Have to pick Highlander or 4runner ? Help decide! - Page 3 - Toyota 4Runner Forum

LandCruiser · 01-18-2020, 01:32 PM

Sounds like you need a Highlander.

Probably 90% of 4Runner owners need a Highlander.

03_4x4Runner · 01-18-2020, 07:57 PM

The limited does not have a soft suspension. The XREAS shocks are much stiffer than an SR5. Mine is borderline harsh.

thennen · 01-18-2020, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blanchard7684

I just got into a Highlander. a 2019 SE with all options.

Pros:

Gas mileage is substantially better than 4runner. I drive like a maniac and also have to drive into heavy headwinds and I still get 25+ mpg with the car loaded down. In 4 runner I get 15 mpg...so yeah a literal real world MPG difference is in realm of 10 mpg...

Power/acceleration. The 8 spd combined with the 290 hp it passes on highway conditions much better. I don't know why folks ***** about the 3.5, it seems like its got great power.

Space efficiency: Despite what the official numbers say for cargo room differences between the highlander and 4 runner, the highlander is more equitably laid out and has more real world space.

Second row/third row. The highlander has a better proportioned lay out for second row and third row. Way better.

Safety ratings: Highlander is a top IIHS pick.

Cons.

Its basically a 'chopped' minivan.
The step in height was too low for me at 5'11. I am always having to carefully step into the car.
Torque steer--I hate FWD vehicles. The torque steer is maddening. And with the steering being all electric and programmed its worse.

The 8 spd has a very annoying issue with hunting for the right gear. The things feels almost like it stalls.

I also detest the "auto start stop" feature. Whoever invented this and convinced manufacturers to put this in should be kick hard in the nuts.

The engine is also CRAMMED into a small space. As a do it yourself guy this was a drawback but not a deal breaker.

The cons outweigh the Pros for me.

I'll likely be getting back into a 4runner.

I think the limited is a better option for me. The seats in the limited were also more comfortable. The lumbar support was better in all 4runners I've owned or driven. The limited seats seemed much more compliant.

I have a kid, wife, and old dog and live in a fairly remote area. So I need occasionally to have some stout 4wd capability.

Overall I like the Highlander and I think its the best of all cross overs. But I just can't deal with the negatives of crossovers no matter what it is.

Note that in 2020 there is a whole new re-design. It is supposed to have a bit more interior space.

I personally like the looks of the new Highlander and I’m sure it’s a great vehicle. But like you, I hate auto start-stop. I also think that automakers in general haven’t sorted out 8-10 speed transmissions. Sure, the T4R 5-speed is dated, but it’s reliable, and hunts for the right gear way less than the maxi-gear transmissions that everyone is offering these days.

2112 R · 01-18-2020, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w210210

Hi everyone !
My wife has a 17 Lexus GS 350 ... I have a Benz 01 ..it old and it's a rusty ...
We being think to get a new car instead of Mercedes...
So I am trying to pick between Highlander and 4runner.
Just wonder.. I heard that 4runner has terrible anchors system for a child safety seats and its tight also ...
Is that true.. somebody has a child safety seat or have expirience with that ?
Personally I dont really like Highlander looks and style...its probably more for mom's...
We expecting baby soon so nust wonder what to get ...
But if I am going to buy 4runner i go for Limited trim ..cause a softer suspension..
Also heard that Highlander has more space ...
We planning to keep car for long time like 7 -10 years ..

I have both, 2016 Highlander and a 2017 4runner TRD ORP.
The Highlander is the better family vehicle imo. Smoother ride, bigger on the inside, 3rd row is way way better than the 4runner, cargo area is large and with the roof racks and a Thule box you can fit all the family gear you need.
The Highlander is the family road trip car, the 4runner is a fun toy for the desert and camping (and my daily driver).

If you're mainly doing mall crawling, school runs, sports on weekends, the Highlander is better for us and is why I recommend it.

BUT .... when we hit the trails, desert and overlanding camping. It's 4runner all the way.

Good luck with the decision.

