Which is Better: Toyota Highlander vs. Toyota 4Runner?

When choosing an SUV, understanding the differences between models is crucial to finding the right fit for your lifestyle. The Toyota Highlander and Toyota 4Runner are popular choices, offering unique features and benefits. In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between the Highlander and 4Runner, helping you determine which SUV best meets your needs. Here, you will find everything about Toyota 4Runner vs. Toyota Highlander specs, from Toyota Highlander vs. Toyota 4Runner size to Toyota Highlander trim levels vs. Toyota 4Runner trim levels.

What is the difference between Toyota Highlander and 4Runner?

The Toyota Highlander and 4Runner are midsize SUVs, but they serve different purposes and appeal to distinct audiences due to their design and capabilities. The Highlander is built on a car-like unibody platform, prioritizing on-road comfort, family-friendly features, and fuel efficiency. It offers a smooth ride, a spacious interior, and seats up to eight passengers.

 

In contrast, the 4Runner is built for rugged off-road performance and durability. It excels in off-road capabilities and towing capacity and typically seats up to seven passengers. Keep reading to learn more about the Toyota 4Runner vs. Toyota Highlander specs!

 

What are the Toyota 4Runner vs Toyota Highlander specs?

Regarding Toyota 4runner vs Toyota Highlander specs, it’s essential to look at their strengths and capabilities. Here are the details of the Toyota 4Runner vs. Toyota Highlander specs:

Toyota Highlander vs 4Runner Design and Comfort

Toyota Highlander

• Exterior Design: Modern and sleek with a focus on aerodynamics.
• Interior Design: The interior is luxurious and spacious, offering three rows of seating for up to eight passengers. It also features high-quality materials, an advanced infotainment system, and a quieter cabin.
• Comfort Features: Tri-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, panoramic moonroof, and more.

 

Toyota 4Runner

• Exterior Design: Rugged and boxy, reflecting its off-road capabilities.
• Interior Design: The design is more practical and durable, seating up to seven passengers. The focus is on durability over luxury.
• Comfort Features: Available SofTex®-trimmed seats, power-adjustable front seats, and an optional sliding rear cargo deck.

 

Toyota Highlander vs 4Runner Engine and Performance

Toyota Highlander

• Engine Options: The 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid engine offers 243 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.5L V6 engine delivers 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque.
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Performance: Smooth and efficient on-road performance with an emphasis on comfort and handling. Also, the Toyota Highlander hybrid offers excellent fuel economy.

 

Toyota 4Runner

• Engine: The 4.0L V6 engine delivers 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) or optional four-wheel drive (4WD)
• Performance: The Toyota 4Runner offers rugged off-road performance and robust towing capacity but less refined on-road handling than the Highlander.

 

Toyota Highlander vs 4Runner Fuel Efficiency

Toyota Highlander

• 2.5L 4-Cylinder Hybrid Model: 36 mpg city / 35 mpg highway
• 3.5L V6 Model: 21 mpg city / 29 mpg highway

 

Toyota 4Runner

• 4.0L V6 Model: 16 mpg city / 19 mpg highway
• Fuel Tank Capacity: Larger tank for longer off-road trips but lower overall fuel efficiency

 

Toyota Highlander vs 4Runner Size and Dimensions

Toyota Highlander

• Length: 194.9 inches
• Width: 76.0 inches
• Height: 68.1 inches
• Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
• Passenger Volume: 141.3 cubic feet

Toyota 4Runner

• Length: 190.2 inches
• Width: 75.8 inches
• Height: 71.5 inches
• Wheelbase: 109.8 inches
• Passenger Volume: 128.0 cubic feet

Toyota Highlander vs 4Runner Price and Value

Toyota Highlander

• Starting Price: Around $39,270
• Value: Offers more standard features and advanced technology for the price, making it a better value for families looking for comfort and efficiency.

