2024 Keystone Cougar 290RLS vs 2025 Heartland Bighorn 3560EL

Detailed Comparison

When it comes to the 2024 Keystone Cougar 290RLS versus the 2025 Heartland Bighorn 3560EL, the right choice depends on your travel style and priorities.

The Keystone Cougar 290RLS measures 31.5 ft in length at 14,700 lbs, compared to the Heartland Bighorn 3560EL's 31.5 ft and 14,400 lbs. GVWR ratings sit at 18,900 lbs and 17,400 lbs respectively.

For sleeping arrangements, the Keystone Cougar 290RLS offers room for 7 and the Heartland Bighorn 3560EL can handle 4. The Heartland Bighorn 3560EL benefits from 3 slide-out(s), expanding the interior when parked.

Looking at self-sufficiency, the Keystone Cougar 290RLS packs 50 gal of fresh water and 300W of solar. The Heartland Bighorn 3560EL counters with 72 gal fresh water and 200W solar.

Price is often the deciding factor. The Keystone Cougar 290RLS starts at $127,000 MSRP, while the Heartland Bighorn 3560EL commands $129,000 — a $2,000 gap.

Families with kids will appreciate the extra sleeping capacity and living space. Off-grid campers should pay close attention to solar wattage, battery capacity, and tank sizes. Full-timers should prioritize tank capacity, storage, and overall living comfort.

No comparison can replace walking through each unit yourself. Visit a dealer and experience the layouts firsthand.

When it comes to water management, tank capacity plays a major role in how long you can stay off the grid. The 2025 Heartland Bighorn 3560EL carries 72 gallons of fresh water versus 50 gallons in the 2024 Keystone Cougar 290RLS, providing an extra 22 gallons for longer boondocking stays. Gray water capacity favors the 2024 Keystone Cougar 290RLS at 66 gallons versus 55 gallons, which directly affects how often you need to find a dump station. The 2024 Keystone Cougar 290RLS also leads in black water capacity with 49 gallons compared to 45 gallons, an important consideration for families or full-time travelers.

Electrical systems are increasingly important as RVers rely on more electronics and appliances. The 2024 Keystone Cougar 290RLS comes equipped with 300W of factory solar compared to 200W on the 2025 Heartland Bighorn 3560EL, a meaningful difference for off-grid energy harvesting. Battery storage gives the edge to the 2024 Keystone Cougar 290RLS with 350Ah versus 200Ah, translating to longer run times for lights, fans, and charging devices overnight. The 2025 Heartland Bighorn 3560EL's 2000W inverter can handle heavier loads than the 1500W inverter in the other unit, which matters if you plan to run a microwave, coffee maker, or hair dryer without shore power.

For solo travelers and couples who value maneuverability, the 2024 Keystone Cougar 290RLS with its more compact footprint will be easier to navigate through tight campgrounds and mountain passes. Families with children should lean toward the 2024 Keystone Cougar 290RLS, which sleeps up to 7 and provides more flexibility for overnight guests. Full-time RVers who spend extended periods off-grid will benefit most from the 2024 Keystone Cougar 290RLS's power setup and the 2025 Heartland Bighorn 3560EL's water reserves, as these directly impact daily comfort and independence from hookups. Weekend warriors and seasonal campers who primarily stay at full-hookup campgrounds may find that the differences in tank sizes and power systems matter less, allowing them to focus on floor plan preference and overall comfort instead.

From a value perspective, the 2024 Keystone Cougar 290RLS at $127,000 MSRP represents a $2,000 savings over the 2025 Heartland Bighorn 3560EL at $129,000, a 2% price difference. Breaking it down per sleeping position, the 2024 Keystone Cougar 290RLS costs roughly $18,143 per berth while the 2025 Heartland Bighorn 3560EL comes in at $32,250 per berth. On a cost-per-foot basis, the 2024 Keystone Cougar 290RLS runs about $4,032 per linear foot versus $4,095 for the 2025 Heartland Bighorn 3560EL, which helps contextualize the value each unit delivers for its size. It is also worth considering that Keystone and Heartland have different dealer networks and warranty programs, which can significantly impact your long-term ownership experience and resale value down the road.