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2026 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2027 Toyota Highlander Comparison

See how the 2026 Toyota RAV4 and 2027 Toyota Highlander performed in our rigorous, independent road tests. Our experts evaluate hundreds of vehicles annually at our 327-acre testing facility, putting each model through over 50 data-driven assessments—including braking, emergency handling, fuel economy, and cabin noise. Review our side-by-side comparison of tested specifications, real-world fuel efficiency, and crash-test safety ratings to see which is the best for reliability, performance, and more.

Comparing 2 Models

CR's Take
RAV4 2026

Compact SUVs

2026 Toyota RAV4

$31,900 - $43,300

All Test Results
CR's Take
Highlander 2027

Electric SUVs 3-row

2027 Toyota Highlander

$45,570 - $54,975

All Test Results
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About
About
The redesigned Toyota RAV4 is offered strictly in hybrid and plug-in hybrid forms. It introduces new trim levels, and steps up its game for comfort, convenience, and safety. The hybrid powertrain produces 226 combined horsepower, and for the first ti...
 
The Highlander has been reinvented as a three-row electric SUV for the 2027 model year. It will be offered in front- and all-wheel drive versions, with varying electric range and power outputs spanning up to 320 miles and 338 hp. Like most new EVs, i...
Highs
Highs

NA

 

NA

Lows
Lows

NA

 

NA

Road Test Score
Road Test Score
NA
 
NA
Reliability
Reliability
NA
 
NA
Owner Satisfaction
Owner Satisfaction
/ 100
 
/ 100

Overview

Body Styles
Body Styles

4-door SUV

 

4-door SUV

Trim Lines
Trim Lines

Limited, SE, Woodland, GR Sport, XLE, XSE, LE

 

XLE, Limited

Base Price Range
Base Price Range

$31,900 - $43,300

 

$45,570 - $54,975

Drive Wheels
Drive Wheels

AWD, FWD

 

AWD, FWD

Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity

2 Front, 3 Rear

 

2 Front, 3 Rear, 2 Third

Engines/Motors
Engines/Motors

2.5-liter 4 plugin hybrid (320 hp); 2.5-liter 4 hybrid (236 hp); 2.5-liter 4 hybrid (226 hp)

 

electric (221 hp); electric (338 hp)

Transmissions Available
Transmissions Available

CVT

 

1-speed Direct

Performance

Comfort & Convenience

Fuel Economy & Range

Vehicle Safety

Specification

Warranty

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Auto Test Center

Precision testing comes standard at our 327-acre auto test center.

TESTING LIKE NOBODY ELSE

50+

tests are conducted on every car we buy.

PERFORMANCE TESTING

6

miles of track for testing acceleration, ride, handling, braking, and advanced driver assist systems.

TIRE TESTING

400

tires tested a year for all-weather grip and rolling resistance.