAV4 offered Multi-Terrain Select with various driving modes and ground clearance ranging from 20.6 to 21.6 centimetres. The engine was powerful for its class but sounded loud and unrefined. The RAV4's fuel economy was rated at 8.5 L/100 km, with the LE model slightly lower at 7.9 L/100 km. The test vehicle averaged 10.6 L/100 km on the evaluation route. The RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition offered better fuel efficiency at 6.4 L/100 km. The RAV4's engine was known for its dependability, and the eight-speed automatic transmission was praised for its performance.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to handle family life, seating seven or eight people depending on the configuration. Most models featured second-row captain's chairs, making the third row best for occasional use. Standard equipment 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, though more thigh support was desired. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, with sunshades for rear-facing child seats. The third row was difficult to access and uncomfortable for adults. The Highlander offered 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seats folded. The centre armrest storage console was criticized for its design, and the optional all-weather cargo mat compromised utility.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 focused on practicality and utility, with features like storage shelves and rubberized control knobs. The test vehicle had SofTex upholstery, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available on higher trims. The RAV4 offered a comfortable driver's seat and excellent visibility, with a spacious rear seat for four adults. The cargo area provided 1,059 litres of space, expanding to 1,977 litres with the seats folded. The RAV4's interior was designed for recreational activity, with features like a power liftgate and competitive cargo space for the segment.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with upper trims featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system offered an 8.0-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen, with features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected service plans were standard, with Remote Connect allowing remote access to vehicle features. The Drive Connect service plan added a voice recognition system and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and a JBL sound system, though the graphics could be improved for better visibility.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or 10.5-inch touchscreen. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and connected service plans. Service Connect and Safety Connect were free for ten years, while Remote Connect was complimentary for three years. Drive Connect required a subscription, adding navigation and a digital voice assistant. The infotainment system was sophisticated but had some usability issues, such as the lack of a multi-panel Home screen. The test vehicle had a digital rear-view mirror, but not the panoramic surround-view camera.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with parking sensors and a surround-view camera on higher trims. The ADAS worked well, though it struggled with certain road conditions. Safety Connect was standard, and the Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard in Canada. The ADAS was adequate, with some issues on curvy roads. The RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to lower ratings in recent crash tests. The current-generation RAV4's design and engineering age contributed to these results, indicating a need for an updated version.