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Toyota Highlander vs Volkswagen Golf R - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (265 HP vs 315 HP), trunk space and price (39,300 $ vs 45,700 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Toyota Highlander or Volkswagen Golf R?

Toyota Highlander vs Volkswagen Golf R: Key differences

Toyota Highlander

  • slightly cheaper
  • clearly more efficient

Volkswagen Golf R

  • a bit more power
  • markedly lighter

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Highlander

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Toyota Highlander is slightly cheaper – starting at 39,300 $ , while the Volkswagen Golf R costs 45,700 $ . That’s a price difference of around 6,395 $.

When it comes to city fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander performs clearly better – achieving 36 mpg, compared to 22 mpg for the Volkswagen Golf R. That’s a difference of about 14 mpg.

Golf R

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Volkswagen Golf R offers a bit more power – delivering 315 HP compared to 265 HP. That’s roughly 50 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Toyota Highlander delivers marginally more torque with 310 lb-ft compared to 295 lb-ft. That’s about 15 lb-ft more.

Highlander

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: Toyota Highlander offers more seats – 8 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Volkswagen Golf R is markedly lighter – 3,397 lbs compared to 4,155 lbs. The difference is around 758 lbs.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Toyota Highlander is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from $39,300
Highlander

Toyota Highlander

  • Engine Type : Gasoline, Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front Wheel, All Wheel
  • Power HP : 243 - 265 HP
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

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View detailed analysis

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View detailed analysis

General
View detailed analysis

Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is a trusty family hauler that blends calm road manners with a thoughtfully finished cabin and a bonus row for occasional adults. It won’t set your hair on fire, but with a refined hybrid option, easy-to-use tech, and resale strength that makes rivals sweat, it’s the sensible choice that still feels a bit special.

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Reviews Toyota Highlander

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Volkswagen Golf R

The Golf R is the hot hatch that blends everyday civility with a mischievous streak, gripping hard and slingshotting out of corners while still cruising to the grocery store like a champ. Inside it’s practical and polished, and with the right drive mode it flips from calm commuter to cheeky back-road assassin without breaking a sweat.

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Reviews Volkswagen Golf R

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Toyota Highlander
Volkswagen Golf R

Costs and Consumption
Price
39,300 - 53,400 $
Price
45,700 - 46,500 $
FuelEconomy City
21 - 36 mpg
FuelEconomy City
20 - 22 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
28 - 35 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
28 - 31 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
17.1 - 17.9 gal
Fuel tank capacity
14.5 gal

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
4MOTION Hatchback
Seats
7 - 8
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
4,155 - 4,595 lbs
Curb weight
3,397 - 3,474 lbs
Trunk Volume
-
Trunk Volume
-
Length
194.9 - 197.4 in.
Length
168.9 in.
Width
76 in.
Width
70.4 in.
Height
68 in.
Height
57 in.

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Gasoline, Hybrid
Engine Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manual, Automatic
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Drive Type
All Wheel
Power HP
243 - 265 HP
Power HP
315 HP
Torque
175 - 310 lb-ft
Torque
280 - 295 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
2.4 - 2.5 L
Engine Displacement
2 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General
Model Year
2,024
Model Year
2,024
Brand
Toyota
Brand
Volkswagen
What is the starting MSRP for the Toyota Highlander?

Starting from 39,300 $.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. Prices shown are manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP). Taxes, registration fees and dealer charges are not included.