Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was available starting at $41,995, including the destination charge, for the base LE trim with front-wheel drive. Buyers could upgrade through various trims, including XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum, with all-wheel drive as an option. The test vehicle arrived in the top Platinum trim with AWD, priced at $54,718. Changes for 2023 were minimal, with a new Cypress Green paint and standard power-folding mirrors on higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid's design was bold, with exaggerated forms and a busy interior featuring a large touchscreen and oversized controls. However, the interior quality was questionable, with cheap-feeling controls and storage areas that rattled. Despite these issues, the Highlander Hybrid was notably quiet on the road, thanks to acoustic front window glass in higher trims.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, redesigned in 2019, featured a blocky, substantial appearance with a trapezoidal grille and angular bodywork. The interior continued this theme with a multi-tiered dashboard and a practical layout. Materials were average for the class, with some hard plastics but padded surfaces where needed. The base and new Woodland trims lacked a leather-wrapped steering wheel, opting for a cheaper urethane option. However, build quality was strong, with no creaks or squeaks over rough roads. The RAV4 Hybrid's design was more understated compared to the Highlander, focusing on practicality and durability.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 horsepower. The AWD version added a third electric motor for the rear wheels. Despite its power, the Highlander Hybrid struggled with high-speed passing and towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The SUV offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with a Trail mode for light off-road use. Fuel economy was a focus, but the test vehicle returned only 28.7 mpg, below the EPA's 35 mpg estimate. The driving experience was uninspiring, with soft suspension and a noisy CVT, making it suitable for city and suburban driving rather than engaging journeys.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering 219 horsepower. It accelerated to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, quicker than the standard RAV4. The hybrid system used regenerative braking to charge the battery, with a smooth transition between regenerative and physical brakes. The suspension provided a comfortable ride over bumps and confident cornering, though it wasn't sporty. The RAV4 Hybrid's driving dynamics were calm and effortless, similar to its competitors, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to accommodate family needs, seating seven or eight people depending on the configuration. Most models featured second-row captain's chairs, making the third row suitable only for occasional use. The interior included three-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and power-adjustable front seats. However, accessing the third row was challenging, and the seats were uncomfortable for adults. The Highlander offered 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. Storage solutions were practical but lacked lining, leading to potential noise issues.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided ample space for front passengers and adequate room for rear passengers, though taller individuals might desire more thigh support. Cargo capacity was 37.5 cubic feet, slightly less than competitors but not significantly. The rear seatbacks folded flat, though shorter individuals might struggle to reach them. Interior storage was a highlight, with a wide dashboard shelf, phone tray, and large cupholders. An optional wireless charging pad was available, though not always listed in the configurator due to chip shortages.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display on upper trims. However, the controls were not intuitive. The infotainment system featured an 8.0-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim, with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various connected services. The Drive Connect plan offered advanced features like voice recognition and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, which performed well despite previous JBL systems' shortcomings.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received a new infotainment system with modern graphics and logical menus. Most trims had an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.5-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with an optional wireless charging pad. The system supported over-the-air updates and included a Wi-Fi hotspot. The top trim featured a digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL audio system, providing decent sound quality.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid excelled in safety, equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on hybrids, with additional features on higher trims. The Highlander received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid also prioritized safety, earning high ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. It came standard with Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5 suite, including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. The RAV4's safety systems performed reliably, with smooth adaptive cruise control.