Toyota Highlander vs 4Runner: Compare SUVs
If you’re stuck choosing between the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota 4Runner, this guide is for you.
The Toyota Highlander shines with its family-first interior and smooth ride. On the other hand, the Toyota 4Runner is known for its tough build and off-road abilities.
We’ll help you see what each model has to offer to make a smart choice. We’ll look into what makes the Toyota Highlander different from the 4Runner, and the other way around.
We’ll cover their design, how they perform, safety features, and how well they hold their value.
By the end, you’ll know more about both Toyota SUVs to pick the one that best fits your life. Ready to see which Toyota SUV meets your needs? Let’s find out together.
Introduction To Toyota SUVs
The Toyota Highlander and 4Runner are top choices in the SUV market. This guide will show you what makes each special.
Whether you want a big, comfy car for your family or something tough for the outdoors, there’s an option for you.
The Highlander is great for families. It has lots of room, top safety tools, and doesn’t use much gas. On the other hand, the 4Runner is built for off-road fun.
It’s strong and ready for any adventure. This gives a snapshot of how the Highlander and 4Runner differ.
Exploring Toyota SUVs shows each one’s unique purpose. Learning about their performance, inside design, and safety will help you choose the right one for you.
Design and Dimensions of Highlander and 4Runner
The Toyota Highlander and 4Runner offer different design and size features. These differences are key to how they work and look.
Knowing about their exterior and interior sizes helps you choose the right SUV for your needs.
Exterior Size Differences
The Toyota Highlander is bigger overall than the Toyota 4Runner. It’s 197.4 inches long and 76 inches wide.
The 4Runner is smaller, at 191.3 inches in length and 75.8 inches in width. This size difference means the Highlander has more room for seats inside.
Interior Dimensions and Seating Capacity
The Highlander has three rows of seats for up to eight people. This makes it great for family trips and daily use.
On the other hand, the 4Runner usually has two rows for five people. But, you can choose a third row to fit seven.
This layout is perfect for more adventurous outings, showing off the 4Runner’s tough side.
Toyota Highlander vs 4Runner: Engine and Performance
Choosing between the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota 4Runner means understanding their engines and performance.
Each SUV offers a different experience behind the wheel. Let’s explore the power, fuel efficiency, and how they drive.
Power and Torque Specifications
The Highlander comes with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine. It hits 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This means quick acceleration for everyday driving.
The 4Runner features a stronger 4.0-liter V6 engine. It achieves 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque.
Despite having less horsepower, the Highlander leads in torque, offering solid performance.
Fuel Efficiency Comparison
Fuel efficiency between these two is different. The Highlander gets 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.
The 4Runner, however, only gets 16 MPG city and 19 MPG highway. This shows the Highlander is more fuel-efficient, an important factor for many SUV buyers.
Driving Experience and Handling
The Highlander promises a smoother ride with its eight-speed automatic transmission. This gives it smooth gear changes and responsive handling.
The 4Runner, geared more for off-road, has a five-speed automatic transmission. It’s stable on rough terrain but might not be as smooth for daily driving.
Whether you prefer comfort on the road or off-road abilities will decide your choice.
Towing Capacity: Highlander vs 4Runner
Both the Toyota Highlander and the 4Runner boast a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
This strength lets you tow things like boats and trailers easily. Knowing each vehicle’s towing abilities helps you choose the one that fits your life.
Maximum Towing Potential For Both SUVs
The Highlander and 4Runner each have a towing limit of 5,000 pounds. This shows they are equally strong in towing. You can count on either SUV for your towing needs.
Impact of Engine Type on Towing
Engine type greatly affects how well these SUVs tow. The Highlander focuses on fuel efficiency, good for those who value economy.
The 4Runner, with its V6 engine, offers more power, perfect for tough terrains.
Features Comparison: Toyota Highlander vs 4Runner
The Toyota Highlander is packed with features that make driving a pleasure. It includes Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ for top-notch safety.
There’s also three-zone automatic climate control, so everyone gets to choose their own comfort level. For tech lovers, a big 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen is an option for easier navigation.
The Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, is built for adventure. It has an Electronic Locking Rear Differential for improved grip in tough spots.
Crawl Control is a highlight too, adjusting throttle and brakes automatically on rough terrains for smoother handling.
Both SUVs offer infotainment systems that work with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This means you can easily use your favorite apps while out and about.
A deep dive into the SUV features comparison shows both have great tech. But they cater to very different tastes—comfort for the family or rugged off-road readiness.
| Feature | Toyota Highlander | Toyota 4Runner |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Features | Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ | Standard safety features, off-road enhancements available |
| Climate Control | Three-zone automatic climate control | Single-zone climate control |
| Display | Optional 12.3-inch touchscreen | 8-inch touchscreen standard |
| Off-Road Features | Limited off-road capability | Electronic Locking Rear Differential, Crawl Control |
Safety Ratings and Technology Features
Choosing the right SUV means looking at safety and tech features. The Toyota Highlander and 4Runner both focus on keeping you safe and connected.
They have great safety scores, letting you trust them on the road.
Advanced Safety Features
The Highlander stands out with Toyota Safety Sense™. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and pre-collision systems.
These features make driving safer and more enjoyable. The 4Runner, though older, keeps important safety features. It may not have all the latest tech, but it’s still a safe choice.
