Hey there, drivers around Avon, Indianapolis, and Plainfield, IN! If you're looking for a new set of wheels to take on those road trips, you've come to a helpful place. Our team at Andy Mohr Toyota is a popular resource for all things automotive. We're here to help streamline your new car choice, which is why we’ve put together this 2023 Toyota Highlander vs. RAV4 comparison.
That way, you can see what both vehicles have to offer and how they can mesh seamlessly with your lifestyle. Read on for more information.
PASSENGERS
TOUCHSCREEN
MAXIMUM TOWING
You want a vehicle with an engine that’s up to your standards. Both the Highlander and the RAV4 not only aim to meet those expectations but also exceed them with their high-powered engines. Each vehicle offers one gasoline engine and one hybrid engine, which we’ll review here.
New for the 2023 model year, the Highlander introduces a new 2.4L turbo gas drivetrain that’s ready to take on your adventures. The two powertrain options for the 2023 Toyota Highlander are:
- 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine - This engine generates 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque and comes equipped with a Stop and Start Engine System.
- 2.5-liter L4HV hybrid engine - This engine delivers 243 combined net horsepower.
Equally up to the task for your adventures, both on the road and off, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 offers its own dynamic duo of powertrains:
- 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine - It produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine comes with SPORT, Eco, and NORMAL drive modes as well as a Stop and Start Engine System on certain trims.
- 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid engine - It gets 219 combined net horsepower and comes with SPORT, Eco, NORMAL, EV, and TRAIL drive modes.
The beauty of these vehicles and their engines is that no matter which one you choose, you’ll get a powerful ride every time.
The biggest difference between the cabin sizes of the Highlander and the RAV4 is that the Highlander offers three rows, while the RAV4 is a 2-row SUV. So, if you really need that extra seating capacity, the Highlander can fit eight passengers vs. five passengers in the RAV4.
When you and your crew climb aboard, you’ll want to be sure everyone has enough room to stretch out and get comfortable no matter where they’re seated. Here’s how the legroom measures for each Highlander row:
- 42 inches of front legroom
- 38.7 inches of middle legroom
- 28 inches of rear legroom
Of course, with people comes stuff, so you’ll also need to make sure there’s enough space for everyone’s gear. As for cargo room, the Highlander provides:
- 16 cubic feet behind the third row
- 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row
- 84.3 cubic feet behind the first row
Here’s how those same figures measure within the 2-row Toyota RAV4:
- 41 inches of front legroom
- 37.8 inches of rear legroom
- 37.6 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row
- 69.8 cubic feet of cargo room behind the first row
We’ve covered a lot about the wonders of the Highlander and the RAV4. However, there’s one more key aspect we should look at and that’s their standard features. As siblings within the Toyota lineup, the Highlander and the RAV4 share many of the same amenities.
Cloth seating comes standard in the earlier trim levels of each vehicle. As you upgrade, the unique SofTex® seats become standard.
Both Toyota SUVs have a standard 8-inch multimedia touchscreen display. Across all trims of both vehicles, you’ll enjoy standard:
- wireless Bluetooth® capabilities
- wireless Apple CarPlay®
- wireless Android Auto™
Of course, no standard features are more important than those that help protect you and everyone on board. Toyota is committed to your safety and equips both models with a standard safety suite: Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ in the Highlander and Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5 in the RAV4.
In both iterations, you’ll see some similar features, including:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Protection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Road Sign Assist
As such, you’ll have peace of mind when you climb behind the wheel of either Toyota.
Now that you've read about the 2023 Toyota Highlander vs. RAV4, have you chosen a favorite? Between these two rides, you'll find power to go the distance as well as comfort and space to kick back. You can thoughtfully weigh your decision, but if you need a nudge, you know who to call. Get in touch with our team at Andy Mohr Toyota.
We make it our mission to assist drivers near Avon, Indianapolis, and Plainfield, IN to take home the ride of their dreams. Contact us today to schedule a test drive of one or both models!
All of the tools you need to move forward with experiencing a new 2023 Highlander or RAV4 for yourself are conveniently available right here online.
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