The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Vs the 2021 Toyota Highlander: Which Should I Buy in 2024?

• Both the Toyota RAV4 and the Toyota Highlander are highly-rated SUVs manufactured by Toyota.
• Both Toyota SUVs are popular amongst Nigerians and are well-fitted for Nigerian roads. 
• With both of them being loved and popular in Nigeria, most buyers might get confused about which of them to get in 2024.

When choosing an SUV,  almost every Nigerian feels they can’t go wrong with a Toyota. The brand boasts one of the highest reliability ratings, and it consistently makes affordable and safe vehicles that drivers and families love. 

So if you’re in the market for one of the automaker’s SUVs but can’t decide which to choose, know that two popular crossovers are the Toyota Highlander and RAV4.

In this article, we take a look at the two Toyota SUVs to determine which of them is more reliable for Nigerian buyers who will be buying Toyota SUVs in 2024.

Overview of the 2021 Toyota RAV4

The brand’s best-selling SUV is the Toyota RAV4 compact crossover. It has long been a favourite in Nigeria thanks to its reasonable price, low maintenance costs, good fuel mileage, and high safety ratings. With an athletic yet refined aesthetic, the 2021 model looks fantastic inside and out.

Under the hood, the Toyota RAV4 packs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine capable of producing 203 hp. It also gets a respectable 35 mpg on the highway and can tow up to 1,500 pounds. 

The interior comes standard with cloth seats, but you can upgrade to synthetic leather seat coverings at higher trim levels. The Toyota RAV4 also comes standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. 

Overview of the 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander midsize crossover boasts more towing power, better acceleration, and more advanced interior and safety features than the RAV4. On the outside, the Highlander looks a bit boxier and lower-slung than the RAV4. 

But the larger SUV also offers more power. It comes with a 295-hp V6 engine, which packs a noticeable punch compared to the RAV4’s standard 208-hp four-cylinder. The bigger sibling can also tow up to 5,000 pounds, over three times the weight the RAV4 can pull. Fuel mileage of 29 mpg on the highway falls slightly behind the RAV4’s, but that’s to be expected for a substantially larger vehicle with a more powerful engine. 

Inside the Toyota Highlander, you’ll also find more storage and seating space. The infotainment system comes standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen plus many of the RAV4’s tech features. You can also choose from many more interior options than you can with the RAV4, including leather trim, giving the Highlander an edge for customizability. 

Why Does the Toyota RAV4 Enjoy More Popularity in Nigeria?

Although the Highlander is popular in Nigeria, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 has always enjoyed more popularity, and the past year has been no exception. But, the 2021 Toyota Highlander boasts better reliability ratings than the RAV4. However, the Highlander’s price is significantly higher than the RAV4’s, which accounts for why many Nigerians prefer buying the RAV4.

Should I Still Go For the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

Yes. The Highlander just like the RAV4 is a great option vehicle to purchase in Nigeria in 2024. The only reason many Nigerians go after the RAV4 is because the price is lower compared to the Highlander. If you can afford the Highlander, you should go for it without any questions. It has a better offroading performance than the RAV4, and this is a good feature for cars that drive on Nigerian roads.