Should You Buy The 2021 Toyota Highlander Or RAV4?

The 2021 Toyota Highlander and 2021 Toyota RAV4 are both SUVs built for families in Breinigsville, Pennsylvania, to support your busy schedule and active lifestyle. However, there are differences major between the crossover RAV4 and midsize Highlander which are important to distinguish when you are deciding which Toyota SUV best fits your family.

Being a smaller model, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 prioritizes efficiency, as its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine can travel around 28 miles on a gallon of gas in the city and 35 miles on the highway.* The RAV4 Hybrid has even greater efficiency, averaging 41 mpg in stop-and-go traffic.*

The larger 2021 Toyota Highlander utilizes a powerful base 3.5-liter V6 which generates 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, making it a stronger but less efficient SUV. Plus, it offers a 4x4 drivetrain option. However, a great compromise is the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. It averages 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg highway while still boasting impressive performance, in addition to available Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive.

Because they feature different engines, each Toyota SUV has different performance limits. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 can tow 3,500 pounds, which is still enough to tow a small boat or livestock trailer (Adventure or Off-Road trims only; all others 1,500 pounds). The 2021 Toyota Highlander is a bit stronger, so it can tow up to 5,000 pounds without any particular upgrades needed.

Both Toyota SUVs offer selectable Drive Modes for everyday driving: Sport, Normal, and Eco. Plus, they also offer Multi-Terrain Select for improved off-road traction.

Being a crossover, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 offers a total of 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space with its rear row collapsed. It seats five passengers and gives the driver an added luxury of eight-way power-adjustable seat positioning with memory function (an optional feature).

The 2021 Highlander is a three-row model that seats seven or eight passengers, so its dimensions are noticeably larger. With second and third rows folded down, cargo space expands to 84.3 cubic feet. Plus, the Highlander offers equally luxurious upgrades for comfortable driving.

Both Toyota vehicles have high-tech features your family will appreciate. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility allows for an easy connection with either SUV from your phone. Find the Toyota Safety Sense™ suite of driver assistance tools on either model.

If you want a roomy ride with extra power, choose the Toyota Highlander. If you want an efficient, affordable SUV with a lower price, choose the Toyota RAV4. You can find both new SUVs in stock now at Krause Toyota.

*EPA-estimated 27 city/35 hwy/30 combined mpg for 2021 RAV4 LE FWD and Limited FWD; 27 city/34 hwy/30 combined mpg for 2021 RAV4 LE AWD; 28 city/35 hwy/30 combined mpg for 2021 RAV4 XLE FWD and XLE Premium FWD; 27 city/33 hwy/29 combined mpg for 2021 RAV4 XLE AWD and XLE Premium AWD; 25 city/33 hwy/28 combined mpg for 2021 RAV4 Adventure and Limited AWD; 25 city/32 hwy/28 combined mpg for 2021 RAV4 TRD Off-Road; and 41 city/38 hwy/40 combined mpg for 2021 RAV4 LE Hybrid, XLE Hybrid, XLE Premium Hybrid, XSE Hybrid and Limited Hybrid. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov/.

 

**EPA-estimated 21 city/29 hwy/24 combined mpg for 2021 Highlander; 20 city/27 hwy/23 combined for 2021 Highlander AWD; 36 city/35 hwy/36 combined mpg for 2021 Highlander Hybrid. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov/.