2021 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

When examining the aesthetics and presence of the 2021 Toyota Highlander, it was hard to label it as mundane. This vehicle exuded a distinctive character that made it stand out amidst an ocean of midsize SUVs and crossovers. Its strong front-end statement, marked by wide headlights, a long hood, and an assertive trapezoidal grille, gave it a bold appearance. It was less dramatic compared to the bullet-train-inspired styling of the 2021 Sienna minivan but nonetheless managed to command attention. The side profile of the Highlander, accentuated by a character line akin to that on the Supra sports car, further distinguished it from its predecessors. At the rear, the taillight design, although missing the vertical element seen on Lexus models, added to the upscale feel. The overall design conveyed a sense of length and lowered stance without compromising on its substantial size.

In 2021, Toyota introduced the XSE trim level to the Highlander. This version presented a more aggressive facade, aiming to inject a sporty vibe into the lineup despite only modest modifications to suspension and appearance features. Key components of the XSE included a restyled front end, 20-inch wheels with black accents, and a larger lower air intake—all of which contributed to an edgier look, though it was not quite on par with the sporty capabilities of competitors like the Ford Explorer ST. Our test model, the Limited trim, sat just shy of the top-tier Platinum trim and featured elegant chrome roof rails and accents, enhancing its premium exterior appeal. The interior of the Limited trim shone even more brightly, boasting near-perfect fit and finish, complemented by tan leather seats and dark brown trim, along with stylish wood details.

Turning to the 2022 Toyota RAV4, this model had evolved significantly from its original 1996 version, which had been a compact SUV offering an alternative to the larger models of its time. By 2022, the RAV4 had matured into a refined and popular crossover. Although its design conformed to contemporary crossover standards, closer scrutiny revealed unique details that set it apart. Angular wheel arches and crisp lines contrasted with the body’s organic shapes, while the expressive headlights and the grinning lower fascia contributed to a face that was both playful and assertive. Like the Highlander, the RAV4 showcased Toyota’s commitment to quality through impeccable fit-and-finish.

Inside, the RAV4 featured a layered dashboard with contrasting textures and colors, centered around a driver-friendly touchscreen interface mounted atop the center stack. Distinctive design elements adorned the cabin, including a geometric pattern inspired by circuit boards that tied together various interior components.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander’s performance was defined by its smooth and reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine, which delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain could drive either front- or all-wheel drive configurations. This setup provided adequate acceleration for everyday driving tasks, though it wasn’t designed to win any drag races. This was evident when compared with competitors: it matched the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride in power, slightly edged out the Chevy Traverse but fell short against the high-torque Mazda CX-9 and the performance-oriented Ford Explorer ST.

Despite its competent power, the Highlander’s handling leaned towards comfort rather than agility. It exhibited a certain degree of lumbering through corners, a common trait among three-row crossovers designed with soft suspension setups. The XSE trim aimed to enhance driving excitement with stiffer springs, retuned shock absorbers, improved power steering, and a rear stabilizer bar. However, the adjustments didn't drastically transform the Highlander into a performance vehicle.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered more versatility in powertrains. The base gasoline model, tested here, featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided a comfortable balance of power and fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 27-28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, and AWD models slightly lower at 25-27 mpg city and 32-34 mpg highway. The RAV4 Hybrid upped the ante by combining a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined net hp of 217 and exceptional fuel economy rated at 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway.

The RAV4 Prime, the performance leader in the lineup, offered 302 combined horsepower, achieved through a larger 18.1-kilowatt-hour battery pack and the same 2.5-liter engine, with EPA ratings of 40 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, and an impressive electric-only range of up to 42 miles.

Our test model was the gasoline Adventure AWD, equipped to handle varied driving conditions with ease. This naturally aspirated engine offered smooth power delivery without turbo lag, making highway acceleration and overtaking effortless. The conventional eight-speed transmission further enhanced the driving experience with responsive shifts during demanding scenarios. AWD models featured Multi-Terrain Select for optimized traction and dynamic torque vectoring for improved handling, while fuel-saving technologies like rear-driveline disconnect boosted efficiency when AWD wasn’t needed.

In the 2021 Highlander, interior space and convenience were key priorities. The front featured an innovative set of shelves suitable for holding large cell phones, with charging cord pass-throughs connecting to USB ports. Higher trims included a wireless charging pad located within the center console.

Second-row passengers enjoyed generous legroom, with seats that slid forward and backward to balance space between the second and third rows. Adults could fit in the third row if the second-row passengers conceded some legroom. However, one notable critique was the ceiling-mounted rear-seat climate control vents, which could be uncomfortable for middle-row occupants.

Cargo capacity in the Highlander was practical though not class-leading, offering 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and an expansive 84.3 cubic feet with both the second and third rows stowed.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, meanwhile, had expanded significantly over its generations. Classified as a small SUV, it nonetheless featured a spacious interior and substantial cargo capacity: 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The vehicle’s payload ranged from 1,050 to 1,230 pounds depending on configuration.

Towing capacities varied by trim, with the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds and other trims limited to a 1,500-pound towing capacity.

Inside, the RAV4 accommodated four adults comfortably, with sufficient legroom and various storage compartments throughout the cabin, including cupholders, a roomy glove compartment, and a spacious center console.

Technological offerings in the 2021 Highlander varied by trim. Lower trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the Limited trim offered a 12.3-inch screen as an option. This larger display, standard on the Platinum trim, offered a crisp and fast interface. The JBL audio system was competent but not outstanding. While navigation was an optional extra, the system sometimes struggled to locate points of interest easily found through smartphone apps. Fortunately, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard across all trims.

The 2022 RAV4 stepped up the tech game considerably. Base models featured a 7-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, and connectivity options including Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay, alongside SiriusXM, Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Wi-Fi Connect features. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system with navigation.

Top trims like the RAV4 Prime showcased advanced tech such as multiple USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, a wireless charging pad, a bird’s-eye view camera system, and a 10-inch color head-up display, pushing the boundary for in-cabin technology.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came equipped with an impressive array of safety features. The updated Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams. This robust safety package helped the Highlander earn a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 was similarly well-equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety System, including enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. Additionally, LATCH systems and child-guard locks were standard, along with Safety Connect. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 offered adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, road sign assist, and more. Top trims added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and parking assist with automatic braking. The RAV4 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.