Toyota is one of the world’s largest automakers, and its line of cars and trucks is similarly expansive. While some of its weirder and wilder vehicles are sold only in Asia, U.S. consumers have a broad choice of interesting and compelling models in the Toyota lineup, some of which are developed just for American tastes and even built here in Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Texas. Counting plants that make parts and engines, Toyota operates nine factories in the U.S.
Many of the vehicles Toyota builds here are SUVs, including the Corolla Cross, Highlander, RAV4, and Sequoia. But the product line at dealerships is much more expansive than that, and has grown even larger for 2024. At the small end, the old, tiny Toyota c-hr is gone, but there are now gas and hybrid versions of the Corolla Cross, gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions of the RAV4, and the fully-electric bZ4X. A smaller bZ3X will arrive later this year.
Toyota offers no fewer than six midsize SUVs for various purses and purposes, including the popular Highlander, the not-so-popular Venza, the relatively new three-row Grand Highlander, the off-road 4Runner, and the Land Cruiser, which returns for 2024 after a two-year hiatus. The luxurious Crown Signia, a replacement for the Venza, will debut later this year as a 2025 model. At the large end, there’s also the full-size Sequoia, a competitor to vehicles like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Nissan Armada.
Here, we’ve listed the best Toyota SUVs in size order, from smallest to largest.
The Best Toyota SUVs 2024
- Toyota Corolla Cross
- Toyota RAV4
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid & Prime
- Toyota bZ4X
- Toyota Venza
- Toyota 4Runner
- Toyota Land Cruiser
- Toyota Highlander
- Toyota Grand Highlander
- Toyota Sequoia
Toyota Corolla Cross
Toyota has sold over 50 million Corollas since 1966, so it's no surprise that the company is decided to capitalize on that success with a crossover bearing the same name. The Corolla Cross first appeared in Southeast Asia in 2020 and arrived in the U.S. in 2022. It offers front- or all-wheel drive (FWD or AWD) and gas or hybrid powertrains. The gas engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 169 horsepower, while Corolla Cross Hybrids add a trio of electric motors to the same engine to produce 194 horsepower. The Hybrid is far smoother, quieter, and gets better gas mileage, so it’s the one to have if budget allows.
Similar to the new Prius trim levels, the Corolla Cross Hybrid gets a different set of trim names with similar features to the gas model. The Hybrid comes in XLE, S, SE, and XSE, while the gas model comes in L, LE, and XLE trims. To drive, the Corolla Cross is nothing special, and the gas-only models are noisy and unrefined. Cargo space is decent, but the back seat is small, and appreciably tighter than some competing small SUVs like the Hyundai Kona.
Corolla Crosses are well equipped, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM Radio, Amazon Alexa capabilities, and Bluetooth. An 8-inch touchscreen comes standard, and wireless charging and upgraded audio systems are optional. Most importantly, Toyota Safety Sense is standard, which brings features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure alerts and pedestrian detection to all models. The vehicle also gets blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts as standard equipment.
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Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 is the most popular vehicle in America that isn’t a full-size pickup truck, and buyers really love its hassle-free, value-packed formula. The first modern small crossover SUV, the RAV4 debuted in 1994 and has been gradually, steadily improved over the years. There are many versions, including an off-road Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, which are meant to rival the Subaru Forester and Jeep Compass, bog-simple budget versions, hybrids and a plug-in Hybrid, the RAV4 Prime.
While it isn’t a style standout, the RAV4’s angular visage looks good and has the effect of making it look bigger than it really is. In reality, this is a highly maneuverable compact crossover with front- or all-wheel drive. Cargo and rear-seat space are less generous than some rivals like the Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage, but are good by class standards, as is overall quality.
Toyota offers the RAV4 in several trim levels: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, Limited, and TRD Off-Road. Non-hybrid RAV4s are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Performance is adequate, nothing more, but quiet and capable. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road models offer more dirt-trail capability but aren’t quite as hard-core as the Subaru Forester Wilderness.
Much of Toyota’s efforts on the 2023 RAV4 were focused on tech improvements. The standard 8-inch screen brings wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An available 10.5-inch touchscreen is available, along with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Although we suspect a new RAV4 will arrive in the next few years, the 2024 model has very few changes.
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Toyota RAV4 Hybrid & Prime
The RAV4 is the most popular vehicle in America that isn’t a full-size pickup truck, and buyers really love its hassle-free, value-packed formula. The first modern small crossover SUV, the RAV4 debuted in 1994 and has been gradually, steadily improved over the years. There are many versions, including an off-road Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, which are meant to rival the Subaru Forester and Jeep Compass, bog-simple budget versions, hybrids and a plug-in Hybrid, the RAV4 Prime.
While it isn’t a style standout, the RAV4’s angular visage looks good and has the effect of making it look bigger than it really is. In reality, this is a highly maneuverable compact crossover with front- or all-wheel drive. Cargo and rear-seat space are less generous than some rivals like the Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage, but are good by class standards, as is overall quality.
