Is a Highlander bigger than a RAV4?
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV, while the Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV. Based on their respective dimensions, the Highlander is generally larger than the RAV4 in terms of overall size and interior space.
Comparing the Toyota Highlander and RAV4
The Toyota Highlander and RAV4 are both popular SUV models from the Japanese automaker, but they belong to different size classes. The Highlander is considered a midsize SUV, while the RAV4 is a compact SUV. This difference in size and class is reflected in their overall dimensions and interior space.
Exterior Dimensions
The Toyota Highlander has a longer wheelbase, is taller, and has a larger overall length compared to the RAV4. Specifically, the Highlander measures around 194 inches long, 76 inches wide, and 69 inches tall, while the RAV4 is approximately 181 inches long, 73 inches wide, and 67 inches tall. This means the Highlander has a larger footprint and presence on the road.
Interior Space
The increased exterior size of the Highlander translates to more interior passenger and cargo room compared to the RAV4. The Highlander can seat up to 8 passengers, while the RAV4 maxes out at 5 passengers. The Highlander also offers more cargo volume behind the rear seats - up to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded down, versus 69 cubic feet for the RAV4.
Conclusion
In summary, the Toyota Highlander is a larger and more spacious SUV compared to the Toyota RAV4. The Highlander's midsize classification means it has a longer wheelbase, taller profile, and more overall interior room for passengers and cargo. While both are excellent SUV options from Toyota, the Highlander is the bigger and more accommodating choice between the two.
Which Toyota SUV is the roomiest?
The most spacious Toyota SUV is the Toyota Sequoia, which offers the most passenger and cargo room with seating for up to eight and up to 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space. The Grand Highlander is another very spacious option, specifically designed to provide more third-row legroom and cargo space compared to the standard Highlander.
Toyota Sequoia
- Why it's spacious: As Toyota's largest SUV, it is built for maximum space and has a larger exterior than other models.
- Seating: Seats up to eight passengers.
- Cargo: Offers up to 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded down.
- Key features: Standard i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, up to 9,000 pounds of towing capacity, and luxurious upper trims.
Grand Highlander
- Why it's spacious: It is designed with a longer body to provide more interior space, especially for third-row passengers, compared to the standard Highlander.
- Seating: Seats up to eight passengers.
- Cargo: Offers more cargo room and interior space than the standard Highlander.
- Key features: Available in a hybrid model and offers extra comfort for larger families or road trips.
Which is better, a Toyota Highlander or a RAV4?
The main differences are that the RAV4 is a smaller, more fuel-efficient, and less expensive compact SUV that seats five, while the Highlander is a larger, more powerful, and more expensive mid-size SUV that seats up to eight and has more cargo space and a higher towing capacity. The choice depends on your priorities: if you need fuel efficiency and affordability, the RAV4 is the better choice, but if you need more passenger and cargo space or higher towing capability, the Highlander is more suitable.
You can watch this video to see a visual comparison of the Highlander and RAV4: 58sVagabond BuildsYouTube · May 3, 2024
| Feature | Toyota RAV4 | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Compact SUV | Mid-size SUV |
| Passenger Capacity | 5 | Up to 8 |
| Cargo Space | Smaller, but rear seats fold flat for a uniform space | Significantly more maximum cargo space |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs (ICE) | 5,000 lbs (ICE) |
| Price | Lower starting price | Higher starting price |
| Fuel Economy | Better fuel economy | Lower fuel economy |
| Engine | Smaller 4-cylinder engine (gas or hybrid) | Larger 4-cylinder (gas) or V6 (gas or hybrid) |
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When to choose the RAV4
- Budget-conscious buyers: The RAV4 has a lower starting price.
- Fuel efficiency: It is more fuel-efficient than the Highlander.
- Smaller footprint: Its smaller size is better for navigating tight city streets and parking.
- Need to seat up to 5: It comfortably seats five people, but not with adult-sized passengers in the back.
This video highlights the interior features of the RAV4: 52sToyotaJeff ReviewsYouTube · Dec 29, 2018
When to choose the Highlander
- Need to seat more people: It offers seating for up to eight, making it a better choice for larger families.
- Require more cargo space: It has significantly more maximum cargo space, especially when the second and third rows are folded down.
- Need to tow: The Highlander has a higher towing capacity for boats, trailers, or other gear.
- Prioritize more power: It comes with more powerful engine options.
This video discusses the cargo space and third-row options of the Highlander: 54sToyotaJeff ReviewsYouTube · Dec 28, 2020
Is a Highlander a midsize or full size SUV?
| Toyota Highlander | |
|---|---|
| Class | Mid-size crossover SUV |
| Body style | 5-door SUV |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive Front-engine, four-wheel-drive |
| Chassis | Unibody |
What are the negatives of the Toyota Highlander?
Common cons for the Toyota Highlander include a tight third-row seat and limited cargo space behind it, an underpowered base hybrid engine that can feel strained, a coarse engine sound during acceleration, and interior materials that may not feel premium compared to some rivals. Older models may have issues with transmissions or power liftgates, and some owners report concerns with handling or specific technology features like the infotainment system.
This video discusses some cons of the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander: 55sMotorNationYouTube · Jul 13, 2025
Space and utility
- Tight third row: The third-row seat is best suited for children, with limited legroom and difficult access.
- Limited cargo space: The area behind the third row is small, and it may be a challenge to haul many items.
- Poor off-road capability: It is not designed for rugged off-roading and has limited ground clearance.
Performance
- Underpowered base hybrid: The base hybrid powertrain, prioritizing fuel efficiency, can feel sluggish, especially when fully loaded or on the highway.
- Coarse engine noise: The engine can sound loud and unrefined when accelerating hard.
- Sloppy handling: Some owners describe the rear as feeling sloppy, especially when the vehicle is not carrying weight.
- Transmission issues: Certain older model years (e.g., 2017-2020) have been reported to have transmission problems.
Interior and technology
- Interior quality: Higher trims may still feature noticeable hard plastics, and the overall interior feel may not be as upscale as some competitors at a similar price point.
- Infotainment issues: Some owners report problems with the infotainment system, such as freezing or connectivity issues with Bluetooth.
Other potential drawbacks
- High price: Some models, particularly the gas-only version, have a high base price compared to competitors.
- Power liftgate problems: A specific defect involving the rear power liftgate has been reported in several model years.
- Visibility issues: Some owners report that the side mirrors create blind spots.
This video shares some of the things the creator dislikes about the Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 1mMotorNationYouTube · Oct 27, 2025
