2026 Rivian R1S vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
The Rivian R1S wins clearly, 88.1 to 75.9, on fuel & range, performance. The Toyota Highlander is ahead on safety.
2026 Rivian R1S
The 2026 Rivian R1S is sold in the U.S. as an electric large SUV with 25 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the R1S Dual Max (22in), is EPA-ra…
2026 Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas large SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Highlander Hybrid …
2026 Rivian R1S
Clear winThe Rivian R1S wins clearly, 88.1 to 75.9, on fuel & range, performance. The Toyota Highlander is ahead on safety.
| Category · weight | 2026 Rivian R1Soverall 88.1 | 2026 Toyota Highlanderoverall 75.9 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 100 | 45.3 | |||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 67.3 | 100 | |||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 100 | 100 | |||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 100 | 49.7 | |||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||
| Tech & comfortnot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Overall | 88.1 | 75.9 | |||||||||
Safety-only comparison · 4 of 7 categories compared · specs not available for Rivian R1S
Rivian R1S: safety only (EPA and NHTSA record; specs not available) · Toyota Highlander: base trim XLE AWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2026 Rivian R1S wins
- It is rated 85 combined against 35 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
- It costs $1,000 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($900 against $1,900).
- It makes 533 hp against 265.
Where the 2026 Toyota Highlander answers
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (2 against 14 filed with NHTSA).
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 100 against 85).
What they share
- 7 seats.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
54 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Rivian R1S | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | — | $45,570 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | — | twin turbo |
| Cylinder count | — | 4 |
| Engine displacement | — | 2,393 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | — | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged DOHC |
| Fuel injection system | — | D-4S |
| Valve configuration | — | DOHC 16-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | — | 265 hp |
| Torque | — | 310 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | — | 21 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | — | 24 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | — | 28 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | — | 3.329 |
| Transmission speeds | — | 8 |
| Transmission type | — | automatic |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | — | 8 in |
| Overall height | — | 68.1 in |
| Overall length | — | 195 in |
| Overall width | — | 76 in |
| Wheelbase | — | 112 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | — | 84.3 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | — | 48.4 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | — | 16 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | — | 142 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | — | 7 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | — | 41.2 in |
| Second-row headroom | — | 39.4 in |
| Third-row headroom | — | 36.1 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | — | 42 in |
| Second-row legroom | — | 38.7 in |
| Third-row legroom | — | 28 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | — | 4,376 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | — | 4,199 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | — | 5,970 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | — | Independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar |
| Rear suspension type | — | Multi-link with stabilizer bar |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | — | Electric Power Steering (EPS) rack-and-pinion |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | — | 18.7 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | — | 338 mm |
| Front brake type | — | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | — | epb |
| Rear brake diameter | — | 338 mm |
| Rear brake type | — | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | — | 18 in |
| Wheel material | — | alloy |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | — | P235/65R18 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | — | 17.9 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | — | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | — | Toyota Connected Services |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | — | 12 months |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | — | 60 months |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | — | 59 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | — | 58.7 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | — | 55 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
49 features · differences first, then sharedSafety11 differ · 11 listed
| Feature | Rivian R1S | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | — | std |
| Downhill Assist Control (DAC) | — | std |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | — | std |
| Backup camera with projected path | — | std |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | — | std |
| Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) | — | std |
| Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) | — | std |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ — Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) | — | std |
| Traction Control (TRAC) | — | std |
| Anti-theft system with alarm and engine immobilizer | — | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) (individual tires) | — | std |
Infotainment12 differ · 12 listed
| Feature | Rivian R1S | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Connect® Emergency Assistance Button (SOS) | — | std |
| Stolen Vehicle Locator | — | std |
| Wi-Fi Connect — includes AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot and Integrated Streaming (Apple Music® and Amazon Music) compatibility. Up to 30-day/3 GB trial subscription | — | std |
