Toyota 4Runner vs Toyota Highlander: Which SUV is BEST?

Hello Friends! If you’re reading this, I bet you’re wondering about two awesome SUVs: the Toyota 4Runner and the Toyota Highlander. Both of these are super cool vehicles, but they’re also quite different in what they offer. So, if you’re confused about which one is better for you, no worries! I’m going to break it all down, so by the end of this article, you’ll know which one is perfect for your lifestyle. Let’s dive into it!

Toyota 4Runner vs. Toyota Highlander: What’s the Difference?

When comparing the Toyota 4Runner vs. Toyota Highlander, the first thing to know is that these SUVs are built for different purposes. So, while both of them come from the same brand and have that awesome Toyota reliability, they’re designed for different types of people.

The 4Runner is the one you want if you’re someone who loves adventure and off-road trips! This beast is built like a tank and can handle rough terrains, from rocky mountains to muddy trails. It’s perfect for camping trips, hiking expeditions, and places where there are no roads!

On the other hand, the Highlander is all about comfort, family trips, and city driving. It’s smooth, has better fuel efficiency, and comes packed with family-friendly features. It’s the car you want for your everyday commute or if you’re driving the kids to soccer practice. While it can go off-road, it’s not as rugged as the 4Runner.

Power and Performance: Who’s the Winner?

Now let’s talk about what’s under the hood! Both the 4Runner and Highlander have strong engines, but they perform very differently.

• 4Runner: It comes with a 4.0-liter V6 engine that delivers 270 horsepower. This makes it a powerful SUV, especially for off-roading. It also has a 4-wheel drive (4WD) option that is ideal for rocky, muddy, or snowy areas. If you love adventures and need something reliable to climb mountains, the 4Runner is your best buddy!
• Highlander: The Highlander, on the other hand, comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and produces 295 horsepower, making it slightly more powerful than the 4Runner in terms of numbers. But here’s the catch—it’s designed more for smooth highways and regular city roads. You can choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and its handling is much smoother than the 4Runner. If your driving is mostly in cities and highways, this one is perfect!

While the Highlander might have a little more horsepower, the 4Runner’s off-road capability is its biggest selling point. So, if you’re into off-road adventures, the 4Runner wins, hands down!

Interior and Comfort: 4Runner vs. Highlander

When it comes to interior comfort and design, there’s a big difference between these two SUVs.

• 4Runner: The 4Runner has a tough, durable interior that’s built for outdoor activities. The materials are sturdy, and while it’s comfortable, it doesn’t feel as luxurious as the Highlander. It’s more functional and designed for adventure. There’s plenty of cargo space, especially if you fold down the rear seats, making it perfect for packing camping gear, surfboards, or even bikes. However, the seating isn’t as plush as the Highlander, and it might feel a bit rougher on longer drives.
• Highlander: The Highlander is all about luxury and comfort. It has a softer, more refined interior with plush seats that are designed for long road trips or daily commutes. It also has three rows of seats, making it perfect for families. You get a lot of tech features too, like a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and plenty of USB ports for the whole family to charge their devices. The Highlander has more of a “premium” feel inside, while the 4Runner is more rugged.

So, if you’re looking for a vehicle that feels cozy and luxurious on the inside, the Highlander is your go-to. But if you’re into rugged and tough interiors, the 4Runner will suit your adventurous side better!

Cargo Space and Passenger Room: Who Fits More?

If you’re buying an SUV, you probably want to know how much stuff and how many people you can fit, right? Well, both the 4Runner and Highlander offer great space, but they do it differently.

• 4Runner: The 4Runner can seat up to 5 passengers, though some models come with an optional third row that bumps it up to 7 passengers. However, that third row is quite cramped, so it’s best for kids. What really shines in the 4Runner is the cargo space. With the seats down, there’s tons of room to haul your adventure gear, groceries, or even furniture!
• Highlander: The Highlander has seating for up to 8 passengers! It’s a three-row SUV, so it’s great for bigger families. The third row is a bit more spacious compared to the 4Runner, making it a better option for older kids or adults. While it has slightly less cargo space than the 4Runner, it still provides plenty of room for family trips and luggage.

So, if you’re looking to haul more people, especially adults, the Highlander wins here. But if you’re more focused on cargo space and don’t need that many seats, the 4Runner is a better choice.

