Are you a fan of the Toyota brand? Do you want to buy an SUV? Two of the most popular vehicles in the Toyota lineup are the RAV4 compact SUV and the Highlander midsize SUV. In making a buying decision between the two SUVs, the Highlander has some advantages. Here are four reasons to buy a 2023 Toyota Highlander, not a 2023 Toyota RAV4.

2023 Toyota Highlander has more interior space than the 2023 Toyota RAV4

The first reason to buy a 2023 Toyota Highlander instead of a 2023 Toyota RAV4 is the Highlander has more interior space than the RAV4. It has an eight-passenger seating capacity and a total passenger volume of 141.3 cu-ft. In comparison, the RAV4 can seat only five people and has a total passenger volume of 98.9 cu-ft.

Also, the Highlander provides more storage space. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 84.3 cu-ft, compared to 69.8 cu-ft for the RAV4.

2023 Highlander can tow more than the 2023 RAV4

The second reason to buy a 2023 Toyota Highlander instead of a 2023 Toyota RAV4 is the Highlander can tow more than the RAV4. It has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, compared to 3,500 pounds for the RAV4. With a 5,000-pound towing capacity, the Highlander can tow things like a boat, a pop-up camping trailer, a utility trailer, ATVs, jet skis, and snowmobiles.

Toyota Highlander is safer than the Toyota RAV4

The third reason to buy a 2023 Highlander instead of a 2023 RAV4 is the Highlander is safer than the RAV4. This is due to the safety history of the two SUVs. For the previous model year, the Highlander earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating. In comparison, the RAV4 received the second-tier Top Safety Pick award. Given that both the Highlander and RAV4 are primarily carryover models, the safety ratings will likely be similar for the 2023 model year.

Also, unlike the RAV4, the Highlander offers auto-leveling headlights and cross-traffic alert driving assistance features. 

2023 Highlander is more luxurious than the 2023 RAV4

The fourth reason to buy a 2023 Highlander instead of a 2023 RAV4 is the Highlander is more luxurious than the RAV4. The overall quality is higher for the Highlander, with a greater use of premium materials, especially for the interior. 

Also, the Highlander offers many premium features that are not available for the RAV4. This includes a panoramic roof, a head-up display, remote engine start, a mirror memory system, illuminated vanity mirrors, quad bucket seats, and a rear climate control system.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander has advantages over the 2023 Toyota RAV4 for interior space, towing, safety, and luxury. If you’re deciding between the two SUVs, these are four solid reasons to buy a 2023 Highlander, not a 2023 RAV4.

For reasons to buy a 2023 RAV4 instead of a 2023 Highlander, continue reading below.