2021 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander: What’s the Difference?

Are you in the market for an SUV that is capable of transporting cargo and promoting comfort for every passenger? The 2021 Toyota Highlander and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 are both impressive options for you to choose from. Advantage Toyota of River Oaks is here to help you discover the right SUV for you, so be sure to check out the 2021 Toyota RAV4s for sale and the 2021 Toyota Highlanders for sale to see which models you like. Our dealership in Calumet City, IL, has a number of RAV4 lease deals and Highlander lease deals for you to browse through. If you have any questions about the RAV4 or the Highlander, feel free to reach out to our team online or call us at 708-862-0700.

View RAV4 Inventory

View Highlander Inventory

rav4-vs-highlander

2021 TOYOTA RAV4 VS. HIGHLANDER
Interior

Interior comforts are top notch in both the 2021 Highlander and the 2021 RAV4. From a leather-wrapped steering wheel to automatic climate control, the RAV4 and the Highlander are built to satisfy your comfort levels. There are a number of interior amenities that you can expect on both of these remarkable SUVs, which you can learn more about in the following list.

Dual- or tri-zone automatic climate control
Smart key system with push button start
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
HomeLink^®
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob

2021 TOYOTA RAV4 VS. HIGHLANDER
Exterior

Exterior design is a staple for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 and the 2021 Toyota Highlander. With both of these high caliber SUVs, you’ll have access to LED headlights and tail lights in addition to body color, heated, power outside mirrors. LED daytime running lights can also be found on both models, as well as a moonroof and integrated fog lights.

2021 TOYOTA RAV4 VS. HIGHLANDER
Dimensions

If interior space is a prevalent need for your next SUV, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 and the 2021 Toyota Highlander are sure to have the cargo capabilities you’re searching for. To learn more about the available spacing inside the Highlander and RAV4, peruse the following table.

	2021 Toyota Highlander Dimensions	2021 Toyota RAV4 Dimensions
Headroom (Front/Second Row/Third Row)	41.2 in. / 39.4 in. / 36.1 in.	37.7 in. / 39.5 in. / N/A
Shoulder Room (Front/Second Row/Third Row)	59 in. / 58.7 in. / 55 in.	57.8 in. / 56.4 in. / N/A
Hip Room (Front/Second Row/Third Row)	57.2 in. / 57 in. / 45.6 in.	54.3 in. / 47.7 in. / N/A
Leg Room (Front/Second Row/Third Row)	42 in. / 41 in. / 27.7 in.	41 in. / 37.8 in. / N/A
Cargo Volume (Maximum/Second Row/Third Row)	84.3 cu.-ft. / 48.4 cu.-ft. / 16 cu.-ft.	84.3 cu.-ft. / 48.4 cu.-ft. / N/A

2021 TOYOTA RAV4 VS. HIGHLANDER
Power & Handling

Depending on the power and fuel efficiency you’re searching for in your next SUV, the 2021 Highlander and RAV4 are sure to provide the engine specs you want. Each model has a hybrid option for those interested. You can learn more about the available powertrain choices in the following table.

	2021 Toyota Highlander Engines		2021 Toyota RAV4 Engines
ENGINE	3.5L V6 gas engine	2.5L Hybrid Atkinson cycle	2.5L I4	2.5L Hybrid I4
HORSEPOWER	295 HP	186 HP	203 HP	219 combined HP
TORQUE	263 lb.-ft	175 lb.-ft	184 lb.-ft	176 lb.-ft
MPG (CITY/HWY)	21/29	36/35	27/35	41/38

2021 TOYOTA RAV4 VS. HIGHLANDER
Technology

While the infotainment system in the 2021 Highlander and RAV4 are impressive, there are a few key differences in each model. You can decide what kind of technology features you want for your daily drive by checking out the following table.

RAV4 Technology Features	Highlander Technology Features
• 11-speaker JBL^® speaker	• JBL^® speaker system with Clari-Fi^®
• 8-in. touchscreen display	• Dynamic navigation
• SiriusXM^® Satellite Radio	• 12.3-in. touchscreen display
• Bluetooth^® techology	• 10-in. color head-up display
• Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto^™ compatibility	• Bird's eye view camera with dynamic guidelines
	• Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto^™ compatibility

2021 TOYOTA RAV4 VS. HIGHLANDER
Safety

The Toyota Safety Sense™ is standard on the 2021 RAV4 and Highlander models. You can expect peace of mind the moment you slide behind the wheel thanks to a safety system that keeps an eye on the road at all times. You also have access to the Star Safety System™ with each SUV. To learn more about some of the key safety features in the Highlander and RAV4, browse below.