2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 displayed a rugged exterior that mimicked traditional SUVs, a strategic move by Toyota to cater to buyers who valued bold styling in crossovers. With features such as boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and an assertive front end, the RAV4 stood out sharply against the more approachable looks of previous generations and other compact crossovers. Although its aggressive exterior might have seemed over-the-top for a family vehicle, it turned heads and elevated the perception of the RAV4 as something beyond the ordinary. Beneath the exterior styling, though, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, common to other Toyota models. While this platform provided a well-engineered base, it did align the vehicle more closely with sedans and minivans like the Sienna, making the mechanical underpinnings less dramatic than its looks suggested. Toyota also offered various options to accentuate the RAV4’s gasoline models. The RAV4 Adventure trim, for instance, featured a retro Ice Edge roof, orange interior stitching, and trim. The TRD Off-Road variant included matte black 18-inch wheels, standard LED fog lights, dark gray exterior trim, red interior accents, and a front skid plate. Inside, the RAV4 incorporated rugged styling touches with large rubberized knobs and door handles, standing out from other Toyota interiors. SofTex upholstery, lighter than leather, adorned the TRD Off-Road model. In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander sported a modern, somewhat aggressive front-end design with flared fender arches and a slightly raised third-row window, giving the spacious SUV a sleeker appearance. Inside, the Highlander offered ample cabin space with clever storage solutions ideal for family use. The XSE test car impressed with its bold red interior upholstery, which contrasted strikingly with the navy blue exterior. This trim also included unique exterior styling, ambient interior lighting, and a sport-tuned suspension. The Highlander came in various trims—L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum—each adding layers of sophistication and features. The base L trim included amenities like 18-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, and an 8-inch touchscreen. As one moved up the trims, features like LED fog lights, leather-wrapped accents, power liftgates, and sophisticated tech enhancements became standard. The Limited and Platinum trims pushed the envelope with features like high-output LED fog lights, heated and ventilated front seats, genuine leather upholstery, and a 360-degree parking camera.

For the 2021 Toyota RAV4, the focus was on a single engine option: the Dynamic Force 2.5-liter four-cylinder. With an output of 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, this engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine achieved impressive thermal efficiency and high revs, positioning it as a competent powertrain for a compact crossover. However, the rest of the RAV4’s dynamics struggled to match this spirited engine. The transmission lagged in responsiveness, and the steering, while quick, lacked a tactile feel, making it less engaging to drive. Although the RAV4 included a Sport mode, the benefits were minimal, merely adding weight to the steering without improving overall responsiveness. While the RAV4 didn’t offer exceptional driving dynamics, it excelled in off-road capabilities, especially in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models. These trims featured torque-vectoring rear axles, specific suspension tuning, and all-terrain tires, along with 8.6 inches of ground clearance and a 3,500-pound towing capacity. Despite these features, the overall off-road prowess was limited by factors like suspension articulation and approach angles. On the road, the RAV4 performed better on highways, with low cabin noise and a smooth suspension that absorbed road imperfections adeptly. The experience hinted at the potential for greater enjoyment if Toyota had fine-tuned its on-road handling. For the 2022 Toyota Highlander, the performance centerpiece was the 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered a smooth driving experience with a tap-shift function and available paddle shifters on select trims. Additionally, the Highlander featured drive mode settings—Sport, Normal, Eco—and AWD modes for different terrains. The V6 engine shone particularly in highway driving, providing ample power for overtakes and a pleasingly throaty exhaust note. Though the initial acceleration was satisfactory, the engine's strengths were more apparent during cruising or higher-speed maneuvers. The sport-tuned suspension on the XSE trim enhanced handling, reducing body roll and maintaining comfort over uneven surfaces. The Highlander’s towing capabilities were significant, with a maximum of 5,000 pounds, positioning it competitively within its class. Its max payload reached 1,685 pounds, further emphasizing its practicality for families and adventure seekers alike.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof that provided commendable headroom in both rows, coupled with decent outward visibility. However, legroom fell slightly behind some competitors. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with a form-fitting design, but the rear seats were less accommodating, with hard, flat cushions that could make long trips uncomfortable. Cargo-wise, the RAV4 boasted 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place; while this was above average, it still lagged behind leaders like the Honda CR-V. The rear seats didn’t slide fore and aft, hindering flexibility, and the cargo area’s lip was higher than some rivals, making loading a bit more cumbersome. Interior ergonomics were a mix of function and tradition, with oversized knobs and controls that were easy to manipulate even with gloves. The 2022 Toyota Highlander excelled in cargo capacity, offering 84.3 cubic feet of space with both the second- and third-row seats folded, 48.4 cubic feet with the second-row seats in use, and 16 cubic feet behind the third row. The Highlander also provided quick-release latches and pull-straps to manage seat configurations effortlessly. Higher trims featured a power liftgate, with hands-free operation available. The Highlander’s interior was designed for convenience, featuring deep cargo pockets, multiple storage trays, and second-row captain’s chairs in certain trims for added comfort and accessibility. While the second-row seats were spacious for adults, the third-row seats were more suited to children or shorter trips.

In terms of technology, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, with an 8-inch screen available on Limited models and a 9-inch screen on the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid. Five USB ports were available across both rows, and a JBL premium audio system could be optioned. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with well-placed shortcut buttons and easy-to-read graphics. However, it lacked the flashiness of some competitors, and the gasoline RAV4 missed out on advanced features like a head-up display, reserved for the Prime model. The system’s simplicity might appeal to those looking for straightforward functionality rather than the latest tech gimmicks. The 2022 Toyota Highlander upped the ante with a standard WiFi hotspot, five USB ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The layout was intuitive, complemented by physical buttons for essential functions. Although it lacked wireless connectivity for smartphones, the system’s ease of use was a major plus. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen was available, albeit less intuitive than the standard display. Additional options included a digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system, enhancing the in-car entertainment experience.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 earned high marks from safety organizations. The IIHS awarded it a “Top Safety Pick” rating, with top scores in all crash tests and “Superior” front-crash prevention ratings. However, it missed the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover tests, and five stars in side tests. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and lane tracing assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and park assist, with a 360-degree camera system available in certain packages. The 2022 Toyota Highlander also boasted a comprehensive safety suite. The Toyota Safety Sense package included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high beams. Higher trims featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, a surround-view parking monitor, a HUD, and adaptive headlights. However, the lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist systems were overly sensitive, sometimes making driving feel like a game of “Operation.” The system's aggressive interventions were less appreciated on winding back roads.