Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid: which Toyota SUV hybrid is right for you?

It goes without saying that both models are equally reliable, because both the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the Highlander Hybrid are competent and reliable Toyota Hybrid SUVs that also boast an excellent resale value. The most important question is: which of these Toyota Hybrid SUVs suits you best? For sale at your Toyota Longueuil dealership on the South Shore of Montreal, where the cities of Brossard and Boucherville meet, these two SUVs will be put to the test to show you what they are capable of.

Highlander Hybrid

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers 4 trim levels: LE, XLE, Limited and Platinum, ranging from just over $47,000 to just under $59,000. The biggest difference between the RAV4 Hybrid and the Highlander is the number of seats: 5 passengers for the first and 8 for the second. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offers 3 variants, LE, XLE and Limited, from just over $34,000 to just over $45,000.

Capabilities

The Highlander's cargo capacity is 2,370 L, while the RAV4's is 1,065 L. If you need to tow a trailer, the Highlander can tow up to 1,588 kg, compared to 794 kg for the RAV4. Unsurprisingly, the Highlander's cabin is much more spacious, with 4,001 L compared to 2,801 L for the RAV4.

The Engines

Under the hood of the Highlander Hybrid are a 3.5 L V6 engine and an electric motor, for a combined 306 horsepower, as well as a 4.5 kWh nickel-metal hydride battery and an Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission. The RAV4 Hybrid features a 4-cylinder 2.5 L engine and electric motor for a total output of 219 horsepower, as well as a 1.6 kWh nickel-metal hydride battery. Fuel consumption ratings for our competitors are as follows: 5.8/6.3/6.0 L/100 km for the RAV4, while the Highlander boosts these numbers to 6.7/6.8/6.7 L/100 km (city/highway/combined).

Highlander Equipment

The bigger Highlander rides on 20-inch aluminum wheels and features 11 JBL speakers, an integrated voice-activated navigation system, LED headlights and taillights, LED fog lights, a power tailgate, heated outside mirrors, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, Remote Start, 2 AC outlets, heated and ventilated front seats and much more.

Book a test-drive for the 2020 Highlander Hybrid

RAV4 Equipment

The RAV4 Hybrid is not to be outdone with a host of equally practical features and equipment, including a center console armrest, speed-sensitive volume control, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, 6 speakers, 17-inch wheels, a voice-activated audio system, heated front seats with lumbar support and much more.

Safety

Both the Highlander and the RAV4 make safety a priority and are therefore very well equipped. They both include Brake Assist, a Rearview Camera, Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, the Toyota Safety Sense System, Lane Tracing Assist, and the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection, among others.

Treat Yourself with a Little Extra

Depending on the RAV4 Hybrid model of your choice, you could benefit from the Push Button Start, Hands-Free Power Liftgate, wireless charging, a 7 or 8 inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, integrated Navigation, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and more.

Depending on your model, the Highlander Hybrid offers just as much if not a little more, with Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Automated Rear Cross-Traffic Braking, integrated garage-door opener, Qi-compatible wireless charging with charge indicator for smartphones, hands-free power liftgate, 4 USB ports, integrated navigation, integrated traffic and weather, fold-flat rear seat, leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof and much, much more.

Book a test-drive for the 2020 RAV4 Hybrid

In Summary

No matter which one you choose, you can be sure you will drive away in a reliable vehicle. They both continue the proud Toyota tradition which guarantees confidence, quality and exceptional resale value. Come see them both for yourself and take them out for a test drive, and see which one is best for you and your family.