Toyota’s SUV are proven to be highly successful. Good examples are the small RAV4 and the medium-sized Highlander. While the latter is superior in some ways, the former still has a strong key point that attracts many SUV lovers.
That one advantage that makes the RAV4 better than the Highlander is its more efficient fuel consumption. There’s no doubt that gasoline usage contributes to most expenses related to vehicle ownership, and SUVs are known to offer poor fuel efficiency.
Luckily, it’s not the case for the 2023 Toyota RAV4, which comes with a high-mpg ride. Even the latest Highlander is still more efficient than other SUVs in the same class. However, it loses when compared to the RAV4.
The gas variant of the RAV4 packs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an estimated fuel economy of up to 30 combined mpg. On the other hand, the Highlander is motivated by a turbo 2.4-liter inline-four engine and has a 25 combined mpg rating.
In a hybrid comparison, the RAV4 gets around 40 combined mpg, compared to 36 combined mpg for the Highlander. And we still didn’t talk about the RAV4 Prime, which is unrivalled here.
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime is equipped with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system which allows it to go in pure electric mode as far as 42 miles with a fuel economy rating of about 94 combined MPGe. In hybrid mode, meanwhile, it can get 38 combined mpg.
The RAV4 Prime is also a good choice for those who are worried about range anxiety with EVs. When it runs out of electricity, the internal combustion engine will be active to keep the car running.
This is where the 2023 Toyota Highlander is clearly beaten, as it doesn’t offer a plug-in hybrid option to match the RAV4 Prime.
Automotive News Magazine 