Toyota 4Runner

• Starting Price: Around $40,705
• Value: Higher price reflects its rugged capabilities and durability. Best value for those needing off-road performance.

Toyota Highlander vs 4Runner Use Case Scenarios

Toyota Highlander

• Best For: Families needing a comfortable, spacious, and fuel-efficient SUV for daily commuting and road trips.
• Scenarios: Suburban driving, long highway trips, transporting multiple passengers comfortably, light off-roading.

 

Toyota 4Runner

• Best For: Adventure seekers and off-road enthusiasts needing a durable and capable vehicle for rugged terrains.
• Scenarios: Off-road adventures, camping trips, towing boats or trailers, navigating challenging terrains.

 

Comparing Toyota Highlander Trim Levels vs. Toyota 4Runner Trim Levels

When deciding between the 2024 Toyota Highlander and the 2024 Toyota 4Runner, understanding the different trim levels available for each model can help you choose the SUV that best fits your needs. Here’s a breakdown of the 2024 Toyota Highlander trim levels and the 2024 Toyota 4Runner trim levels:

2024 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels

The 2024 Toyota Highlander offers five trim levels:  LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. Let’s look at their common features below:

• Engine: 3.5L V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque.
• Hybrid Option: Available 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain with a combined 243 horsepower.
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission for V6 and continuously variable transmission (CVT) for hybrid.
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD) standard; all-wheel drive (AWD) optional.

Now, let’s look at the differences among the key features of the 2024 Toyota Highlander trim levels:

• Toyota Highlander LE: Standard safety features (Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+), 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, 8-inch touchscreen information system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and tri-zone automatic climate control. Also, the Highlander LE includes a power liftgate, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
• Toyota Highlander XLE: Upgrades to a power moonroof, SofTex-trimmed seats, power-adjustable front seats, a 7-inch display in the instrument cluster, and wireless charging. 
• Toyota Highlander XSE: Sportier design with unique exterior styling, sport-tuned suspension, 20-inch alloy wheels, and ambient interior lighting.
• Toyota Highlander Limited: Adds leather-trimmed seats, ventilated front seats, a premium audio system, navigation, and front and rear parking sensors. 
• Toyota Highlander Platinum: Top-of-the-line with a panoramic moonroof, heated second-row seats, heads-up display, 12.3-inch touchscreen, and Bird’s Eye View Camera.

2024 Toyota 4Runner Trim Levels

The 2024 4Runner offers seven trim levels: SR5, TRD Sport, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, and TRD Pro. Let’s look at their common features below:

• 4.0L V6 Engine: All 4Runner trims have a 4.0-liter V6 engine that delivers 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque.
• 5-Speed Automatic Transmission: Every 4Runner trim has a 5-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth shifting and reliable performance.
• Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD): While RWD is standard on most trims, part-time 4WD is available. Some trims, particularly those focused on off-road capabilities, offer 4WD as standard.

Now, let’s look at the differences among the key features of the 2024 Toyota 4Runner trim levels:

• Toyota 4Runner SR5: Basic but well-equipped with fabric-trimmed seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, and available part-time 4WD. It is ideal for those needing an SUV for everyday use with optional off-road capability.
• Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport: This model adds sporty design elements like a hood scoop, 20-inch wheels, and sport-tuned suspension. It is best for those seeking a sportier look and better on-road handling.
• Toyota SR5 Premium: This model upgrades the SR5 with SofTex-trimmed seats, heated front seats, and enhanced tech features like integrated navigation. A step up in comfort and convenience. 
• Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road: This model focuses on off-road capability, with features like Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and a locking rear differential. It is great for adventure seekers who need serious off-road performance.
• Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium: This model combines the off-road capabilities of the 4Runner TRD Off-Road with extra comfort features like SofTex seats and Smart Key systems. Perfect for those who want off-road prowess with more interior luxury.
• Toyota 4Runner Limited: The luxury option with leather-trimmed seats, ventilated front seats, a premium JBL audio system, and full-time 4WD. It is best for drivers prioritizing comfort, technology, and on-road refinement.
• Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro: The ultimate off-road model with FOX  shocks, TRD-tuned springs, and exclusive TRD Pro styling. It is designed for extreme off-road enthusiasts who need top-tier performance in rugged conditions.

