2022 Toyota RAV4 or 2022 Toyota Highlander: Which Toyota SUV Should You Choose?
2022 Toyota RAV4 or 2022 Toyota Highlander: Which Toyota SUV Should You Choose?
Posted on July 7, 2022
The Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Highlander are among the most popular SUVs in Canada and in their respective segments. The success of the Toyota RAV4 is particularly impressive, as it is the best-selling vehicle in Canada when it comes to car and SUV segments.
Toyota RAV4 LE
Simply put, both the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and the 2022 Toyota Highlander are designed to exceed consumer expectations in their segments. The Toyota RAV4 is a more affordable, smaller compact SUV while the Highlander is a more versatile three-row SUV. These are two different types of SUVs and we thought we’d explore the distinctions between the two to help you choose the right model for you.
Interior space
The following table shows the space available in the front and rear seats, as well as the boot space in the 2022 Toyota Highlander and the 2022 Toyota RAV4.
| 2022 Toyota RAV4 | 2022 Toyota Highlander | |
| Head room (front/back) | 1003 mm/1003 | 1046/1001 |
| Leg room (front/back) | 1041/960 | 1067/1041 |
| Third row | No | Yes |
| Cargo space (behind first row) | 1977 L | 2387 L |
| Cargo space (behind second row) | 1065 L | 1371 L |
We see here where the Highlander stands out from the RAV4 the most: in terms of cargo space and rear leg room. The Toyota Highlander offers a third row of seats that the 2022 Toyota RAV4 doesn’t have either.
Toyota Highlander 2022 interior
On the other hand, in some places the difference is not so great. In fact, the RAV4 even offers slightly more headroom in the rear seats. Of course, if space is your priority, the Highlander gives you more, but the RAV4 still comprises one of the most generous cargo spaces in its class. You’ll never run out of space in either the RAV4 or the Highlander.
Toyota RAV4 2022 interior
Power, fuel economy and towing capacity
The Toyota Highlander is powered by a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine while the RAV4 has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The Highlander is, of course, more powerful, but the RAV4 still offers the best standard power in its class.
Toyota Highlander 2022
What’s more, the Highlander has a hybrid model, just like the RAV4. Power is once again superior in the Highlander, but fuel economy is much better in the RAV4.
| RAV4 2022 | Highlander 2022 | RAV4 Hybrid | Highlander Hybrid | |
| Horsepower | 203 | 295 | 219 | 243 |
| Torque | 184 | 263 | 163 | 175 |
| Cons. City | 8.5 | 11.8 | 5.8 | 6.7 |
| Cons. Highway | 6.8 | 8.6 | 6.3 | 6.8 |
| Towing capacity | 1500 lb
(3500 lb Trail trim) |
5000 lb | 1750 lb | 3500 lb |
The 2022 Toyota Highlander has the advantage in terms of towing capacity and performance, but its gas consumption is also higher.
Toyota RAV4 LE
Finally, the Highlander is more expensive than the Toyota RAV4 by about $10,000 to $15,000 depending on the trim.
Ultimately, the best way to discover the differences between the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and the 2022 Toyota Highlander is to test-drive each one. Come see us today to find out more!