What’s the Difference Between a 2022 Toyota RAV4 and Highlander?
Are you shopping for a new Toyota SUV? Two of the most popular options are the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and the 2022 Toyota Highlander. Although the two models have some similarities, there are also a lot of differences. Moreover, whether you’re interested in a RAV4 or a Highlander, you should know what’s better about each one. Especially regarding price, features, engines, and size. What’s the difference between a 2022 Toyota RAV4 and Highlander?
2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. Highlander: Price
First, the most significant difference between the two Toyota SUVs is the price. According to J.D. Power, Prices for the three-row Highlander range from $35,405 to $47,760 from the bottom to the top of the lineup. This includes all seven trim levels available, L, LE, XLE, XSE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum. Alternatively, the compact RAV4 starts at $26,525, and the range-topping model costs $43,125. For the RAV4, the eight trim levels are LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, SE, XSE, and Limited.
Despite a much higher starting price for the Highlander, both models’ range-toppers are similarly priced. There are only a few thousand dollars between a fully-loaded RAV4 and Highlander. As a result, most of the savings from buying the compact over the three-row midsize Toyota SUV will come from lower trim levels.
2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. Highlander: Engines
The next most important difference between the RAV4 and Highlander is the engines. For the 2022 Toyota Highlander, every model except for the Bronze Edition comes with a standard 3.5-liter V6. However, the Bronze Edition automatically comes with a four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, making it the only standard hybrid Highlander. However, the hybrid powertrain is available as an option for all models except for the L and XSE.
As for the 2022 Toyota RAV4, the compact SUV uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. However, SE and XSE models are only available with a hybrid powertrain. Like the Highlander, other models in the lineup can use the hybrid powertrain as well. There’s also a plug-in hybrid version of the RAV4, called the RAV4 Prime, which starts at $39,800. In addition, the Prime qualifies for a $7,500 federal tax credit.
2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. Highlander: Features and technology
According to J.D. Power, the 2022 Toyota Highlander has a slight advantage over the RAV4 regarding infotainment. For example, most Highlanders come with an eight-inch touchscreen and standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Additionally, a 12.3-inch touchscreen is optional for the Limited and Platinum trims. Next, a factory navigation system is available for either display, plus it comes with five USB ports, a wireless charging pad (XSE), and a head-up display (Platinum).
Alternatively, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 comes with one of three touchscreen displays. Owners get a seven-inch unit with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto for the base models. However, the RAV4 Prime SE gets an upgraded eight-inch screen, and the standard RAV4’s higher trims get a nine-inch. Moreover, factory navigation is only available for the nine-inch unit. All RAV4s besides LE have five USB ports, and the highest trims gain a wireless charging pad.
How much bigger is a Highlander than a RAV4?
As a three-row midsize SUV, the 2022 Toyota Highlander is obviously the bigger of the two Toyota SUVs. However, is it worth paying extra just for more space? J.D Power says it provides 16 cubic feet of space behind the third row of seats but 48.4 cubic feet when folded down. With all rear seats folded, that number expands to 84.3 cubic feet, which is excellent even compared with other midsize models.
Although the RAV4 is smaller, it’s surprisingly spacious for a compact SUV. Its cargo area measures 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which jumps to 69.8 with the seats down. As for the RAV4 Prime, it comes with 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space, maxing out at the same number as a standard RAV4 with the seats down.
Differences between Toyota SUVs
Several differences exist between the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and the 2022 Toyota Highlander. Shopping for a Toyota SUV is easy, with excellent models like these available. However, there are a few advantages each one has over the other. We love the availability of standard and hybrid engines for both lineups, plus the plug-in hybrid availability for the RAV4 Prime. Price is a significant advantage for the RAV4, which comes mainly from fewer features and technological advancements, as well as cargo space. In those areas, the Highlander far exceeds its smaller brand sibling.
