Toyota SUVs from Smallest to Largest: Finding Your Perfect Fit

Apr 24, 2025

When shopping for a new SUV, size matters. Whether you need extra cargo space for weekend adventures, ample seating for your growing family, or a compact option for city commuting, Toyota offers an impressive lineup of SUVs to match every lifestyle and need. At Toyota of New Bern, we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you navigate Toyota’s 2025 SUV lineup from smallest to largest, highlighting the key features and benefits of each model.

Toyota’s SUV Lineup at a Glance

Toyota continues to expand its SUV offerings for 2025, with six distinct models ranging from the compact Corolla Cross to the full-size Sequoia. Each vehicle brings its own unique blend of capability, efficiency, and technology. Let’s explore each model in detail, starting with the smallest and working our way up.

1. Toyota Corolla Cross – The Urban Explorer

As Toyota’s smallest SUV offering, the 2025 Corolla Cross delivers big on versatility and value. Built on the beloved Corolla platform, this subcompact crossover brings the reliability you expect from Toyota in a package designed for urban adventures.

Perfect for: First-time buyers, city dwellers, and drivers seeking excellent fuel economy without sacrificing utility.

Standout Features:

Available hybrid powertrain with exceptional fuel efficiency
Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 with enhanced driver assistance features
Optional AWD capability for light off-road adventures
User-friendly technology including wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
Comfortable interior with surprising space for its compact footprint

The Corolla Cross strikes an excellent balance between the maneuverability of a sedan and the practicality of an SUV, making it ideal for navigating tight parking spaces while still providing elevated seating and increased cargo capacity.

2. Toyota RAV4 – The Versatile Favorite

The 2025 RAV4 continues its reign as America’s best-selling non-pickup vehicle, and for good reason. This compact SUV combines versatility, efficiency, and rugged good looks in a package that appeals to a wide range of drivers.

Perfect for: Small families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a versatile vehicle for both daily commuting and weekend getaways.

Standout Features:

Multiple powertrain options, including gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid
Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims for enhanced capability
Standard Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+
Available digital rearview mirror and hands-free power liftgate
Up to 41 mpg combined with the hybrid model

The RAV4’s slightly larger dimensions compared to the Corolla Cross provide noticeably more cargo space and a more planted feel on the highway, while still maintaining excellent maneuverability for daily driving.

3. Toyota Highlander – The Family-Friendly Mid-Size

Stepping up to the mid-size category, the 2025 Highlander offers three rows of seating and generous interior space wrapped in a sleek, refined package.

Perfect for: Growing families, carpoolers, and those who need occasional third-row seating.

Standout Features:

Efficient turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder engine or hybrid powertrain
Premium interior materials and sound insulation
Available 12.3-inch touchscreen with integrated Toyota multimedia system
Second-row captain’s chairs option for easier third-row access
Up to 36 mpg combined with the hybrid powertrain

The Highlander represents a significant jump in size from the RAV4, offering a third row that’s suitable for children or occasional adult use, making it an excellent choice for families who need extra seating but don’t want a full-size SUV.

4. 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander – The Extended Mid-Size

Introduced as a new model to bridge the gap between the Highlander and larger SUVs, the 2025 Grand Highlander offers substantially more room for passengers and cargo while maintaining a manageable size.

Perfect for: Large families, road trip enthusiasts, and those who need a genuinely usable third row.

Standout Features:

Three powertrain options, including the powerful Hybrid MAX system with 362 horsepower
Adult-friendly third row with easy access
7 USB ports throughout the cabin for device charging
Available heated third-row seats
Towing capacity up to 5,000 pounds

The Grand Highlander addresses the primary complaint about the standard Highlander—limited third-row space—while offering significantly more cargo room, especially when all seats are occupied.

5. 2025 Toyota 4Runner – The Off-Road Champion

The 2025 4Runner represents a complete redesign of this legendary off-roader, maintaining its rugged capability while improving on-road comfort and efficiency.

Perfect for: Off-road enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those who need genuine all-terrain capability.

Standout Features:

New i-FORCE 2.4L turbocharged engine with improved efficiency
Available Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control systems
Body-on-frame construction for enhanced durability
Impressive 5,000-pound towing capacity
TRD Pro trim with FOX® shocks and additional off-road equipment

While similar in length to the Highlander, the 4Runner’s taller height and rugged construction set it apart as the choice for those who prioritize capability over luxury, though the redesigned 2025 model offers more refinement than ever before.

6. 2025 Toyota Sequoia – The Full-Size Flagship

As Toyota’s largest SUV offering, the 2025 Sequoia provides exceptional space, luxury, and capability for those who need it all.

Perfect for: Large families, boat owners, and those who require maximum passenger and cargo capacity.

Standout Features:

Standard i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain with 437 horsepower
Premium cabin with available semi-aniline leather seating
Adjustable cargo shelf system
Impressive 9,520-pound maximum towing capacity
Panoramic moonroof available on upper trims

The Sequoia represents Toyota’s ultimate expression of capability and luxury in an SUV, offering space comparable to full-size competitors while delivering impressive fuel efficiency thanks to its standard hybrid powertrain.

Size Comparison Chart

Model	Length (in)	Width (in)	Height (in)	Cargo Space (cu ft)	Max Seating
Corolla Cross	175.6	71.9	64.8	26.5 (behind 2nd row)	5
RAV4	180.9	73.0	67.0	37.6 (behind 2nd row)	5
Highlander	194.9	76.0	68.1	16.0/48.4 (behind 3rd/2nd row)	7-8
Grand Highlander	201.4	78.3	70.1	20.6/57.9 (behind 3rd/2nd row)	7-8
4Runner	194.0	75.8	71.5	46.3 (behind 2nd row)	5-7
Sequoia	208.1	79.6	74.2	22.3/49.0 (behind 3rd/2nd row)	7-8

How to Choose the Right Toyota SUV for Your Needs

When selecting your ideal Toyota SUV, consider these factors:

Passenger capacity requirements: How many people will you regularly transport?
Cargo needs: What items do you typically need to carry?
Driving environment: Urban commuting, highway travel, or off-road adventures?
Fuel efficiency priorities: Is maximizing MPG a top concern?
Towing requirements: Do you need to pull a trailer, boat, or camper?

Lifestyle Matching Guide:

City Living: Corolla Cross or RAV4 for maneuverability and efficiency
Growing Families: Highlander or Grand Highlander for space and comfort
Outdoor Enthusiasts: 4Runner for off-road capability
Maximum Utility: Sequoia for towing and passenger capacity

Experience Toyota’s SUV Lineup at Toyota of New Bern

At Toyota of New Bern, we invite you to experience the full range of Toyota’s 2025 SUV lineup in person. Our knowledgeable sales team can help you compare models side-by-side, arrange test drives, and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget.

We understand that choosing the right SUV is an important decision, and we’re here to provide expert guidance throughout your shopping journey. Visit our showroom today to explore these impressive vehicles and discover which Toyota SUV is right for you.

Ready to find your perfect Toyota SUV? Contact Us today to schedule a test drive or speak with our friendly sales team. Serving Kinston, Jacksonville, Goldsboro, and surrounding areas with exceptional service and selection.