2020 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 underwent a significant transformation, diverging from its cute-ute roots into a bolder, more angular SUV that promised durability and ruggedness. This redesign, introduced for the 2019 model year, gave the RAV4 an appearance fitting for its robust and reliable persona. Among the trim levels, the Adventure trim stood out in 2019 for its off-road capabilities. This version of the RAV4 offered a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, various traction control modes, and an impressive 8.6 inches of ground clearance. However, the 2020 RAV4 saw the introduction of the TRD Off-Road trim, taking off-road readiness up a notch. This new trim was equipped with smaller and lighter matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires suitable for severe snow, and a TRD-specific suspension setup that ensured a smooth ride over diverse terrains. The distinct appearance of the TRD Off-Road, complete with its unique wheels, tires, and badges, set it apart from the Adventure trim, though they shared the same robust exterior. Inside, the TRD Off-Road featured TRD logos on the front-seat head restraints and hardy rubber floor mats, signaling its readiness for dirt and grime. Quality touches such as plush center-armrest padding and soft-touch upper door-panel trim contrasted with some inexpensive-looking plastics, offering a mixed yet generally high-quality cabin feel. In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander presented a different approach to standing out in the crowded midsize SUV market. Toyota designed the Highlander with distinctive features that gave it a notable presence. The front end, while less dramatic than the 2021 Sienna minivan’s bullet-train-inspired design, still made a statement with wide headlights, a long hood, and a prominent trapezoidal grille. Its profile bore a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car, and the rear featured taillights resembling those on a Lexus model. These elements combined to make the Highlander appear longer and lower than its predecessor without sacrificing size. The 2021 Highlander lineup introduced the XSE trim, which came with a sportier, restyled front end, higher-rated springs, retuned shock absorbers, power steering, and a rear stabilizer bar. These enhancements gave the Highlander a more aggressive appearance and a hint of additional performance capability, although it was primarily an aesthetic package rather than a performance upgrade. Our test vehicle, the Limited trim, featured upscale chrome roof rails and accents, projecting a luxury image. The interior fit and finish were near-flawless, with high-quality materials throughout. The tan leather seats were accentuated by dark brown trim and elegant wood details, making the cabin a comfortable and inviting space.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. While it may lack the forced induction of a turbocharged engine, resulting in some power loss at higher altitudes, the powertrain felt energetic enough, especially in Sport driving mode. The 8-speed automatic transmission generally performed well, though it occasionally hesitated on gear selection. The RAV4 TRD Off-Road trim, specifically designed for adventurous driving, was equipped with a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, featuring fuel-saving driveline disconnect technology. Various driving modes, such as Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow, Mud & Sand, and Rock & Dirt, allowed the driver to adapt to different terrains and conditions. Additionally, an 8.6-inch ground clearance and a downhill assist control system further enhanced its off-road abilities. Though mainly used for urban errands in our test, the TRD suspension handled speed bumps with ease and facilitated smooth parking with a 360-degree surround-view camera system. Over mixed usage, the RAV4 averaged 23.4 mpg, slightly below its EPA estimate of 27 mpg in combined driving. On the other hand, the 2021 Toyota Highlander came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain, which could drive either the front wheels or all wheels, provided adequate performance for the class. Merging onto highways was confident, though the Highlander wasn't designed for sporty driving. The Highlander's soft suspension contributed to a comfortable ride, albeit at the expense of nimbleness through corners. However, the XSE trim improved the handling with higher-rated springs, retuned shocks, and a rear stabilizer bar, making it moderately more engaging for those seeking a touch of driving excitement in a family-oriented SUV.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 excelled in terms of ease of entry and exit, thanks to seating hip points that were well-positioned. The driver's seat offered an 8-way adjustment for a comfortable driving position, although the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Regardless, the seat provided good thigh support. The RAV4 TRD Off-Road’s SofTex upholstery, a simulated leather material, could become sweat-trapping on hotter days but was complemented by heated and ventilated front seats as part of the recommended Weather Package. The rear seat offered ample legroom for adults, with USB ports and air conditioning vents adding to passenger comfort. Storage solutions were plenty, including a dashboard shelf. The RAV4 provided 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. Additionally, the test vehicle's sturdy roof rack with crossbars enhanced its utility, and a hands-free power liftgate was available as an optional feature. In comparison, the 2021 Toyota Highlander demonstrated its prowess in keeping passengers comfortable and organized. The front row featured shelves large enough for sizeable cell phones, with a pass-through for charging cables leading to USB ports. Wireless smartphone charging was available in higher trims. Second-row passengers enjoyed adjustable seats that could slide forward or backward, optimizing space for either the middle row or the third row. The third row, while more accommodating than many competitors, still required some compromise in legroom for taller passengers. Cargo capacity in the Highlander varied from a modest 16 cubic feet behind the third row to a generous 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded. With both the second and third rows down, the Highlander offered an impressive 84.3 cubic feet, surpassing the RAV4 and making it suitable for larger hauling needs.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 featured a user-friendly and practical technology suite. Depending on the trim, it came with either a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen display. The 8-inch system, standard in the TRD Off-Road trim, offered some glare but was generally user-friendly. Key features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, and several connected services with generous trial periods. A 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was offered free for three months or up to 2GB of data usage. Additional tech features came with the optional Technology Package, which included wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a digital rear-view mirror displaying a live rear-view video feed. The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered both 8-inch and 12.3-inch touchscreen options, with the larger display standard on the top-tier Platinum trim and optional on the Limited trim. The larger screen looked great and was responsive, though it limited certain apps to an 8-inch area rather than utilizing the full screen. Navigation was an optional feature, and while it handled addresses well, it struggled with points of interest that Google Maps could easily find. Standard across the Highlander lineup were Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, providing seamless integration of smartphones into the infotainment system.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), a suite of advanced driver assistance features such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, radar adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and blind spot assist with rear cross-traffic alert. These systems operated smoothly and effectively, encouraging drivers to keep them activated. Additionally, a free one-year subscription to Safety Connect services was included, featuring automatic collision notification and enhanced roadside assistance. The IIHS awarded the RAV4 a Top Safety Pick rating, contingent on models with full LED, curve-adaptive headlights, as non-equipped models received marginal headlight performance ratings. Otherwise, the RAV4 achieved top scores in crash protection and ADAS performance. For 2021, Toyota upgraded the Highlander to Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), which included features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support. Intersection support was particularly noteworthy, offering automatic braking if an oncoming vehicle at an intersection was about to make a left-hand turn in front of the Highlander. The suite also included road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Highlander five out of five stars, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+.