2021 Toyota Venza vs. 2021 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander

2021 Red Toyota Venza
2021 Blue Toyota RAV4
2021 Black Toyota Highlander
2021 Toyota Venza vs. 2021 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander
$32,470 MSRP* Starting Price $26,050 MSRP* Starting Price $34,810 MSRP*
40 city / 37 highway MPG** Fuel Economy 28 city / 35 highway MPG** Fuel Economy 21 city / 29 highway MPG**
3,500 pounds Max. Towing Capacity 3,500 pounds Max. Towing Capacity 5,000 pounds
5 Passenger Capacity 5 Passenger Capacity 8
2 Seating Rows 2 Seating Rows 3
55.1 cubic feet Max. Cargo Space 69.8 cubic feet Max. Cargo Space 84.3 cubic feet

2021 Toyota SUV Comparison


If you’re looking to buy a Toyota SUV, then you have a lot of options available to you! Whether you’re in the market for a hybrid or standard gas-engine vehicle, the Toyota SUV lineup is affordable and versatile. Two of the most popular Toyota SUVs for Cedar Park families are the 2021 Toyota RAV4 and the 2021 Toyota Highlander, but how do they compare to the new 2021 Toyota Venza? Read the Toyota of Cedar Park Toyota SUV comparison as we discuss the differences between price, performance, and design of the Toyota Venza vs. RAV4 and the Venza vs. Highlander so you can pick the perfect model for your Austin needs.


Starting Price & Trim Levels

The first place many Leander shoppers start when looking to compare Toyota SUV models is their price and trim levels. The Toyota RAV4, Venza, and Highlander each have driver-friendly starting MSRPs and multiple trim levels to choose from. The Toyota RAV4 has the cheapest starting MSRP for drivers who want to save on their monthly payments, while the Highlander has the highest. However, the Highlander is also a larger vehicle compared to the Venza vs. RAV4. Explore the trim level options and starting MSRP of each vehicle below:

  • Toyota Venza: Three trim levels. $32,470 starting MSRP*
  • Toyota RAV4: Five trim levels & 4 Hybrid trim levels. $26,050 starting MSRP*
  • Toyota Highlander: Six trim levels & 4 Hybrid trim levels. $34,810 starting MSRP*

The Toyota RAV4 and Highlander have hybrid trim levels available to Georgetown drivers who are looking to save on fuel. This is in addition to their standard-gas engine configurations. The Toyota Venza, however, is a hybrid-only vehicle. Drivers who are looking to save on fuel and monthly payments will find that the Toyota Venza has a higher fuel economy at a lower starting MSRP than the RAV4 or Highlander hybrid models.


man in suit walking up to a grey 2021 Toyota Venza
man with hands on a Toyota Venza steering wheel

Engine Performance & Fuel Economy

Drivers who are looking for a powerful engine for their outdoor adventures or daily commute will find that each Toyota SUV has the power and capability they need to get through the day. Drivers looking for top-of-the-line power will find it in the Toyota Highlander though. The Toyota Highlander has almost 100 more horsepower than the RAV4 and Venza, along with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000-pounds. The Toyota RAV4 is also a powerful contender in this Toyota SUV comparison, with stronger engine options on its upper trim levels.

Compare the performance and fuel economy of the base Toyota Venza, RAV4, and Highlander engines below:

  • Toyota Venza: 2.5L Dynamic Force Engine with 219 net combined hp and 40 City/37 Highway MPG**
  • Toyota RAV4: 2.5L Dynamic Force Engine with 203 hp and 28 City/35 Highway MPG**
  • Toyota Highlander: 3.5L V6 Engine with 295 hp and 21 City/29 Highway MPG**

The Toyota RAV4 and Highlander each have multiple engine options for Cedar Park drivers to choose from, while the Toyota Venza only has one. However, the Toyota Venza engine has a higher fuel economy rating compared to the Venza vs. Highlander or Venza vs. RAV4. Drivers who want a strong engine, capability, and superior fuel economy will be more than satisfied with the performance offered in the Toyota Venza.


2021 Toyota RAV4 on City Highway
2021 Toyota RAV4 Front Interior and Dashboard

Interior Design & Features

Austin drivers who spend a lot of time in their vehicles know that comfort, convenience, and design are all a very important part of the car-buying process. What’s the point of buying a new car if you’re not excited to get in it every day and experience its features as you drive through Leander? Comparing the Toyota SUV models, drivers will find that each vehicle comes with Toyota Safety Sense™, smartphone connectivity, SofTex® fabric, and other standard Toyota features they love. The RAV4 and Highlander are similar in design, with the expectation of certain RAV4 trim levels that offer digital multi-informational displays.

You can see some of the premium features offered on each Toyota SUV below:

  • Toyota Venza: 12.3-inch touchscreen display with 7-inch color LCD display and 10-inch HUD. Star Gaze® panoramic fixed roof with on-off control and power sunshade. Height-adjustable hands-free power liftgate
  • Toyota RAV4: Panoramic glass roof with front power tilt/slide moonroof. Interior ambient lighting. 7-inch color multi-information display with 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Toyota Highlander: Three rows of seating. Power panoramic moonroof with sunshade and one-touch open/close with jam protection. 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia display with 10-inch HUD. Leather-trimmed seating

While the interiors of the Toyota Highlander and RAV4 offer a comfortable and connected drive, the Toyota Venza stands out as a sophisticated next-generation model. With multiple large digital displays and an encompassing sunroof, the 2021 Toyota Venza offers a view unlike any other model in the lineup. Built to re-imagine the possibilities of hybrid vehicles, the Toyota Venza is in a class all of its own when it comes to interior refinement and digital technology.


2021 Toyota Highlander Towing Boat
2021 Toyota Highlander Seats in Cockpit Red Leather

Test Drive The Venza, RAV4, and Highlander

It’s hard to do a comprehensive Toyota SUV comparison online, which is why Toyota of Cedar Park invites you to explore, test drive, and find your perfect Toyota SUV at our Cedar Park showroom! See how the Toyota Venza vs. Highlander vs. RAV4 compare on your daily commute and see how the Toyota Venza model’s engine, interior design, and trim levels put it in a league of its own. You can also see each SUV up close in our online model showroom before you come in. Learn more about the Toyota Venza, RAV4, and Highlander when you visit Toyota of Cedar Park today!

*MSRP excludes destination charges, tax, title, and license fees. Destination charges and actual dealer prices may vary. Vehicles displayed may contain optional equipment at additional cost. Also be sure to compare the available Toyota Highlander trim levels when you want to learn more.

**EPA Estimated Fuel Economy. Actual mileage may vary.


Toyota of Cedar Park 30.4790746, -97.8030749.