Toyota offers the RAV4 in several trim levels: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, Limited, and TRD Off-Road. Non-hybrid RAV4s are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Performance is adequate, nothing more, but quiet and capable. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road models offer more dirt-trail capability but aren’t quite as hard-core as the Subaru Forester Wilderness.
Much of Toyota’s efforts on the 2023 RAV4 were focused on tech improvements. The standard 8-inch screen brings wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An available 10.5-inch touchscreen is available, along with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Although we suspect a new RAV4 will arrive in the next few years, the 2024 model has very few changes.
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Toyota bZ4X
The bZ4X is Toyota’s first true mass-market electric vehicle, though it did produce some electric RAV4s in the 1990s and early 2010s for sale in a limited number of states. It looks decidedly upscale, but the bZ4X hasn’t had an easy time on the market. An early stop-sale order and recall limited availability, but those problems have been sorted and you can now buy one from most Toyota dealers.
The bZ4X comes standard with a 150kW motor and a 71.4-kWh battery that make a combined 201 horsepower. The FWD bZ4X can be upgraded to all-wheel drive (AWD), which brings a pair of 80kW motors and a 72.8-kWh battery that makes 214 system horsepower. A single-speed automatic transmission is standard. It’s a spacious and premium space with good storage and outward visibility. The cabin offers seating for five people, and Toyota fitted interesting materials, such as carpeting for the dash. A 12.3-inch touchscreen comes standard and offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It offers a driving and passenger experience not unlike an electric RAV4, and it’s about the same size as a RAV4 too, but by EV standards its range and charging capabilities are mediocre, Range maxes out at 252 miles in front-wheel drive form and 228 with rear-wheel drive, well off the pace of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Tesla Model Y. It can only charge at up to 150 kW as well, while those others can charge at higher rates. The reassurance of Toyota quality is helpful though, as is Toyota’s huge dealer network. A slightly more rugged version is also sold as the Subaru Solterra.
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Toyota Venza
The original Toyota Venza was a low-slung family hauler that blurred the line between a Camry station wagon and a proper crossover SUV. It proved a slower seller and was dropped in 2015, but Toyota resurrected the name for 2021 as a hybrid-only crossover with upscale features and a compelling price tag. The vehicle is offered in three trims: LE, XLE, and Limited. The LE starts at $35,070, and the top Limited trim starts at $43,215.
All models are powered by a hybrid system that includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. Combined output lands at 219 horsepower. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) and AWD are standard. The Venza is a docile beast that prioritizes efficiency over power and comfort over handling or sportiness. Standard AWD helps it perform well in poor weather conditions, but the overall lack of power leaves much to be desired.
In the Venza's stylish cabin, which feels like a budget Lexus NX, standard features include a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad, four USB ports, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate controls, cloth upholstery, a smart key system with push-button start, an eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM radio, and more.
Toyota updated the Venza’s infotainment system with its new interface, making it less distracting and much easier to use when driving. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became wireless with the update, and Toyota also offers a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Further features like a head-up display, panoramic sunroof, navigation, and more are available. Unfortunately, the new Venza hasn’t proven much more popular than the old one, and 2024 will be its final outing. An SUV based on the hybrid Crown sedan, the Crown Signia, will replace it for 2025.
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Toyota 4Runner
One of Toyota's most off-road capable SUV models also happens to be one of its longest-running. The 4Runner debuted in 1983, but the current fifth-generation model dates back to 2010 and hasn’t really changed much since. There have been tech and style updates, but the Evergreen 4Runner now feels pretty dated. You can get it in may trims though, including the SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Sport, TRD Off Road, Limited, and TRD Pro. Pricing ranges from $40,705 for the entry-level SR5 model to $55,170 for the top-tier TRD Pro.
The 4Runner line is powered by a single engine choice. It's a 4.0-liter V6 that makes 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Part-time four-wheel drive (4WD) is standard, but Toyota offers several upgrades that take the 4Runner into hardcore off-roader territory. They include full-time 4WD, a locking rear differential, a Torsen limited-slip differential with a locking feature, downhill assist control, and active traction control.
4Runners are known for being rough-and-tumble off-roaders, but the vehicle is surprisingly comfortable on the road. Its pickup truck-like frame gives it excellent towing capabilities, though its rugged V6 and five-speed automatic transmission leave much to be desired when it comes to fuel efficiency. The EPA rates it at 17 mpg combined, but you’ll need a very light foot to actually achieve that number. It’s not much of an on-road handler either and it’s body-on-frame construction and low roof mean it doesn’t have as much interior space as other midsize SUVs. But you can go almost anywhere in it.
Standard features include a smart key system with push-button start, a backup camera, cloth upholstery, four USB ports, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-speaker audio system, SiriusXM radio, and more. Leather upholstery, a sunroof, third-row seats, and off-road upgrades are all available. As the current 4Runner is based on the Toyota Tacoma pickup and an all-new Tacoma appeared this year, we expect a fully redesigned 4Runner to debut in 2025.
