SUVs offer a unique versatility that you just don't get out of cars and trucks as easily. They're spacious, can offer three rows of seats, they can store a lot of cargo in the back, and they even offer some excellent traction when you're driving in the rain. When it comes to SUV performance, there are few vehicles quite as impressive as the Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Highlander.

These two vehicles each bring their own unique performance to the table, but which is a better choice for your drives in the Leesville, New Llano, and Anacoco areas? Keep on reading our comparison brought to you by Hixson Toyota today!

Toyota RAV4 vs Toyota Highlander: Engine Performance

Having a strong engine can really give you that extra oomph to help you when you're powering down the highway or towing cargo. The Toyota RAV4 gives drivers a standard 2.5L Dynamic Force 4-Cylinder engine. This powertrain delivers up to 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, letting you tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

As for the Toyota Highlander, this vehicle is equipped with a standard 3.5L V6 engine. This larger powertrain will give you up to 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque overall, letting you tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Overall, if you want to handle larger cargo, you're going to want the Toyota Highlander.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the RAV4 has the upper hand here with its standard engine, earning an EPA-estimated 27 city MPG and 35 highway MPG.1 With the Toyota Highlander, you'll earn an EPA-estimated 21 city MPG and 29 highway MPG in the base trim, which won't take you as far on a full tank of gas.2

 
 

Toyota RAV4 vs Toyota Highlander: Dimensions

It's good to have a lot of space to work with when you're packing up for a trip, and the Toyota RAV4 delivers. This vehicle gives you two rows of seats letting you comfortably seat up to five passengers. With a cargo volume of 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet behind the first row, you'll have no trouble packing up.

As for the Toyota Highlander, you'll have some extra space with three rows of seats ensuring you can seat up to eight people, all with extra cargo room. You'll be working with these available dimensions in this SUV:

  • Behind Third Row: 16 cubic feet
  • Behind Second Row: 48.4 cubic feet
  • Behind First Row: 84.3 cubic feet

However, all that extra space means you won't maneuver as easily because the Toyota Highlander gives us an overall length of 194.9 inches. If you choose the Toyota RAV4, you'll get an overall length of 180.9 inches, making it much easier for you to park in the city.

 

Toyota RAV4 vs Toyota Highlander: Verdict

When it comes down to it, the choice between the Toyota RAV4 or Highlander really comes down to what you need out of your SUV. If you need a compact and fuel-efficient SUV, you should choose the RAV4. If you need a more powerful SUV that can bring the whole family along, we recommend you give the Toyota Highlander a try.

If you want to take one of these SUVs out around the Leesville, New Llano, and Anacoco areas, just schedule a test drive with us at Hixson Toyota today! If you have your eyes on a versatile SUV, you can be sure that Hixson has it: has a new culture, new attitude, and an easier way.

1 2020 RAV4 EPA-estimated 27 city/35 hwy/30 combined mpg for LE FWD and Limited FWD; 27 city/34 hwy/30 combined mpg for LE AWD; 28 city/35 hwy/30 combined mpg for XLE FWD and XLE Premium FWD; 27 city/33 hwy/29 combined mpg for XLE AWD and XLE Premium AWD; 25 city/33 hwy/28 combined mpg for Adventure; 25 city/32 hwy/27 combined mpg for TRD Off-Road; 25 city/33 hwy/28 combined mpg for Limited AWD; and 41 city/38 hwy/40 combined mpg for LE Hybrid, XLE Hybrid, XSE Hybrid and Limited Hybrid. Actual mileage will vary.

2 2020 EPA-estimated mileage. Actual mileage will vary.

Make an Inquiry

* Indicates a required field

Contact

Hixson Toyota

2517 HWY 171
Directions Deridder, LA 70634

  • Sales: 337-397-3799
  • Service: 337-397-3808
  • Parts: 337-397-3812

Hours

  • Monday 9:00am - 7:00pm
  • Tuesday 9:00am - 7:00pm
  • Wednesday 9:00am - 7:00pm
  • Thursday 9:00am - 7:00pm
  • Friday 9:00am - 7:00pm
  • Saturday 9:00am - 6:00pm
  • Sunday Closed