Toyota’s SUV Lineup, Pricing, and Features

Toyota ushered in the SUV craze with its RAV4, and the automaker has continued to offer a solid SUV lineup that now includes nearly a dozen models

Toyota is responsible for many automotive firsts, but perhaps none is more significant than the Japanese automaker showing there was a demand for compact, mainstream SUVs. The RAV4 was developed in the 1990s, and in 1996 it washed up on American shores, forever changing the automotive landscape - particularly that of the U.S. SUVs prior to the RAV4 were beefy behemoths that were often completely utilitarian and regarded more their capabilities than their performance on the grocery or school run.

But the RAV4 illustrated many buyers wanted the practicality, higher ride height and seating position, and added capabilities over sedans without being so work-mobile forward as to be useless on the road. To this day, the RAV4 continues to be the best-selling SUV in the U.S., trailing only the full-size trucks from Ram, Ford, and Chevy in overall sales. And the RAV4 has accomplished this feat despite a seemingly relentless stream of new SUVs and crossovers hitting the market, many from Toyota's own ranks. Toyota led the mainstream SUV craze, and the automaker continues to be in the upper echelon of automakers in continuing the red-hot segment. Check out Toyota's full lineup of SUVs and crossovers below, ranked from lowest starting price to highest.

Related: Everything You Need To Know About The All New Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross is the entry point for Toyota's SUV/crossover lineup with a starting price of $24,395 and eight total trims topping out with the XSE hybrid nearing $36,000. The subcompact crossover is available either with an internal combustion engine or with a hybrid powertrain. The standard Corolla Cross is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine offering 169 horsepower while the hybrid model sports the same ICE engine and three electric motors with all-wheel drive delivering 194 horsepower. The Corolla Cross is about the same size as the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 with a cabin that is a near replica of its namesake model, the Corolla subcompact sedan. However, the Corolla Cross’ status as an SUV allows it to be more practical for both rear passengers and cargo.

Related: 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: Performance, Price, And Photos

The Toyota CH-R is bidding adieu to the automotive world as Toyota has axed the model from its lineup beginning in 2023, at least in the U.S. However, there are still plenty of the funky-styled 2022 models on dealership lots, showcasing why Toyota is pulling the plug on the model stateside. The CH-R and Corolla Cross were close on price — the CH-R starts at $24,280 for 2022 — with both models near the same overall size. The CH-R has a bigger cargo area but less room for passengers. Another likely reason for the CH-R's demise is its paltry inline-four engine offering just 144 horsepower, requiring a pedestrian 11 seconds to run from 0-60 mph. Though the CH-R is fitted with a fairly generous list of features and a nicely appointed cabin, apparently not all were sold on its bold styling.

The Toyota RAV4 is the model that started it all continues its sales championship defense with both the standard RAV4 and its hybrid sibling for 2023. Both models offer generous practicality, a long list of standard features, adequate performance, plenty of technology/connectivity and rugged looks. The 2023 RAV4 starts at $27,975 with the base RAV4 Hybrid, commanding $32,060, and the range-topping model going as high as $39,030.

The gas-only RAV4 is powered by a 2.5-liter engine offering a respectable 203 horsepower paired to an eight-speed automatic with the hybrid upping the ante to 219 horses coupled to a continuously variable transmission and standard all-wheel drive. All models are equipped with an 8- or 10.5-inch touchscreen with plenty of connectivity. All models also feature a suite of active driver's aids, substantial passenger and cargo space, plenty of creature comforts and sensible driving characteristics. Unsurprisingly, the RAV4 Hybrid is also notable efficient, offering 40 combined mpg.

Related: 2023 Toyota RAV4: Performance, Price, And Photos

The 2023 Toyota Venza stands out in Toyota's lineup as it is only offered with a hybrid powertrain, the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder and three electric motors that powers the RAV4 Hybrid. As such, it offers the same performance and efficiency, though it does command a slightly higher price for its more upscale cabin and exterior styling. The 2023 Venza's price ranges from $34,120 to $42,265, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive and a CVT. The Venza is slightly larger than the RAV4 Hybrid, but it is slightly down on room, both for people and their stuff, versus its stablemate. However, the Venza delivers a slightly more upmarket cabin that swaps the RAV4's butch looks and fitments for those who prefer more refinement. In its top trim, the Venza could easily be confused for a Lexus with its styling, touch-capacitive controls, 12.3-inch center display, and higher-quality controls.

Related: 2023 Toyota Venza: Performance, Price, And Photos

The 2023 Toyota Highlander is a step up in size over the RAV4 and offers a third row of seats as standard. The Highlander can accommodate seven passengers in higher trims with second-row captain's chairs or eight people in lower and mid-range trims with bench seats in the middle and third row. There are six trim options for the ’23 non-hybrid Highlander, and pricing starts at $36,420 for the base L trim with the top-spec Platinum commanding $49,275. New for 2023, the Highlander is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder delivering 265 horsepower and 309 pound-feet of torque with an eight-speed automatic transmission with front- or all-wheel drive. An eight-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM is standard with dual 12.3-inch displays for the infotainment system and gauge cluster available.

