Highlander, hands down. We test drove both and chose the HL for a few reasons: The ride is so much better if you travel a lot. So much more legroom (we have long-legged children); much more storage space. We downsized from our 15 yo Sienna and the HL really is so much smaller, and the RAV4 just wouldn't do for us. And did I mention the ride? Rav4 just didn't compare.

Unless you have dogs or need the extra space for some other reason I would do the Rav 4.

What do you plan on doing with it? Driving the kid(s) to school, soccer practice, etc? Get the highlander. Taking it camping in the back woods? Neither.

I had a RAV4 for over 10 years while my kids were in elementary and middle. It was fine for just us, but terrible for carpooling, especially as they got older. I did like it as a car, though. I just got a new car and went w the Venza, a little bigger than a Rav4 but not as big as the Highlander, which I felt was too big personally. The back seat is comfortable and big enough for teenagers, even w someone in the middle seat. But no third row, only seats 5. Teens will be driving soon so carpooling isn't as important.

Depends on your usage.

When our twins were born, I had a Ford Escape Hybrid, which I loved. It's very similar to the RAV4. It was perfect for our family of four, we took it on long trips, even when the kids were infants and had, oh so much junk to tote (double pack-n-plays, double stroller, two bouncy seats, etc). I did get a rooftop carrier to help with luggage capacity and that worked fine. The one problem was that whenever my parents or my in-laws would come to visit, I would have to rent a minivan since none of them were willing to drive in our area. That was fine, it means about twice a year, I rented a minivan.

But renting a minivan got old and when the kids hit 7, I finally drove that Escape into the ground at over 150K miles. We replaced it with a Highlander Hybrid which I also love. This has been good, because even though we've lost two of the grandparents, we still on occasion have family visit and need to sit 6. Also, now that the kids are old enough, they occasionally invite friends to things and we sometimes need to carry more passengers. This weekend, going to a birthday party, I had to have 5 kids for one way on the trip and it was good to have the third row.

If you don't anticipate needing to carry more than 5 (more than 4 when they are still in car seats), then the RAV4 is a good car for you. If you need the extra seat space, especially while they are still in car seats, then you should get the Highlander.

We love our highlander. Have a 7 year old and a 2 year old. Love the captain chairs for the carseat for the 2 year old and the booster for the 7 year old. We only use the third row when my parents visit, otherwise love the trunk space. The Rav-4 felt small, esp for once we put in a jogging stroller and suitcase for driving vacations.

Love my RAV4. I have two small kids, no space issues. Super low maintenance, easy to drive mom mobile.

Do you need third row seats?

Definitely a difference in size and MPG. Regardless of which you choose, get the hybrid version.

You can get away with two kids in the RAV4, it's a lot larger than previous generations. Buy a roof box for longer road trips and you'll be fine.

Very unimpressed with the Highlander. I did not feel like it drove well at all.

I used to have a RAV4, and I switched to a CRV and am 1,000% happier.

Anonymous wrote:Highlander, if it’s a choice.

+1

Highlander, if it’s a choice.

Anonymous wrote:DH and I can’t get on the same page about this one. Does anyone have 1 or the other and love it or regret it? Also generally -any thoughts ? We’re looking to buy new 2021. TIA

OP again - we have 1 baby and one on the way for family size and some context. Thanks!

DH and I can’t get on the same page about this one. Does anyone have 1 or the other and love it or regret it? Also generally -any thoughts ? We’re looking to buy new 2021. TIA