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Toyota 4runner vs highlander: a battle for space, power, and reliability

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The Toyota 4Runner is a true off-roader, with a rugged body-on-frame construction and a variety of features that make it capable of handling even the most challenging terrain.
  • The Highlander comes standard with a number of features that are optional on the 4Runner, such as a sunroof, leather seats, and a navigation system.
  • The 4Runner has a long history of reliability, and the Highlander has also proven to be a reliable vehicle.

The Toyota 4Runner and Highlander are two of the most popular SUVs on the market today. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, plenty of power, and a variety of features. However, there are some key differences between the two SUVs that may make one a better choice for you than the other.

Performance

The Toyota 4Runner is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. The Highlander is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a five-speed automatic transmission.

In terms of performance, the Highlander has a slight edge over the 4Runner. The Highlander’s engine is more powerful and produces more torque, which gives it better acceleration and towing capacity. The Highlander also has a smoother ride than the 4Runner, making it a more comfortable choice for long trips.

Off-Roading Capabilities

The Toyota 4Runner is a true off-roader, with a rugged body-on-frame construction and a variety of features that make it capable of handling even the most challenging terrain. The 4Runner comes standard with four-wheel drive, a locking rear differential, and a hill descent control system.

The Highlander is not as capable off-road as the 4Runner, but it still offers some off-road capability. The Highlander comes standard with all-wheel drive and a hill descent control system. However, it does not have a locking rear differential or a low-range transfer case.

Interior

The Toyota 4Runner and Highlander both have spacious interiors with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The 4Runner has a more rugged interior than the Highlander, with durable materials and a focus on functionality. The Highlander has a more upscale interior, with softer materials and a more refined design.

In terms of features, the Highlander has a slight edge over the 4Runner. The Highlander comes standard with a number of features that are optional on the 4Runner, such as a sunroof, leather seats, and a navigation system.

Safety

The Toyota 4Runner and Highlander both have excellent safety ratings. The 4Runner received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Both SUVs come standard with a variety of safety features, such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The Highlander also comes standard with a blind spot monitoring system and a lane departure warning system.

Reliability

Toyota is known for its reliability, and both the 4Runner and Highlander are no exception. The 4Runner has a long history of reliability, and the Highlander has also proven to be a reliable vehicle.

According to J.D. Power, the 4Runner is one of the most reliable SUVs on the market. The Highlander is also ranked highly in terms of reliability.

Price

The Toyota 4Runner has a starting price of $36,995. The Highlander has a starting price of $35,785. Both SUVs are available in a variety of trim levels, with the price increasing depending on the features and options you choose.

Recommendations: Toyota 4Runner vs Highlander

The Toyota 4Runner and Highlander are both excellent SUVs that offer a lot of value for the money. The 4Runner is a true off-roader that is perfect for those who need a vehicle that can handle even the most challenging terrain. The Highlander is a more versatile SUV that offers a comfortable ride, plenty of features, and excellent safety ratings.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which SUV is right for you is to test drive both vehicles and see which one you prefer.

What You Need to Know

Q: Which SUV has better off-road capabilities, the Toyota 4Runner or Highlander?
A: The Toyota 4Runner has better off-road capabilities than the Highlander. The 4Runner comes standard with four-wheel drive, a locking rear differential, and a hill descent control system. The Highlander only comes standard with all-wheel drive and a hill descent control system.

Q: Which SUV has a more comfortable interior, the Toyota 4Runner or Highlander?
A: The Toyota Highlander has a more comfortable interior than the 4Runner. The Highlander has softer materials and a more refined design. The 4Runner has a more rugged interior with durable materials.

Q: Which SUV has better safety ratings, the Toyota 4Runner or Highlander?
A: The Toyota 4Runner and Highlander both have excellent safety ratings. The 4Runner received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the IIHS.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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