Overview of Toyota Highlander Trim Levels vs. Toyota 4Runner Trim Levels

The best trim of these two vehicles depends on your needs. The Highlander Platinum stands out for its luxury and advanced tech, making it the best choice for comfort and family-friendly features. Meanwhile, the 4Runner TRD Pro is the best for off-road enthusiasts, thanks to its specialized equipment and robust build that can easily handle challenging terrains.

Which Tows More: 2024 Toyota Highlander vs. 4Runner?

While the 2024 Toyota Highlander and 2024 Toyota 4Runner  differ in design, performance, and features, they share a key similarity in their towing power. Let’s look at their towing capacity below:

 

What is the towing capacity of the Toyota Highlander?

The 2024 Toyota Highlander has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the available tow package. This applies to both the standard gas engine and the hybrid model.

What is the towing capacity of the Toyota 4Runner?

And if you ask, “How much can a Toyota 4Runner tow?”, the answer is the same as the Toyota Highlander’s towing capacity. The 2024 Toyota 4Runner also has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, which is standard across all trim levels. 

What are the Toyota Highlander vs Toyota 4runner Reviews?

Both of these SUVs receive strong reviews. Let’s examine them in the categories of the Toyota Highlander pros and cons and the Toyota 4Runner pros and cons below:

Toyota Highlander Pros and Cons

Toyota Highlander Pros:

• Comfortable and Spacious Interior: The Highlander is praised for its comfortable seating, high-quality materials, and ample space for passengers and cargo.
• Smooth Ride and Handling: It offers a car-like ride, making it easy and comfortable for daily driving. 
• Fuel Efficiency: Especially in the hybrid variant, it delivers excellent fuel economy compared to other midsize SUVs.

 

Toyota Highlander Cons:

• Less Sporty Handling: It’s more focused on comfort, which means it lacks the sporty driving dynamics of some competitors.
• Tight Third-Row Seating: The third row can feel cramped, particularly for adults.
• Limited Off-Road Capability: The Highlander is designed for on-road comfort and is unsuitable for serious off-road driving. 

Toyota 4Runnner Pros and Cons

Toyota 4Runner Pros:

• Exceptional Off-Road Capability: The 4Runner is renowned for its rugged off-road capabilities, with features like 4WD and high ground clearance.
• Durable and Reliable Exterior Design: Known for its rugged build and long-lasting performance, especially in challenging conditions.
• Ample Cargo Space: The 4Runner offers a large cargo area, especially with rear seats folded down, making it great for hauling gear.

 

Toyota 4Runner Cons:

• Poor Fuel Efficiency: The 4Runner fuel efficiency is lower than many other midsize SUVs, particularly in urban driving conditions
• Bumpy On-Road Ride: The 4Runner’s ride can be rough on paved roads, prioritizing off-road capabilities over on-road comfort.
• Higher Step-In Height: The 4Runner’s ground clearance is great for off-roading but makes getting in and out more challenging, especially for shorter passengers or children.

Toyota Highlander or 4Runner: Which is Better for You?

Choosing between the Toyota Highlander and Toyota 4Runner depends on your needs below:

Choose the Toyota Highlander if

You want a comfortable, fuel-efficient vehicle with advanced tech and family-friendly features, ideal for daily commuting and urban driving.

 

Chose the Toyota 4Runner if

You need a rugged, off-road-capable SUV with higher durability and strong resale value, perfect for adventurous outdoor activities.

 

How to Get the Most out of Your Toyota Highlander or 4Runner?

