2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander: Which Model is Right for You?

The compact RAV4 and midsize Highlander are two of Toyota’s most popular SUVs — and for good reasons. Over the years, these vehicles have grown tremendously in popularity due to their practicality, reliability, generous standard features, sizable cargo hold, and good fuel economy. They also offer bold styles, abundant standard safety features, and a smooth, comfortable ride.

As a result, shoppers often face the difficult task of choosing between these well-liked Toyota models. If you find choosing between both vehicles difficult, our detailed 2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander comparison guide will help make things easier. Please read on to learn, then schedule a test drive at Group 1 Toyota West Bank in Harvey, LA, to experience both models in person.

Refined Ride

RAV4: The 2022 Toyota RAV4 is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine making 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. A front-wheel-drive system and eight-speed automatic transmission are standard. All-wheel drive is optional.

Toyota also offers a hybridized version of the RAV4, which offers the same four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. The configuration makes a combined 219 hp. A CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission) and all-wheel drive are standard in the 2022 RAV4 Hybrid.

Highlander: Under the hood of the 2022 Highlander is a powerful yet efficient 3.5-liter V6 that generates 295 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque. This engine links to an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive.

All-wheel drive is optional. For its part, the 2022 Highlander Hybrid has a configuration consisting of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder powertrain and two electric motors that produce 243 total horsepower. A continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard. All-wheel drive is available.

Spacious, Practical Interior

RAV4: The 2022 Toyota RAV4 seats up to five people in its roomy interior. In terms of cargo space, the RAV4 has 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet with these seats folded.

Highlander: The 2022 Toyota Highlander comfortably seats up to eight passengers, giving all occupants an optimal view. Regarding cargo space, the Highlander gives you the kind of potential that seems practically endless. It offers 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third row, 48.4 cubes behind its second row, and 84.3 cubic feet when you fold down the third and second rows.

Advanced Accident Avoidance Systems

RAV4: The 2022 RAV4 comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes lane departure alert with steering assistance, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, road sign recognition, lane tracing assistance, and radar-based adaptive cruise control.

Highlander: The 2022 Highlander features the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite. It bundles many advanced safety systems, including forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Other driver assistance systems are lane trace assist, traffic sign recognition, automatic high-beam headlight, a rearview camera, and a rear-seat reminder.

Both models have optional blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a rearview mirror camera, and a surround-view parking camera system.

Intuitive Infotainment System

RAV4: The 2022 RAV4 comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capability, Amazon Alexa, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, a USB port, and a six-speaker sound system. That being said, the vehicle can be equipped with optional extras such as an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, four additional USB ports, wireless device charging, an HD Radio, as well as an 11-speaker JBL premium sound system.

Highlander: The 2022 Toyota Highlander has an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, five USB ports, and a six-speaker stereo.

Verdict: Save for the base engine and a few other features, the RAV4 and Highlander are specced almost identically, and either of these vehicles will make a good buy. Hence, the choice between the two depends on whether you prefer a compact SUV with two rows of seats or a midsize SUV with three rows.

Explore the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Highlander at Group 1 Toyota West Bank

Are you interested in learning more about how the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Highlander compare? If so, you can arrange a free test drive with the customer-friendly team at Group 1 Toyota West Bank in Harvey, LA, where we offer both models and other new and pre-owned Toyota vehicles for sale at affordable prices.

Stop by our Toyota dealership in Harvey, LA, to schedule a test drive, explore our financing incentives, and drive home in one of our vehicles with impressive fuel efficiency today.

Visit us for more details!