Toyota Highlander vs. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Toyota Highlander and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
When we compare the Toyota Highlander's and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Toyota Highlander's and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Highlander is a better car than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
Pricing: A used 2024 Toyota Highlander ranges from $41,719 to $53,965 while a used 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is priced between $33,827 to $44,499. For a new model, the Toyota Highlander's price is between $41,955 and $54,332, with the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid priced between $33,984 and $44,681.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Toyota Highlander loses 39.2 percent of its value and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid loses 30.4 percent of its value. This means the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid retains 8.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Toyota Highlander.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Toyota Highlander is 8.7 out of 10 while the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Toyota Highlander being ranked 9 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid being ranked 2 out of 12 Best Hybrid Small SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Toyota Highlander is 8.9 out of 10. For the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid the reliability rating is 6.2 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Highlander an advantage in reliability compared to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Toyota Highlander’s base engine makes 265 horsepower, and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid base engine makes 219 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Toyota Highlander, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, a hybrid SUV, has the advantage in the areas of rear head room cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Toyota Highlander has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$41,955 - $54,332
Starting MSRP:
$39,270
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$33,984 - $44,681
Starting MSRP:
$31,725
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
$35,591
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
$28,220 - $43,690
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$47,051
Price Range:
$41,719 - $53,965
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
695
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
10,246
# Good or Great Deals:
142
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$38,897
Price Range:
$33,827 - $44,499
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
$39,761
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
$33,760 - $51,180
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
4,766
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
1,836
# Good or Great Deals:
146
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$15,607
Depreciation %:
39.7%
Resale Value $:
$23,663
Residual Value %:
60.3%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$9,661
Depreciation %:
30.5%
Resale Value $:
$22,064
Residual Value %:
69.5%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
33%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
30.5% - 50.8%
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
6.2 / 10
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Highlander
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
67.9%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
11.2
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
10 - 12.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
7.6%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
2 - 8.6
Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 16Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 18Ranking
5 out of / 17Ranking
6 out of / 39Ranking
6 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 28Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 39Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
52 out of / 59Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 27Ranking
1 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 26Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 27Ranking
5 out of / 27Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
6 out of / 12Ranking
6 out of / 12Ranking
7 out of / 12Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 12Ranking
10 out of / 12Ranking
11 out of / 12Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 27Ranking
14 out of / 27Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 27Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 27Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
22 out of / 27Ranking
24 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 27Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 27Ranking
29 out of / 32Ranking
29 out of / 32Summary Review
The Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.
Summary Review
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a compact crossover with seating for five. The current Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was redesigned for the 2019 model year, with new models costing between $28,650-$37,180 and 3-year-old models averaging $27,181.
Pros and Cons
- Class-leading fuel economy
- No disappointing base engine
- Legendary reliability
- Third-row space a bit cramped
Pros and Cons
- Reputation for durability
- Gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models available
- Rugged SUV-like capability with the TRD Pro Off-Road trim
- Lackluster driving experience
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto late to arrive
- Cumbersome touchscreen controls
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Hybrid
Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
LE, Limited, Platinum, XLE, XSE
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Trim Levels
LE, Limited, SE, Woodland Edition, XLE, XLE Premium, XSE
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
219 hp @ 5300 rpm
Torque:
Not yet available
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.7 inches
Cargo Space:
16 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
84.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
157.8 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Cargo Space:
37.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
69.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
136.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4155 lbs
Width:
76 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
194.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3690 lbs
Width:
73 inches
Height:
67 inches
Length:
180.9 inches
Wheelbase:
105.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Blueprint / Moon Dust
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Green
Cypress
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
White
Wind Chill Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Not available
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Green
Not available
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
Silver
Silver Sky Metallic
White
Ice Cap
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Graphite
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
Beige
Nutmeg