Related: 2023 Toyota Highlander: Performance, Price, And Photos

The 2023 Highlander Hybrid offers the same practicality with additional power and improved efficiency. The EPA rates the Highlander Hybrid at 36 combined mpg, 10 to 11 mpg more efficient than the FWD or AWD non-hybrid Highlander. The Highlander Hybrid is motivated by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and dual electric motors for a total output of 243 horsepower with front- or all-wheel drive. All models are paired with a CVT.

The Highlander Hybrid is slightly more expensive than the non-hybrid version with prices ranging from $40,220 to $50,675. The Highlander Hybrid is nicely equipped throughout its rev range — the XLE, just one step up from a base model, offers features like heated front seats, wireless charging, a power moonroof. The top-spec Platinum version features a panoramic glass roof, 20-inch wheels, heated second-row seats, a panoramic view monitor and other amenities.

Unlike its stablemates, the Toyota 4Runner is far more at home on the trails than the street. The Toyota 4Runner is the off-roading specialty model in the automaker's lineup with its pickup-truck frame, utilitarian-forward design, and plenty of off-roading abilities and kit. For those seeking capabilities off the beaten path, the 2023 4Runner is available in six trims starting at $39,555 with the top off-roading version, the TRD Pro, commanding $54,020. The 4Runner can accommodates five passengers as standard, though third-row seats are available. With its trail-tackling pedigree, the 4Runner skimps on a fancy presentation, but TRD models are equipped with features like standard four-wheel drive, an electronically locking rear differential, selectable driving modes for all terrains, knobby all-terrain tires, underbody protection, and brawny visual upgrades. With its old-school approach, all 4Runners are fitted with a 4.0-liter V-6 offering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque with an outdated five-speed automatic transmission.

Related: 2023 Toyota 4Runner: Performance, Price, and Photos

The 2023 Toyota bZ4X is a newcomer to Toyota's SUV stable and its first all-electric SUV offering. Built on Toyota's new e-TNGA Platform, the Toyota is close in size with the VW ID.4 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 with seating for five passengers. The bZ4X is available with a single electric motor delivering 201 horsepower to the front wheels or with dual-motors and all-wheel drive offering 215 horsepower. The FWD bZ4X returns up to 252 miles of range with the AWD version dropping that figure to 242 miles in single-motor versions. Two trims are available with the XLE starting at $42,000 and Limited models requiring $46,700, and the dual-motor setup can be added for $2,080 in either version, which drops the range to 222-228 miles. According to Toyota, its new EV can increase its charge by 80 percent in about an hour with DC fast charging at 150kW.

Related: 10 Things You Need To Know About The Toyota bZ4X EV

Toyota completes its RAV4 lineup with the RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid model that is the most powerful model in the lineup. The RAV4 Prime is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, dual electric motors, and an 18.1-kWh battery pack offering a total output of 302 horsepower, a full 99 horses over the RAV4 Hybrid. The Prime also offers up to 42 miles of all-electric driving with 94 MPGe.

Two RAV4 Prime trims are offered with the SE base model carrying an MSRP of $42,340 and the XSE commanding $46,210. In addition to providing all-electric driving, the plug-in hybrid RAV4 offers some added features, like a head-up display and 19-inch wheels, the RAV4 Hybrid doesn't include. The downside is, due to the battery pack, the RAV4 Prime offers 33.4 cubic-feet of cargo space behind the second row while the Hybrid model provides nearly 38 cubic-feet.

Related: 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE Review: The Perfect Middleground

The Sequoia is the biggest, and therefore, priciest, offering in Toyota's 2023 SUV lineup, and the model has ushered in a new generation for the 2023 model year. The Toyota Sequoia rides on the same platform as the Land Cruiser, which is no longer offered in the U.S., and it exclusively uses the powerful iForce Max hybrid system available in the Tundra pickup truck. The 3.4-liter V-6 and electric motor deliver a total output of 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The Sequoia seats eight passengers with a standard third row, though middle-row captain's chairs are available for a max of seven passengers. The Sequoia is offered in a total of five trims ranging from $58,365 to $75,365. The SR5, Limited, and Platinum models are well-equipped with creature comforts, safety, and tech features, while the Capstone features a luxury-like cabin and amenities list. Those who need all-terrain abilities can also opt for the top-spec TRD Pro trim which comes standard with four-wheel drive (all other models are rear-wheel drive as standard) with FOX dampers, 33-inch tires, and a locking rear differential.

Related: Toyota Sequoia - Performance, Price and Photos

Joe Parker is a nationally award-winning journalist and columnist from the Atlanta area. He has served as an automotive journalist for the past four years alongside extensive sports, business, government, and column writing. His favorite modern car feature is ventilated seats to combat the Southeast U.S. climate, and his heel-toe shifting attempts usually end in disappointment.