To fully maximize the potential of your Toyota Highlander or 4Runner, it's essential to keep up with routine maintenance and consider performance upgrades that align with your specific driving needs. Whether you are looking to enhance your vehicle’s on-road comfort and efficiency or boost its off-road capabilities, a variety of performance parts are available to help you customize your SUV to suit your needs better.

What are the Toyota Highlander and Toyota 4Runner performance parts?

Here is a look at some popular Toyota Highlander and Toyota 4Runner performance parts:

 

• Cold Air Intake: A cold air intake kit is an essential performance part for both the Toyota Highlander and 4Runner. It increases the amount of cool air flowing into the engine, which leads to better horsepower, throttle response, and sometimes even fuel efficiency.
• Performance Exhaust System: Upgrading to a high-flow or cat-back exhaust system on the Toyota Highlander or 4Runner helps to reduce backpressure and improve exhaust flow. This increases horsepower and torque while providing a sportier exhaust note. 
• High-Performance Ignition System: Upgrading to a high-performance ignition system, including spark plugs, ignition coils, and wires, can improve combustion efficiency, leading to more power, better throttle response, and improved fuel economy.
• Suspension Upgrades: For the Toyota Highlander, lowering kits or sport-tuned suspensions improve cornering stability. For the Toyota 4Runner, lift kits and high-performance shocks enhance ground clearance and off-road performance. 
• ECU (Engine Control Unit) Tuning: Upgrading or reprogramming the ECU can unlock hidden potential in the engine by optimizing fuel maps, ignition timing, and air/fuel ratios. This results in increased performance, better throttle response, and sometimes even improved fuel efficiency for both the Toyota Highlander and Toyota 4Runner.
• High-Performance and All-Terrain Tires: For the Toyota Highlander, high-performance tires enhance grip on paved roads, while for the Toyota 4Runner, all-terrain tires provide better traction on off-road surfaces.
• Throttle Response Controller: It is a more practical and versatile performance part than the above ones. The throttle response controller improves the responsiveness of the vehicle's throttle input by reducing the delay between pressing the accelerator pedal and the engine's response. Keep reading to learn the best throttle response controller on the market.

How to Make Your Toyota Highlander or 4Runner Better with Pedal Commander?

To make your Toyota Highlander or 4Runner more responsive and enjoyable to drive, Pedal Commander is a top-notch throttle response controller. Here’s how it can transform your vehicle:

 

• Instant Throttle Response: Pedal Commander eliminates the throttle lag in both the Toyota Highlander and Toyota 4Runner, providing a quicker, more immediate response. This upgrade enhances acceleration, making highway merging, overtaking, and daily driving more dynamic.
• Customizable Driving Modes: With up to 36 settings across modes like "Eco," "City," "Sport," and "Sport+," the Pedal Commander allows you to customize the throttle response of your Toyota Highlander or Toyota 4Runner. Whether you want to conserve fuel or enjoy a sportier drive, there's a mode for every situation.
• Improved Off-Road Control (for Toyota 4Runner): Pedal Commander enhances the Toyota 4Runner's off-road capabilities by providing smoother, more predictable throttle control. This makes navigating rough terrain or steep inclines easier and more controlled.
• Fuel Efficiency in Eco Mode: In "Eco" mode, the Pedal Commander reduces throttle sensitivity in both the Toyota Highlander and Toyota 4Runner, helping to improve fuel efficiency during city commutes or long road trips.
• Easy Installation: Pedal Commander is a plug-and-play device that easily connects to the throttle sensor of both the Toyota Highlander and Toyota 4Runner. No special tools or technical knowledge are required, making it a quick and simple upgrade.
• No Impact on Warranty: Pedal Commander doesn't modify the ECU of your Toyota Highlander or Toyota 4Runner, ensuring it won't void your vehicle's warranty. It's a safe, non-invasive way to boost performance.

Thus, installing Pedal Commander in your Toyota Highlander or 4Runner offers customizable driving conditions,  better control over throttle response, and elevates overall performance.