At Capitol Toyota in Salem, OR, we know choosing between the 2025 Toyota RAV4 and the 2025 Toyota Highlander can be a tough call. Both SUVs offer exceptional quality, bold styling, and Toyota's signature reliability-but they're designed for different types of drivers. The RAV4 is a compact crossover that balances practicality with efficiency, ideal for individuals or small families looking for adventure-ready versatility. The Highlander, meanwhile, is a midsize SUV that delivers a more spacious interior, a stronger towing capacity, and seating for up to eight-perfect for growing families or those who regularly carpool or road trip. While both models come equipped with advanced safety technology and modern infotainment systems, they cater to distinct lifestyles. The 2025 RAV4 shines in urban settings and tight trails with its nimble size and impressive fuel economy, while the 2025 Highlander feels right at home on long drives with room to stretch out and options for a powerful hybrid or turbocharged engine. Whether you're comparing for space, tech, power, or price, our team at Capitol Toyota is here to help you choose the right SUV for your life in the Willamette Valley and beyond. Let's explore what sets these two apart from the crowd.
2025 Toyota RAV4 vs 2025 Toyota Highlander: Design & Exterior Features
The 2025 RAV4 stands out with its rugged, athletic lines and compact footprint that features bold styling elements like two-tone paint and a raised stance that adds attitude to daily commutes. By contrast, the 2025 Highlander brings a more commanding presence with a longer and wider body that boasts a sleek profile and sculpted front grille. The 2025 RAV4 comes standard with 17-inch wheels with available upgrades to 18- and 19-inch wheels on select models. The 2025 Highlander starts with 18-inch wheels and can upgrade to 20-inch wheels on select trims. Both come standard with LED projector headlights, and both offer the hands-free power liftgate on higher trims.
2025 Toyota RAV4 vs 2025 Toyota Highlander: Comfort & Technology
Inside the 2025 RAV4, you'll find a well-laid-out cabin with soft-touch materials and available upgrades like a panoramic glass roof, ventilated front seats, and an intuitive 10.5-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. While seating is limited to five, cargo space remains generous for a compact SUV, and dual-zone climate control keeps everyone comfortable. The 2025 Highlander builds on that comfort with three rows of seating for up to eight passengers. Higher trims offer premium leather, heated and ventilated seats in both rows, and a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen. Available features like a digital rearview mirror and Driver Easy Speak add practicality, while optional second-row captain's chairs improve access and comfort for passengers in the rear.
2025 Toyota RAV4 vs 2025 Toyota Highlander: Performance
The 2025 RAV4 is powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine delivering 203 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth and responsive shifting. Available all-wheel drive improves traction and handling in rain, snow, or gravel, making the RAV4 a confident companion for Oregon's varied terrain. Its lighter build and efficient powertrain also contribute to respectable fuel economy for the class. The 2025 Highlander offers a step up in power with its standard 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, producing 265 horsepower and ample torque for merging or passing on the highway. An 8-speed automatic transmission provides seamless performance, while available all-wheel drive systems with dynamic torque vectoring offer added stability on slick roads. The Highlander also boasts a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, making it a better choice for hauling gear or weekend toys.
2025 Toyota RAV4 vs 2025 Toyota Highlander: Safety
Every 2025 Toyota comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5, which includes features like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Tracing Assist. The RAV4 has earned solid crash test ratings with a five-star overall safety rating award by the NHTSA, and offers optional parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system on upper trims. The 2025 Highlander shares many of the same safety features through Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0, but also includes enhancements like intersection support and improved lane recognition. The 2025 Highlander was also awarded a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, securing Toyota's reputation for safety. Its larger body and available Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking add peace of mind for highway merging and reversing in busy parking lots. Parents may appreciate its LATCH anchors and rear seat reminder system for added security.
2025 Toyota RAV4 vs 2025 Toyota Highlander: Overall Value
Choosing between the 2025 RAV4 and 2025 Highlander comes down to your specific needs. The RAV4 delivers excellent efficiency, agile handling, and modern tech in a compact package-ideal for solo drivers or smaller households seeking daily practicality and adventure-ready design. The Highlander offers more passenger and cargo space, a more robust towing capacity, and added comfort for long hauls, making it the better choice for larger families or drivers with heavy travel needs. At Capitol Toyota in Salem, OR, we're proud to offer both of these exceptional SUVs. Whether you lean toward the smart versatility of the RAV4 or the spacious confidence of the Highlander, you're getting the reliability and innovation that define the Toyota brand. Let us help you find your perfect fit today.
 | 2025 Toyota RAV4 | 2025 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.5-Liter Dynamic Force 4-Cylinder | 2.4-Liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder |
| Standard Horsepower | 203 | 265 |
| Standard Torque (lb-ft) | 184 | 310 |
| Standard Transmission | Direct Shift 8-speed Automatic | Direct Shift 8-speed Automatic ECT |
| Standard Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Standard Fuel Economy (MPG) | 28 City / 34 Highway | 22 City / 29 Highway |
| Standard Wheels | 17-inch Steel | 18-inch Alloy |
| Standard Headlights | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Apple CarPlay® | Wireless | Wireless |
| Blind Spot Warning | Standard | Standard |
