2019 Toyota RAV4 vs 2020 Toyota Highlander
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2019 Toyota RAV4 is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2020 Toyota Highlander scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 emerges as the recommended choice, offering a well-rounded package with a balance of fuel efficiency, off-road capability, and value-oriented pricing–provided you don't need the Highlander's extra space.
Choose the 2019 Toyota RAV4 if:
Shop Now- You prioritize fuel efficiency and off-road capability in a compact SUV.
- You seek a versatile and functional interior with a range of trim options.
- You are looking for a value-oriented vehicle with a balance of features and pricing.
Choose the 2020 Toyota Highlander if:
Shop Now- You need a spacious and versatile family SUV with seating for up to eight passengers.
- You prioritize comfort, technology, and a premium driving experience.
- You are seeking a practical and refined vehicle with a range of safety features and advanced technology.
Overview | |
MSRP$25,650 | MSRP$34,600 |
Average price$24,650 | Average price$31,889 |
Listings1608 | Listings814 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2019 Toyota RAV4 Reviews SummaryThere’s a reason small SUVs like the 2019 Toyota RAV4 are among the most popular vehicles on the new car market. Consider the RAV4 and its rivals, the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Ford Escape—what do they have in common? To put it simply, these vehicles are asked to do it all. Daily commuter car? Check. Family-hauler to school, practice, and the mall? Check, check, and check. Road-trip vehicle? Yeah, that too. On top of it all, these vehicles have to be affordable, efficient, and reliable. Sales of traditional sedans have been dwindling, but if sedans could do as much as crossovers can, they would still be popular vehicles. The RAV4 is one of the oldest vehicles in the segment, and its story tells us how these small SUVs became so popular. The previous RAV4 was an extremely competent vehicle for Toyota, covering all the things we ask of compact SUVs. But the new 2020 RAV4 goes a few steps further. It has standout Tonka-truck styling, a surprisingly upscale interior, and something that it had lost since debuting more than two decades ago: a bit of off-road ability. We’ll see whether this makes it better than the RAV4 it replaces, and if it allows the 2020 RAV4 to stand out in a crowded small SUV market. | |
2020 Toyota Highlander Reviews SummaryMidsize three-row SUVs are all spacious and powerful, but only the Toyota Highlander reaches the premium threshold for passenger comfort. Redesigned for 2020, the Highlander's revised styling and technology are secondary to its silent operation, soft ride, and cosseting interior. The upper trims feel and drive just like a Lexus, without the upcharge. There is nothing exciting about a Highlander, and yet, there is no other SUV in the $35,000 to $50,000 range that feels so effortless and tranquil. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.5L 203 hp I4 | Engine3.5L 295 hp V6 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity8 |
Horsepower203 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower295 hp @ 6600 rpm |
MPG City26 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway35 | MPG Highway28 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 203 hp I4 | Engine Name3.5L 295 hp V6 |
Torque184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm | Torque263 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower203 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower295 hp @ 6600 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City26 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway35 | MPG Highway28 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity8 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space37.6 cu ft | Cargo Space16.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight3370 lbs | Curb Weight4145 lbs |
Height67.0 in | Height68.1 in |
Length180.9 in | Length194.9 in |
Width73.0 in | Width76.0 in |
Wheelbase105.9 in | Wheelbase112.2 in |
Maximum Payload1240 lbs | Maximum Payload1685 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity1500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2019 Toyota RAV4 is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2020 Toyota Highlander scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 emerges as the recommended choice, offering a well-rounded package with a balance of fuel efficiency, off-road capability, and value-oriented pricing–provided you don't need the Highlander's extra space.
Choose the 2019 Toyota RAV4 if:
Shop Now- You prioritize fuel efficiency and off-road capability in a compact SUV.
- You seek a versatile and functional interior with a range of trim options.
- You are looking for a value-oriented vehicle with a balance of features and pricing.
Choose the 2020 Toyota Highlander if:
Shop Now- You need a spacious and versatile family SUV with seating for up to eight passengers.
- You prioritize comfort, technology, and a premium driving experience.
- You are seeking a practical and refined vehicle with a range of safety features and advanced technology.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $25,650 | $34,600 |
Average price | $24,650 | $31,889 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.3 | 4.6 |
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | There’s a reason small SUVs like the 2019 Toyota RAV4 are among the most popular vehicles on the new car market. Consider the RAV4 and its rivals, the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Ford Escape—what do they have in common? To put it simply, these vehicles are asked to do it all. Daily commuter car? Check. Family-hauler to school, practice, and the mall? Check, check, and check. Road-trip vehicle? Yeah, that too. On top of it all, these vehicles have to be affordable, efficient, and reliable. Sales of traditional sedans have been dwindling, but if sedans could do as much as crossovers can, they would still be popular vehicles. The RAV4 is one of the oldest vehicles in the segment, and its story tells us how these small SUVs became so popular. The previous RAV4 was an extremely competent vehicle for Toyota, covering all the things we ask of compact SUVs. But the new 2020 RAV4 goes a few steps further. It has standout Tonka-truck styling, a surprisingly upscale interior, and something that it had lost since debuting more than two decades ago: a bit of off-road ability. We’ll see whether this makes it better than the RAV4 it replaces, and if it allows the 2020 RAV4 to stand out in a crowded small SUV market. | Midsize three-row SUVs are all spacious and powerful, but only the Toyota Highlander reaches the premium threshold for passenger comfort. Redesigned for 2020, the Highlander's revised styling and technology are secondary to its silent operation, soft ride, and cosseting interior. The upper trims feel and drive just like a Lexus, without the upcharge. There is nothing exciting about a Highlander, and yet, there is no other SUV in the $35,000 to $50,000 range that feels so effortless and tranquil. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.5L 203 hp I4 | 3.5L 295 hp V6 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 8 |
Horsepower | 203 hp @ 6000 rpm | 295 hp @ 6600 rpm |
MPG City | 26 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 35 | 28 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 203 hp I4 | 3.5L 295 hp V6 |
Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm | 263 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower | 203 hp @ 6000 rpm | 295 hp @ 6600 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 26 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 35 | 28 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 8 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 37.6 cu ft | 16.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3370 lbs | 4145 lbs |
Height | 67.0 in | 68.1 in |
Length | 180.9 in | 194.9 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 76.0 in |
Wheelbase | 105.9 in | 112.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 1240 lbs | 1685 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 1500 lbs | 5000 lbs |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.