| Safety Connect® — includes Emergency Assistance button, enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification and Stolen Vehicle Locator. 5-year minimum trial subscription | — | std |
| 12.3-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, USB media port, four USB charge ports, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology, SiriusXM® with 3-month trial subscription | — | opt |
| 6-speaker audio system | — | std |
| 8.0-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, SiriusXM® with 3-month trial subscription | — | std |
| Drive Connect — includes Cloud Navigation with Google Points of Interest (POI) data, Intelligent Assistant with Hey, Toyota, and Destination Assist. 1-year trial on Limited/Platinum; capable with subscription on XLE/XSE | — | std |
| Over-the-Air (OTA) updates (with active Drive Connect subscription) | — | std |
| Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging with charge indicator light | — | std |
| Remote Connect — remotely interact with your vehicle through the Toyota app. 1-year trial subscription | — | std |
| Service Connect — receive personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports. 5-year minimum trial subscription | — | std |
Convenience4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Rivian R1S | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Height-adjustable hands-free power liftgate with jam protection | — | std |
| Smart Key System on front doors and liftgate with Push Button Start, remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, panic and liftgate functions; and remote illuminated entry | — | std |
| Five USB ports (one USB-A media port and four USB-C charging ports) and two 12V outlets | — | std |
| Power windows with auto up/down in all positions and jam protection | — | std |
Climate1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Rivian R1S | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Three-zone automatic climate control with air filter, separate second-row control panel, individual temperature settings for driver, front passenger and rear-seat passengers, and second- and third-row vents | — | std |
Seating6 differ · 6 listed
| Feature | Rivian R1S | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat including power lumbar support | — | std |
| 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat | — | std |
| Heated front seats | — | std |
| 8-passenger seating with 60/40 split, sliding and reclining fold-flat second-row bench seats; 60/40 split, fold-flat third-row seats with sliding headrests and recline function | — | opt |
| 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat | — | std |
| SofTex®-trimmed front- and second-row seats; heated front seats; 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat including power lumbar support; 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat | — | std |
Interior3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Rivian R1S | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® universal garage door opener | — | std |
| 7-in. color LCD Multi-Information Display (MID) with odometer, trip/average fuel economy, cruising range, average speed, AWD torque distribution (AWD models only), cruise control guide, audio details, hands-free incoming call notices, telephone information | — | std |
| Second-row sunshades | — | std |
Exterior10 differ · 10 listed
| Feature | Rivian R1S | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade and one-touch open/close | — | std |
| Heated power outside mirrors | — | std |
| LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | — | std |
| LED fog lights | — | std |
| LED taillights | — | std |
| Silver-painted roof rails | — | std |
| Privacy glass on rear side, quarter and liftgate windows | — | std |
| Rear liftgate windshield defogger | — | std |
| Front and rear mudguards | — | std |
| Temporary spare tire/wheel | — | std |
Powertrain2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Rivian R1S | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| All-Wheel Drive | — | std |
| Selectable drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow) | — | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPRivian R1S
Top recalls
- high Seat Belts 26V009000 · 869 vehicles
- moderate Exterior Lighting 26V508000 · 3,829 vehicles
- minor Back Over Prevention 26V597000 · 98,828 vehicles
Toyota Highlander
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Rivian R1S | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — | $45,570 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | — | $45,570 – $54,975 7 trims |
| Powertrains | BEV | HEV, GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | R1S Dual Large (22in) | Highlander Hybrid AWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 85 | 35 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $900 | $1,900 |
| EV range | 329 mi | — |
| Basic warranty | — | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | — | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Roadside assistance | — | 2 yr |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 Rivian R1S or the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The Rivian R1S wins clearly, 88.1 to 75.9, on fuel & range, performance. The Toyota Highlander is ahead on safety. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Rivian R1S scores 88.1 and the 2026 Toyota Highlander 75.9. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Rivian R1S or the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
2026 Rivian R1S: no NHTSA rating yet, grade B, 3 recalls. 2026 Toyota Highlander: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 0 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2026 Rivian R1S and the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
Where the 2026 Rivian R1S wins: it is rated 85 combined against 35 (EPA mpg or MPGe), costs $1,000 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($900 against $1,900), and makes 533 hp against 265. Where the 2026 Toyota Highlander answers: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (2 against 14 filed with NHTSA) and has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 100 against 85). What they share: 7 seats.