Infotainment and Connectivity Options
Both SUVs offer easy-to-use infotainment systems. The Highlander has newer options for device connection, like advanced smartphone integration and a bigger screen.
The 4Runner, while not as modern, meets your tech needs well.
Interior Space and Cargo Capacity
The space inside and how much it can hold is key for SUVs. When you look at the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota 4Runner, each shines in its own area. They meet different people’s needs.
Storage Solutions and Versatility
The Toyota Highlander offers up to 84.3 cubic feet for cargo when you fold down some seats. It’s great for families and all sorts of daily stuff.
Plus, it has lots of small spots for storage, which is super handy. The Toyota 4Runner, though, has even more room, with 89.7 cubic feet of space.
It’s perfect if you need a lot of room. The back seats adjust easily, making it great for big trips or carrying sports gear.
Passenger Comfort and Convenience Features
Both SUVs are comfy for riding, with the Highlander having three rows for up to eight people. Everyone gets enough room to stretch.
It also has cool stuff like USB ports and climate control in the back. The 4Runner fits up to five people, but it’s still pretty roomy.
It’s built for the outdoors, with materials that can handle the elements. Plus, it has smart storage for your adventures.
Pricing and Value For Money
The cost of buying a new SUV is very important when choosing. For the Toyota Highlander, the starting price is about $41,270.
Meanwhile, the starting price for the Toyota 4Runner is around $42,220. Although the Highlander is a bit cheaper to start, it’s crucial to look at the overall value of each vehicle, not just the price at purchase.
Base Model Pricing Overview
Let’s compare the starting prices of these two well-liked SUVs:
| SUV Model | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander | $41,270 |
| Toyota 4Runner | $42,220 |
Cost of Ownership and Maintenance
Owning an SUV means paying for more than just the sticker price. The Toyota Highlander and 4Runner are both known for being reliable.
This means maintenance costs are quite similar over the years. Fuel economy is a big deal too. The Highlander does better on gas, which can save you money.
On the other hand, the 4Runner’s toughness may offer better value if you often drive off-road, as it could have a higher resale value.
Toyota Highlander vs 4Runner: Off-Road Capabilities
The Toyota 4Runner shines when it comes to off-road adventures. It’s built with features meant for the wild. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander is great for city driving.
It offers a comfy ride but isn’t made for tough trails. Knowing this can help you pick the right SUV for your lifestyle.
4Runner’s Off-Road Features
The Toyota 4Runner is packed with off-road perks. Some key features are:
- Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System: This tech improves stability on rough terrains.
- Multi-Terrain Monitor: Allows you to see obstacles and navigate easier.
- Locking Center Differential: Balances power between wheels for better grip.
Highlander’s On-Road Performance
The Toyota Highlander excels in city driving, unlike the 4Runner. Its highlights include:
- Responsive steering for better control on streets.
- Smooth shifting for easy daily commutes.
- Adaptive cruise control for safer long trips.
| Feature | Toyota 4Runner | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System | Yes | No |
| Multi-Terrain Monitor | Yes | No |
| Locking Center Differential | Yes | No |
| Smooth Road Performance | Moderate | Excellent |
| Comfort Features | Basic | Advanced |
This comparison shows the big differences between the Toyota Highlander and the 4Runner off-road abilities.
Your decision depends on what you value more: everyday comfort or the thrill of off-road exploration.
Conclusion
In our look at Toyota Highlander versus 4Runner, it’s clear they’re designed for different types of people. The Highlander is great for families and city drivers.
It has a lot of space, good gas mileage, and safety features that keep everyone comfortable. The 4Runner, however, is built for the outdoors.
It’s tough, can handle off-road adventures, and is perfect for those who love exploring. Knowing these differences helps you pick the right SUV for you.
Choosing between the Highlander and the 4Runner depends on what you need. This summary helps you make a smart choice.
By thinking about what you want and each model’s features, you can pick the Toyota SUV that’s best for you.
FAQs
What are the key differences between the Toyota Highlander and 4Runner?
The Highlander has more room inside and uses less gas, great for families. The 4Runner, on the other hand, is built for off-road adventures with its tough design.
How do the engine specifications compare between the Highlander and 4Runner?
The Highlander’s engine is a turbocharged 2.4-liter with 265 horsepower. Meanwhile, the 4Runner has a 4.0-liter V6 engine with 270 horsepower. This difference affects their power and gas mileage.
Which SUV has better fuel economy?
The Toyota Highlander wins on fuel economy. It gets an estimated 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The 4Runner only gets 16 MPG city and 19 MPG highway.
What are the safety features available in both models?
Both SUVs are safe, earning high ratings. The Highlander offers Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ with things like adaptive cruise control. The 4Runner has good safety features too but is missing some newer tech.
How does the towing capacity compare between the two SUVs?
Both the Toyota Highlander and 4Runner can tow up to 5,000 pounds. This makes them both strong options for towing.
Which SUV is more suitable for off-road driving?
The Toyota 4Runner shines off-road, thanks to its special Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Multi-Terrain Monitor. The Highlander, however, is better suited for smooth rides on roads.
What is the price difference between the Highlander and 4Runner?
Starting at about ,270, the Highlander is a bit cheaper than the 4Runner. The 4Runner starts at around ,220.