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Toyota Land Cruiser
After a two year absence, the two-yearToyota Land Cruiser has returned to the U.S. market. But the new-for-2024 Land Cruiser is a very different animal than its predecessors. While the previous Land Cruisers were all the full-size versions for their eras, the new model is based on the international Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, a midsize machine that shares its platform (and some of its boxy shape) with the Lexus GX. Styled with lots of retro cues, the revived U.S. Land Cruiser promises to bring back some of the excitement of past versions at a more approachable price than past versions.
A little smaller than a regular Highlander, the new Land Cruiser is powered by the same 2.4-liter, turbocharged Hybrid Max drivetrain that’s optional in the Grand Highlander and some Lexus models. With 326 system horsepower, it should have plenty of brawn for the trail and its electric motors should give fairly precise low-speed off-road control. It’ll certainly produce much better fuel mileage than the old V8 model, which got 14 mpg on a good day. The new model comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, with a locking center differential, a low-range, a crawl control system, and hill descent control. It should live up to the Land Cruiser legend off-road.
Inside, the Land Cruiser is now a five-seater only, but it gets comprehensively new technology, with either a standard 8.0-inch infotainment screen or an optional 12.3-inch unit, both with Toyota’s latest software. Exact pricing and specs are still to come, but the new Land Cruiser should retail for between $54,000 and $67,000. Much less than the old model’s $87,000 MSRP.
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Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander has been a staple of the midsize crossover market since 2001. It offers a carlike driving experience, an optional hybrid powertrain, and a standard third row for occasional use. It’s a good blend of space, utility, and easy operation and the hybrid models return very good fuel mileage by midsize SUV standards. It isn’t very exciting, but that’s not what most buyers are after. The newest Highlander, now the fourth generation of the vehicle, is offered in a huge variety of trims and configurations. Trims include L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. All-wheel drive is available, and hybrid power costs extra. Prices range from around $40,000 to just over $51,000 for a Platinum Hybrid.
Toyota ditched the V6 that previous Highlander models carried in favor of a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It’s still paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. The Highlander Hybrid gets a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motors that combine to produce 243 total system horsepower. The hybrid is especially friendly, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 36 mpg combined, 11 mpg more than the most frugal-non hybrid version.
Standard features include tri-zone climate controls, cloth upholstery, a backup camera, five USB ports, an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the expansive Toyota Safety Sense suite, which includes features like adaptive cruise control. A larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, navigation, and more can all be optioned.
The Highlander offers a comfy ride and plenty of space in its first two rows, both of which are vital to its family-cruiser attitude. The only real drawbacks are its uninvolving driving personality and the teeny-tiny third row. Small children can use that row in a pinch, but it's among the tiniest of any midsize SUV, and even smaller rivals like the Kia Sorento have a little more space in their third row. For buyers who want more wayback room though, Toyota has an answer, the Grand Highlander.
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Toyota Grand Highlander
One of the main perennial criticisms of the Toyota Highlander has been its tiny third row, useful only for small children and, truly, only for short periods of time. Now the automaker has created an entirely new model to address this deficiency. All-new vehicle for the 2024 model year, the Toyota Grand Highlander sits on a longer wheelbase than the standard Highlander and has a longer body behind the rear wheels, which results in more cargo space as well as vastly more legroom for third-row passengers.
The Grand Highlander also comes equipped with a trio of available engines. The standard 2.4-liter turbocharged engine is expected to be the model's highest-volume seller, but there will also be a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid and a performance-focused Hybrid MAX powertrain. The latter adds hybrid components to a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to make 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. The base engine and normal hybrid engine will be available with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, while the Hybrid MAX comes standard with AWD.
Although the Toyota Highlander has been a big seller for two decades, the introduction of larger crossovers like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade left it looking a bit small for families. The Toyota Grand Highlander solves that gap in the lineup and offers third-row room that approaches market leaders like the Volkswagen Atlas and Chevrolet Traverse. Though beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the Grand Highlander’s chiseled looks are also more pleasing than the regular version’s.
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Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia finally for the makeover it needed. Toyota gave it a complete overhaul for 2023 that brought sharp styling and a new all-hybrid powertrain that delivers better power and torque than the outgoing V8. The iForce Max hybrid engine uses a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 that makes 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission and rear- or four-wheel drive (RWD or 4WD). Acceleration and power are noticeably improved in the new Sequoia, and it retains strong towing capacity of up to 9,520 pounds when properly equipped.
Interior finishes, design, and tech got a significant update with the new Sequoia, and the SUV finally looks as upscale as its MSRP suggests. The new Toyota offers seating for up to eight people, and top trims offer upscale finishes with gorgeous materials and design. The top Capstone brings a plush interior that rivals Lexus with excellent finishes and unique contrasting colors. The Sequoia also delivers good cargo space and storage, even with all three rows folded upright.
Toyota equips an 8-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster as standard kit, but buyers can upgrade with a massive 14-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, 14 speakers, and a panoramic sunroof. The 2023 model is too new for crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but Toyota gives it a full suite of advanced driver aids that make it hard to ignore. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, automatic high beams, forward collision warnings, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, and more.
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