2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota Highlander showcased a modern, somewhat aggressive front-end design characteristic of its class. Its flared fender arches and the way the third-row window kicked up a bit helped make the spacious Highlander appear more compact. However, any perception of compactness evaporated once inside. The cabin was spacious, packed with clever storage solutions for iPads and juice boxes. The XSE trim particularly stood out, as it offered a bold red optional leather package that contrasted intriguingly with its sedate navy blue exterior. This trim also featured unique exterior styling, ambient interior lighting, and a sport-tuned suspension.

The Highlander lineup was rich in trims, including the L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. Starting with the L trim, buyers got 18-inch alloy wheels, pushbutton start, proximity/remote keyless entry, three-zone climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and five USB ports. The L trim also included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Moving up to the LE trim added LED fog lights, a smart key system, and additional interior comforts like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The XLE trim elevated the experience with synthetic leather upholstery, a power moonroof, heated front seats, and wireless device charging. The XSE trim included a large mesh grille design, 20-inch alloy wheels, and exclusive styling elements.

For those seeking a more upscale experience, the Limited trim came with high-output LED fog lights, genuine leather upholstery, acoustic noise-reducing windows, and a hands-free power liftgate. The Platinum trim added even more luxury with adaptive headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a panoramic sunroof, and a 360-degree parking camera.

Turning to the 2022 Toyota RAV4, it drew its origins from the 1996 model year, evolving over five generations to stand as a mature crossover SUV. The 2022 model adhered to the broader themes of modern crossover designs but stood out upon closer examination with its angular wheel arches and crisp lines. The expressive headlights, snub-nosed grille, and grinning lower fascia combined to give the RAV4 a playful yet aggressive “face.”

Inside, the RAV4 featured a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors anchored by an uncomplicated center stack. The design carried thoughtful, distinctive touches such as a geometric pattern tying various parts of the cabin together. Our Adventure-trim test vehicle notably came with 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels enhancing its rugged appeal.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. It utilized an eight-speed automatic transmission to channel power to either standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The transmission included a tap-shift function and some trims offered steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The Highlander also had a drive-mode selection option that toggled between Sport, Normal, and Eco modes, and an AWD-specific dial for Mud/Sand, Rock, and Normal modes.

While the V6 engine offered better pickup at cruising speeds or highway acceleration, it wasn’t particularly lively from a standstill. However, its handling was consistently good. The XSE model, with its sport-tuned suspension, provided a smooth ride even over bumps while reducing body roll. The Highlander also had a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds and a max payload of 1,685 pounds in its FWD L and LE trims.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 provided a variety of powertrains. The gasoline-only model featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It also boasted excellent fuel economy, achieving 27-28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway in FWD guise. The AWD model had slightly lower fuel economy but still impressive numbers.

The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 217 combined horsepower. This model had an exceptional fuel economy of 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. The RAV4 Prime, as a plug-in hybrid, delivered even higher performance with 302 hp, capable of running up to 42 miles on electricity alone, and achieved an efficiency rating of 94 MPGe combined.

Our test vehicle, a gasoline Adventure AWD model, offered smooth power delivery without turbo lag, and worked efficiently with its eight-speed automatic transmission. Handling was precise thanks to its MacPherson struts and multi-link rear suspension, and AWD models were equipped with Multi-Terrain Select and dynamic torque vectoring for improved cornering.

Cargo capacity was a strong suit for the 2022 Toyota Highlander. With the second- and third-row seats folded, it provided up to 84.3 cubic feet of space. With the second row in use, the capacity was 48.4 cubic feet, and with all seats deployed, it offered 16 cubic feet behind the third row. Lifting and lowering seats could be done easily thanks to quick-release latches and pull-straps. High trims featured a hands-free power liftgate.

In terms of interior storage, the Highlander excelled with deep cargo pockets in the front doors, extra ledges in the dash, and a spacious center console compartment. Our XSE test model’s second-row captain’s chairs provided an accessible center aisle to the third row but the third row was best for short trips for adults.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, labeled a small SUV by the EPA, nonetheless grew to accommodate 37.5 cubic feet of luggage behind the second row and up to 69.8 cubic feet with the second row flat. Payload capacity ranged from 1,050 to 1,230 pounds. The RAV4 had varying towing capacities, with Adventure and TRD Off-Road models capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds.

Inside, the RAV4 offered ample room for four adults and could manage five in a pinch. Front-row amenities were generous with abundant legroom and storage spaces, including a roomy glove compartment and an under-center armrest storage area. The second-row middle seat wasn’t ideal for long journeys but was functional for short durations.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came well-equipped with technology from the base level. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa was standard. Although it lacked wireless integration, its user interface was intuitive, backed by physical buttons for easy access. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad, USB and USB-C ports, and optional upgrades like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL stereo system.

Similarly, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 was technology-forward, with a 7-inch touchscreen, six speakers, and compatibility with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa standard. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch screen with a more sophisticated audio system. The RAV4 Prime was particularly tech-savvy, featuring five USB ports, two auxiliary outlets, and optional features like a 120-volt AC power outlet and a 10-inch head-up display.

Safety features were comprehensive in the 2022 Toyota Highlander. It came with Toyota Safety Sense, which included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high beams as standard. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view monitor, a head-up display, and adaptive headlights.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 also offered robust safety features. It came with Toyota’s Star Safety System, including vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 was standard, featuring pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alerts, and more. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking assist. It received high safety ratings from IIHS, achieving Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ for the Prime model.