2023 Toyota Highlander Vs. RAV4

Price and Trim Levels

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 is cheaper than the Toyota Highlander. However, it's essential to look at what each has to offer before you choose the suitable model for your lifestyle. Either one offers six trim levels, and let's evaluate the different trim levels first.

Price & Trim Levels | Toyota Highlander

• L | $36,420
• LE | $38,820
• XLE | $41,820
• XSE | $43,415
• Limited| $46,075
• Platinum | $49,275

Price & Trim Levels | Toyota RAV4

• LE | $27,975
• XLE | $29,485
• XLE Premium | $32,375
• Adventure | $34,170
• Limited | $36,280
• TRD Off-Road | $37,595

Exterior & Colors

The 2023 Toyota Highlander measures 195-197″ L x 76″ W x 68″ H and offers either 18" or 20" wheels. In comparison, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 is smaller at 181-182″ L x 73″ W x 67-69″ H, and you can choose either 17" or 19" wheels. New Toyota SUVs offer a variety of single and two-tone paint colors. 

Interior Design & Seating

The 2023 Toyota Highlander is a three-row SUV with seating between seven and eight passengers. On the other hand, there are two rows in the Toyota RAV4 with room for five.

Infotainment & Features

The 2023 Toyota Highlander comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, an 8" touch screen, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, satellite radio, a six-speaker stereo system, and five USB ports. In comparison, the Toyota RAV4 includes an 8" touch screen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, satellite radio and USB ports.

Cargo Capacity

Behind the third row of the 2023 Toyota Highlander, you get 16 cubic feet of cargo space. With that seat down, there are 48.4 cubic feet available, or 84.3 cubic feet with both rear seats down. The 2023 Toyota RAV4 offers 37 and 69.8 cubic feet, in comparison.

Towing Capacity

The 2023 Toyota Highlander tows more, with a maximum capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. However, the Toyota RAV4 is not a slacker; able to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Drivetrain & Suspension

The drivetrain of the two Toyota SUVs is similar. You get standard front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available. Additionally, both models include an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

The 2023 Toyota Highlander has a 265-horsepower 2.4-L four-cylinder engine, which is brand-new for this model year. The 2023 Toyota RAV4 provides a 203-horsepower 2.5L four-cylinder engine instead. Both models also have hybrid powertrains to choose from.

Performance & MPG

The 2023 Toyota Highlander with its new engine is rated for 22-23/28-29 mpg with front-wheel drive or 21/28 mpg with all-wheel drive. In comparison, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 has ratings of 28/35 mpg with front-wheel drive and 27/34 with all-wheel drive. With these ratings, you could choose either SUV and save fuel. 

Safety Features

The 2023 Toyota Highlander comes standard with lane keep assist, a rearview camera, lane trace assist, forward collision warning, traffic sign recognition, forward automatic emergency braking, automatic high beam headlights, pedestrian detection, a rear-seat reminder, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Similarly, the new RAV4 has standard forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, a rearview camera, traffic sign recognition, forward automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and lane-tracing assist.

Ratings & Reviews

The 2023 Toyota Highlander is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the best it can earn. Additionally, Car and Driver says, "The Highlander offers plenty of overall competence, a fuel-sipping hybrid model, and lots of features." On top of that, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, with Car and Driver saying, "The RAV4's practicality and affordability are hard to argue with."