Toyota has an enormously successful SUV lineup, especially with the compact RAV4 and the midsize Highlander. Learn how the two models stack up in this 2024 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2024 Toyota Highlander comparison. 

2024 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2024 Toyota Highlander: Advantages of each SUV

For our 2024 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2024 Toyota Highlander comparison, we evaluated various areas for the two SUVs. This includes passenger and cargo space, safety, reliability, engines, towing, fuel economy, off-road use, and warranty coverage. 

RAV4 vs. Highlander: Passenger and cargo space

The 2024 Toyota Highlander is a larger SUV than the 2024 Toyota RAV4. As a result, the Highlander has a roomier interior. It can seat up to eight people and has a total passenger volume of 141.3 cu-ft, compared to five people and 98.9 cu-ft for the RAV4. 

The Highlander also provides more storage space. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 84.3 cu-ft, while the RAV4 tops out at 69.8 cu-ft.

RAV4 vs. Highlander: Safety

Both SUVs are safe, but the Highlander has the edge. It earned a Top Safety Pick Plus+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which is the highest rating from the organization. However, the RAV4 received the second-tier Top Safety Pick award.

RAV4 vs. Highlander: Reliability

The RAV4 and Highlandeer are evenly matched for reliability. Both SUVs achieved a “great” reliability of 81/100 from J.D. Power.

RAV4 vs. Highlander: Engines

On the performance front, customers have a choice of three powertrain options for the 2024 Toyota RAV4: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 horsepower), a hybrid (219 horsepower), and a plug-in hybrid with the RAV4 Prime (308 horsepower). And for the 2024 Toyota Highlander, there are two choices: a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four engine (265 horsepower) and a hybrid (243 horsepower).

Also, with its smaller size, the RAV4 is more maneuverable than the Highlander. This helps with backing up, parking, and driving through traffic.

RAV4 vs. Highlander: Towing

The Highlander has greater towing capacities. It has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, compared to 3,500 pounds for the RAV4.

RAV4 vs. Highlander: Fuel economy

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 is a more efficient SUV. It has an estimated fuel economy of up to 30 combined mpg for the fully gas-powered model and 40 combined mpg for the Hybrid. Also, the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid gets up to 94 MPGe in electric-only mode and 38 combined mpg in hybrid mode.

And for the 2024 Toyota Highlander, the estimated gas mileage is up to 25 combined mpg for the fully gas-powered model and 36 combined mpg for the Hybrid. 

RAV4 vs. Highlander: Off-road use

For off-road use and driving in adverse weather conditions, the RAV4 is better than the Highlander. Both SUVs have a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, but the RAV4 has higher ground clearance for driving over uneven terrain and obstacles. It provides up to 8.6 inches of clearance, compared to 8.0 inches for the Highlander.

Also, for even greater off-road capabilities, the RAV4 has off-road models. This includes the Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Woodland Edition trims.

RAV4 vs. Highlander: Warranty

The RAV4 and Highlander have the same warranty coverage. This includes a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Both SUVs also offer a 2-year/25,000-mile free maintenance plan.

2024 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2024 Toyota Highlander: What are the differences?

In this 2024 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2024 Toyota Highlander comparison, each SUV has a different set of advantages. For the 2024 RAV4, this includes maximum engine output, maneuverability, fuel economy, and off-road use. And for the 2024 Highlander, advantages include passenger and cargo space, safety, base engine output, and towing.