Technology and Features: Which One is More Fun?

Nowadays, everyone loves their tech features, right? Both the 4Runner and Highlander come with some awesome gadgets, but the Highlander has a little more to offer in this department.

• Highlander: As I mentioned earlier, the Highlander is packed with tech features. It has a large touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot, and more. There’s even an option for a premium sound system, so your road trips will sound amazing! Plus, it has advanced safety features like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. These features make it a safer choice for families and city driving.
• 4Runner: The 4Runner is more basic when it comes to tech. It has an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it doesn’t have as many advanced safety features as the Highlander. The 4Runner focuses more on rugged, off-road functionality, so you won’t find as many luxurious gadgets in this SUV. However, it’s still reliable and comes with enough tech to keep you entertained on long drives.

In short, if you’re a tech lover or you want those extra safety features, the Highlander wins here. But if you prefer a simpler, more straightforward SUV, the 4Runner has you covered.

Fuel Efficiency: Saving Money on Gas

Fuel efficiency is a big deal these days, especially with gas prices going up. So how do the 4Runner and Highlander stack up?

• 4Runner: The 4Runner is a bit of a gas guzzler compared to the Highlander. It gets about 16-19 miles per gallon (mpg), depending on whether you’re driving in the city or on the highway. It’s not terrible, but because it’s designed for off-roading and heavier use, it’s not as fuel-efficient.
• Highlander: The Highlander is much more fuel-efficient. It gets around 21-29 mpg, depending on the engine and whether you go for the hybrid version (yes, there’s a hybrid!). The hybrid version is a great choice if you want to save even more on gas. This makes the Highlander the better choice for everyday driving and long road trips.

So, if you’re looking to save money at the pump, the Highlander is definitely the way to go. But if you need something for tougher terrains, you might be okay with the 4Runner’s lower fuel efficiency.

Price: Which SUV Fits Your Budget?

Finally, let’s talk about money! Both the 4Runner and Highlander are priced a bit differently, so this might also be a deciding factor for you.

• 4Runner: The starting price for the 4Runner is around $40,000. But depending on the trim and features you choose, that price can go up quite a bit. For example, the TRD Pro version, which is designed for serious off-road adventures, can cost more.
• Highlander: The Highlander starts at a slightly lower price, around $37,000. If you go for the hybrid or higher trims like the Platinum, the price will increase, but it’s still generally more affordable than the 4Runner at the higher end.

So, if you’re on a budget, the Highlander might give you a little more bang for your buck, especially if you don’t need all the off-road capabilities of the 4Runner.

FAQ: Toyota 4Runner vs Toyota Highlander

1. Which is better for off-roading, the Toyota 4Runner or the Toyota Highlander?

The Toyota 4Runner is hands down the best choice for off-roading adventures! It’s built with a durable, rugged design and has 4-wheel drive (4WD) capabilities, which makes it perfect for exploring rough terrains like mountains, forests, or muddy trails. Its powerful 4.0-liter V6 engine and high ground clearance allow it to tackle obstacles with ease. While the Highlander can handle light off-roading, it’s much more suited for city roads and family trips. If adventure calls your name, the 4Runner is your ultimate companion!

2. Which SUV has a more comfortable and luxurious interior?

When it comes to comfort and luxury, the Toyota Highlander shines bright! It has a soft, premium interior designed with families in mind. The seats are plush, and the cabin is filled with high-tech features like a large touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Plus, there’s plenty of legroom, especially with its three rows of seats. The Highlander is all about giving you a smooth and enjoyable ride, perfect for road trips or daily commuting. If you value comfort and tech, the Highlander will exceed your expectations!

3. How do the Toyota 4Runner and Highlander compare in terms of fuel efficiency?

If saving on fuel is a top priority for you, the Toyota Highlander is the winner here! The Highlander’s fuel efficiency is fantastic, offering 21-29 miles per gallon (MPG), especially if you opt for the hybrid version. This makes it a superb choice for long family road trips and daily city commutes. On the other hand, the Toyota 4Runner isn’t as fuel-efficient, providing around 16-19 MPG. This is because it’s designed for heavier, off-road use and needs that extra power. The Highlander helps you go further for less, making it a smart and economical choice.

