Toyota Highlander vs. Toyota 4Runner

Toyota has one of the more well-rounded SUV lineups on the market. From rugged off-roaders to family-friendly vehicles, Toyota has a wide range of SUVs that will appeal to different shoppers. If you’re looking for a family-friendly midsize SUV that’s packed with safety features, has strong performance, and offers seating for up to seven people, choosing between Toyota’s available SUVs can be a difficult decision.

We’ll compare the Toyota Highlander against the 4Runner to look at some of the key similarities and differences between the two SUVs. While both SUVs are available with three rows of seating and punchy engines, the two are separated by price, design, off-roading capability, reliability, and comfort. We’ll help you decide which SUV to choose.

Toyota Highlander vs. 4Runner Price

Toyota hasn’t announced pricing for the 2023 Highlander yet, but we expect the model to be more affordable than the 2023 4Runner. The current Highlander starts at $37,190, while the 4Runner costs $39,640 (prices include destination).

At the time of writing, there’s a $2,450 difference in price between the Highlander and 4Runner, though that figure can change depending on trim and options.

In addition to being more expensive than the Highlander, the 4Runner can be more expensive to lease and purchase. Recently we’ve seen the 4Runner being offered with a lease deal of $526 per month, while lease deals for the Highlander are available with a monthly payment of $509 per month. Toyota is also offering the Highlander with a financing deal from 2.49% APR, but the 4Runner isn’t available with a special financing rate.

Despite being one of the older midsize SUVs in the class, the 4Runner happens to be one of the more expensive options in the segment. The Highlander is also more expensive than most rivals. Both Toyotas cost more than midsize SUVs from Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Volkswagen, and Chevrolet.

Toyota Highlander vs. 4Runner Size

Both the Highlander and 4Runner are classified as midsize SUVs and both are available with three rows of seats, though the Highlander comes with the third row as standard equipment. The Highlander does a better job of accommodating the third-row thanks to its larger size. The Highlander is 4.7 inches longer than the 4Runner and is 0.2 inches longer in width.

Because of the extra length, the Highlander is a more comfortable three-row SUV that can seat up to eight people, while the 4Runner maxes out at up to seven. On the inside, the Highlander offers more front and rear headroom, front and rear legroom, front and rear shoulder room, and front and rear hip room. For passengers that need a roomy, three-row SUV, the Highlander is a better option than the 4Runner.

One area where the 4Runner outshines the Highlander is when it comes to cargo capacity. Behind the first row, the Highlander has up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space. The 4Runner has slightly more cargo capacity with a total of 89.7 cubic feet of space.

Toyota Highlander vs. 4Runner Specs & Towing Capacity

Toyota has fitted the 2023 Highlander with a new engine for the model year. The 3.5-liter V6 engine has been replaced with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The turbo engine produces 265 horsepower and 309 pound-feet of torque. While horsepower has gone down compared to the V6 engine, torque has gone up. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and routes power to either the front wheels or to all four.

While lower Highlander trims come with an AWD system that can send 50% of the torque to the rear wheels, the XSE, Limited, and Platinum models get an upgraded AWD system with torque vectoring. These models also come with driveline disconnect for improved fuel economy when AWD isn’t needed. The move to a smaller turbocharged engine hasn’t helped fuel economy, as the Highlander is still rated at 23 mpg combined, but the turbo engine does emit less harmful pollutants.

The 4Runner features a 4.0-liter V6 engine that makes 270 hp and 278 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission handles the shifts. The rugged 4Runner is offered with rear-wheel drive and a traditional four-wheel-drive system. With its burly V6, rugged platform, and outdated transmission, the 4Runner is only rated to get up to 17 mpg combined.

When properly equipped, both the 4Runner and Highlander are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Toyota Highlander vs. 4Runner Reliability

Toyota has an excellent track record for reliability. The Japanese automaker is known for making stout vehicles that are durable. If you get a Toyota, chances are that you’re getting a dependable vehicle that’s going to last a very long time.

The Highlander and 4Runner rank closely against one another when it comes to reliability. In Consumer Reports reliability ratings, the 4Runner ranks in 10th place out of 14 midsize three-row SUVs. It has a four out of five predicted reliability rating and a four out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating.

In Consumer Reports’ ranking, the Highlander finishes near the top in second place out of the 14 midsize three-row SUVs it tested. The Highlander has a five out of five predicted reliability rating and a four out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating.

Highlander vs. 4Runner: Which Is Better?

If an off-roading vehicle is what you’re after, the Toyota 4Runner is the clear option. Its rugged chassis, burly V6 engine, and heavy-duty 4WD system make it one of the more capable SUVs in the class. Unfortunately, all of the qualities that make the 4Runner a skilled off-roader hurt its on-road comfort.

The Highlander may not be nearly as capable off-road as the 4Runner, but it features a more spacious interior that can comfortably seat up to eight people. As the newer vehicle, the 4Runner also has a more modern and efficient engine. The Highlander’s crossover platform results in a more comfortable ride, while the AWD system doesn’t require any input from the driver in inclement weather.

We recommend considering both models and looking into the pros and cons of both SUVs, but for the majority of consumers, the Highlander is the better option.

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