Buick Rainier vs Toyota Highlander
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Toyota Highlander
Overview
| Spec | Buick RainierCXL | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | CXL | XLE |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2007 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Buick RainierCXL | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $31,550 (best) | $45,270 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Buick RainierCXL | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 16 MPG | 24 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 14 MPG | 21 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 20 MPG | 28 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 22 gal (best) | 17.9 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Buick RainierCXL | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 291 hp (best) | 265 hp |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 4.2 L (best) | 2.4 L |
| Cylinders | I6 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Buick RainierCXL | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 7 seats (best) |
| Doors | 5 (best) | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 80.1 cu ft | 84.3 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 6,700 lbs (best) | 5,000 lbs |
| Payload | 1,133 lbs | 1,225 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 4,417 lbs | 4,376 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 8 in | 8 in |
| Wheelbase | 113 in (best) | 112.2 in |
| Length | 193.4 in | 194.9 in (best) |
| Width | 75.4 in | 76 in (best) |
| Height | 74.5 in (best) | 68.1 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Buick RainierCXL | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 3 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Buick Rainier | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CXL $31,550 MSRP(Currently comparing) | XLE $45,270 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | CXL $33,570 MSRP | XLE $47,020 MSRP |
| 3 | — | XSE $47,340 MSRP |
| 4 | — | Limited $49,725 MSRP |
| 5 | — | Limited $51,475 MSRP |
| 6 | — | Platinum $52,925 MSRP |
| 7 | — | Platinum $54,675 MSRP |