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2021 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander

2021 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander

2021 Toyota RAV4

vs.

2021 Toyota Highlander

$26,250* MSRP

Starting Price

$34,810* MSRP
2.5L 4-cylinder

Top Engine

3.5L 6-cylinder
27 mpg / 35 mpg**

City/Hwy MPG

21 mpg / 29 mpg**
37.6 cubic feet

Cargo Volume

83.7 cubic feet
3,500 pounds

Max Towing Capacity

5,000 pounds
5

Seating Capacity

7-8


Looking for a trustworthy, versatile, and high-powered Toyota SUV or crossover for the whole family? Then your search should really only come down to one of two choices — the 2021 Toyota RAV4 or the 2021 Toyota Highlander. What are the differences between the Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Highlander? Both lineups deliver trusted performance and top engineering to add more power and efficiency to your Albuquerque commute. The RAV4 and Highlander also come outfitted with a variety of trims, plenty of cabin space, and top-of-the-line features. Read our breakdown of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 vs. Toyota Highlander, and then visit us at Toyota of Santa Fe today to check them out in person!

2021 Toyota RAV4 vs. Highlander: Price

If your purchasing decision is based on which vehicle is cheaper, then the 2021 RAV4 has the 2021 Highlander beat — the RAV4 offers a lower starting MSRP next to the Highlander. This is due to the fact that the base trim for the Highlander offers expanded third-row seating and superior engine power over the more compact design of the RAV4, pumping up the MSRP. Regardless of which lineup you choose, you’ll have no problem finding the right trim package to meet your needs with nine unique Highlander trims and eleven custom RAV4 trim options. Compare their configurations and prices below:

2021 RAV4 Trims & Pricing

  • LE – $26,250 MSRP*
  • LE Hybrid – $28,800 MSRP*
  • XLE – $27,545 MSRP*
  • XLE Hybrid – $30,095 MSRP*
  • XLE Premium – $30,250 MSRP*
  • XLE Premium Hybrid – $32,800 MSRP*
  • Adventure – $33,355 MSRP*
  • TRD Off-Road – $35,980 MSRP*
  • XSE Hybrid – $34,750 MSRP*
  • Limited – $34,780 MSRP*
  • Limited Hybrid – $37,330 MSRP*

2021 Highlander Trims & Pricing

  • L – $35,085 MSRP*
  • LE – $37,285 MSRP*
  • Hybrid LE – $38,735 MSRP*
  • XLE – $40,085 MSRP*
  • Hybrid XLE – $41,535 MSRP*
  • XSE – $41,680 MSRP*
  • Limited – $44,040 MSRP*
  • Hybrid Limited – $45,490 MSRP*
  • Platinum – $47,240 MSRP*
  • Hybrid Platinum – $48,690 MSRP*

2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs. Highlander Hybrid

As you’ve already noticed, when comparing the 2021 Toyota RAV4 vs. Highlander, both offer a variety of hybrid trims of the lineup’s most celebrated configurations. The first of the 2021 RAV4 hybrid options is the LE Hybrid which has a $28,500 MSRP* and a 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway** fuel economy rating. If you’re looking for a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, there’s the Hybrid LE which comes with a starting price of $38,200 MSRP* and sports a 36 mpg city/35 mpg highway* rating. Take a look at the impressive hybrid choices you’ll have with the 2021 RAV4 and Highlander:

2021 RAV4 Hybrid Trim Levels

  • LE Hybrid
  • XLE Hybrid
  • XLE Premium Hybrid
  • XSE Hybrid
  • Limited Hybrid

2021 Highlander Hybrid Trim Levels

  • Hybrid LE
  • Hybrid XLE
  • Hybrid Limited
  • Hybrid Platinum

2021 Toyota RAV4 vs. Highlander: Engines & MPG

Whether you’re commuting to work from Albuquerque to Rio Rancho or are on the open road headed to a family vacation destination, you want trustworthy performance features that give you an extra kick and enhance your fuel economy. There are some differences to note between these two new Toyota SUVs, such as the larger engine offered in the Highlander, as well as the slightly better fuel efficiency you’ll have behind the wheel of the RAV4. Either model offers seamless shifting and gear-changing, thanks to similar transmission pairings. Here are the base performance specs of these two Toyota SUVs:

2021 Toyota RAV4 Engine Specs

  • 2.5L Dynamic Force DOHC 4-Cylinder Engine
  • 8-speed Electronically Controlled automatic transmission
  • 203 horsepower
  • 184 lb-ft of torque
  • 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway** fuel economy
  • 3,500-lb max towing capacity

2021 Toyota Highlander Engine Specs

  • 3.5L V6 DOHC Engine
  • Direct Shift 8-speed Electronically Controlled automatic transmission
  • 295 horsepower
  • 263 lb-ft of torque
  • 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway** fuel economy
  • 5,000-lb max towing capacity

Compare New Toyota SUVs in Santa Fe

After reviewing our breakdown of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 vs. Highlander, are you ready to take on Santa Fe roads behind the wheel of your very own Toyota crossover or SUV? Explore our new vehicle inventory, check out used RAV4 models, or visit us at Toyota of Santa Fe and drive home in a new RAV4 or Highlander. Still have questions like, “Which is bigger: the Toyota RAV4 or Toyota Highlander?” Contact us today for more information on the 2021 RAV4 and Highlander or to schedule a test drive at our dealership right here in Santa Fe!

*MSRP excludes the Delivery, Processing, and Handling Fee of $995 for Cars (Yaris HB, Yaris, Yaris iA, 86, Corolla, Corolla HB, Camry, Camry HV, Prius LB, Prius c, Prius Prime, Mirai, Avalon, Avalon HV, Supra), $1,175 for Small/Medium Trucks, SUVs and Van (C-HR, RAV4, RAV4 HV, Highlander, Highlander HV, 4Runner, Sienna, Tacoma), $1,365 for Large SUVs (Sequoia, Land Cruiser), and $1,595 for Large Truck (Tundra). (Historically, vehicle manufacturers and distributors have charged a separate fee for processing, handling and delivering vehicles to dealerships. Toyota’s charge for these services is called the “Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee” and is based on the value of the processing, handling and delivery services Toyota provides as well as Toyota’s overall pricing structure. Toyota may make a profit on the Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee.) Excludes taxes, license, title and available or regionally required equipment. The Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee in AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC and TX will be higher. The published prices do not apply to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Actual dealer price will vary.

**EPA-estimated fuel economy.

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