4. Which SUV is more family-friendly, the 4Runner or Highlander?

For families, the Toyota Highlander takes the crown! With three rows of seats and a maximum capacity of 8 passengers, the Highlander is perfect for larger families or those who need to transport friends and relatives. Its spacious interior, combined with modern tech features like multiple USB ports, makes it super convenient for keeping everyone entertained and comfortable. The 4Runner, while capable of seating up to 7, has a smaller and less comfortable third row. If you’re looking for a family-friendly SUV with room to spare, the Highlander is a fantastic choice!

5. Which SUV is better for long road trips?

For long, smooth road trips, the Toyota Highlander is a dream come true! Its plush seating, spacious cabin, and advanced technology make it perfect for long journeys. You can seat up to 8 people comfortably, and the fuel efficiency means fewer stops at gas stations. Plus, the Highlander is packed with entertainment options like a premium sound system, making the ride even more enjoyable. While the 4Runner is great for outdoor adventures, it’s more rugged and may not offer the same level of comfort on extended highway trips. The Highlander truly excels for long-distance travel!

6. Which SUV has better technology features?

When it comes to cutting-edge technology, the Toyota Highlander takes the lead! It’s equipped with a large touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and even a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Highlander also has advanced safety features, like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking, making it a tech-lover’s paradise. The 4Runner, on the other hand, has simpler tech features, focusing more on its rugged capabilities. While the 4Runner provides the essentials, the Highlander is packed with innovative technology that enhances every journey.

7. Which SUV has more cargo space, the 4Runner or Highlander?

Both SUVs offer generous cargo space, but the Toyota 4Runner is the champion when it comes to hauling gear, especially for adventure seekers! With its rear seats folded down, the 4Runner provides tons of room for your camping equipment, bikes, or even furniture. It’s designed with rugged adventures in mind, so space for cargo is one of its strong points. The Highlander, while also spacious, has a bit less room for cargo when all three rows are in use, but it still offers plenty of space for family road trips and vacations. If cargo space is crucial, the 4Runner is a standout!

8. Which SUV offers better value for the price?

The Toyota Highlander tends to offer better overall value, especially if you’re looking for a comfortable, tech-filled SUV that’s great for daily driving and family trips. It starts at a lower price point than the 4Runner, around $37,000, and offers more features that cater to comfort, entertainment, and safety. The 4Runner starts at around $40,000, but its price can increase significantly if you opt for the more off-road-focused trims. So, if you want a fantastic all-around SUV for a reasonable price, the Highlander is the perfect choice for you!

9. Is the Toyota 4Runner reliable for daily city driving?

The Toyota 4Runner is extremely reliable, but it’s more suited for adventurous trips than daily city driving. While it can handle city roads just fine, its rugged suspension and heavier build make it less fuel-efficient and not as smooth on highways compared to the Toyota Highlander. The 4Runner is designed for off-roading and tougher terrains, so if you’re primarily driving in the city, you might find the Highlander’s smooth ride, better fuel efficiency, and modern features more enjoyable. That being said, the 4Runner is still dependable and can absolutely work as a daily driver if needed.

10. Which SUV is easier to maintain, the 4Runner or Highlander?

Both the Toyota 4Runner and Toyota Highlander are known for their reliability and easy maintenance, thanks to Toyota’s reputation for building long-lasting vehicles. However, the Highlander might edge out slightly in terms of easier maintenance, especially for city and family use. Its design and features are more geared toward everyday driving, so routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations are pretty straightforward. The 4Runner, with its off-road focus, might need a bit more attention if you’re taking it off the beaten path frequently. But overall, both SUVs are durable and won’t let you down!

At the end of the day, the decision between the Toyota 4Runner vs. Toyota Highlander comes down to how you plan to use your SUV.

• If you’re an adventurous soul who loves off-roading, camping, and exploring the great outdoors, the 4Runner is the perfect match for you. It’s built tough, has amazing off-road capabilities, and will take you places other vehicles can’t reach.
• But if you’re more about family trips, smooth city driving, and having the latest tech and comfort, the Highlander is a dream come true. It’s spacious, efficient, and packed with features that make every drive enjoyable, whether you’re heading to work or taking a road trip with the family.

Both of these SUVs are fantastic in their own way, and you can’t go wrong with either one. So, think about what matters most to you—adventure or comfort—and pick the one that fits your lifestyle best!