BobsTrail · 01-18-2020, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2112 R

I have both, 2016 Highlander and a 2017 4runner TRD ORP.
The Highlander is the better family vehicle imo. Smoother ride, bigger on the inside, 3rd row is way way better than the 4runner, cargo area is large and with the roof racks and a Thule box you can fit all the family gear you need.
The Highlander is the family road trip car, the 4runner is a fun toy for the desert and camping (and my daily driver).

If you're mainly doing mall crawling, school runs, sports on weekends, the Highlander is better for us and is why I recommend it.

BUT .... when we hit the trails, desert and overlanding camping. It's 4runner all the way.

Good luck with the decision.

We looked at a Highlander, but went with a Sienna and kept our 2013 4Runner. As the above post said: when we hit the trails, desert and overlanding camping. It's 4runner all the way.

bring_it_on · 01-19-2020, 10:32 AM

Yes the hybrid Highlander does upwards of 30 mpg, seats more (comfortably) and probably drives better on the highway. It has plenty of room for a medium to large sized family with storage inside and on the roof. It has more technology and amenities that will likely make spending hours in it better and more comfortable for the driver and the family. But you only live once.

ironguy · 01-19-2020, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenwilliams0803

Some of our wives know nothing about vehicles at all. As such, they defer to us completely.

Are you sure??

kenwilliams0803 · 01-19-2020, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironguy

Are you sure??

I am. I was the one who pulled the trigger on her last 3 cars. She tells me her requirements (3rd row, 4wd, screen for the kids, no captains chairs, etc.). Then it's up to me to find the best most reliable thing at the right price which fits what she wants. I could put her in a freaking HyundaiKia if I wanted, not that I EVER would buy one of those pieces of trash.

flyfishin · 01-19-2020, 05:29 PM

My wife just traded a 2011 Highlander that we bought new. If you have young kids and don’t really plan to off-road then the Highlander is better suited for you. We had the hybrid with 3rd row seating. Couple of things, the hybrid is all wheel drive so it drives well in inclement weather. I would not recommend much off road though. Forest service roads and nothing more. Also, the hybrid qualifies for the section 179 tax deduction if you have a business and can take advantage of that. Be aware that the batteries will need to be replaced between 100-120k miles. It’s a big repair 3-4 k. I know several people that have the v-6 Highlander and love them. We are almost empty nesters so we went with something more fun this time around. Wife got a Tacoma.

I love my 4runner but if I had young kids and were buying for my wife I would get the Highlander and probably go with the 3rd row.
FYI, the dealer said our batteries died right after we traded. Dodged a bullet there!

I have always had a 4runner or some 4wd in the driveway though so if I want to get off the grid I can.

Hope this helps.

4FL · 01-19-2020, 05:33 PM

My mom liked my 4runner and wanted one, but what she really wanted after her list of what she wanted in a car, she wanted a highlander.

She loves her highlander, they are pretty nice.

I agree with previous poster, if you have to ask, get the highlander. I have said this before, but several people come on this forum complaining about this and that about their 4runner, the reality is everything they complain about, the highlander addresses those complaints, and they should have gotten one.

CharlesNellis · 01-19-2020, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenwilliams0803

I am. I was the one who pulled the trigger on her last 3 cars. She tells me her requirements (3rd row, 4wd, screen for the kids, no captains chairs, etc.). Then it's up to me to find the best most reliable thing at the right price which fits what she wants. I could put her in a freaking HyundaiKia if I wanted, not that I EVER would buy one of those pieces of trash.

My 2014 Kia SUV was plagued with electrical gremlins of all kinds. Traded it for my current 4runner. Never buying a Hyundai/Kia again.

I cross shopped a few SUVs and CUVs before ending up in the 4runner(was always my dream vehicle). So it was always first on the list just a little bit out of my price range until a few months ago and a little less impractical as a daily driver than the following vehicles I considered. The main reasons I threw these out:

Honda/Acura SUVs:

-3.5 engine still has timing belt

-some videos on YouTube note the transmission overheating and vehicle shutting off if wheeling "hard" or up a steady incline. (I ice fish a lot so may travel through 6+inches of snow for miles looking for a fishing spot)

-8 speed transmission still has issues. Can opt for the reliable 6 speed in the lower trims but you lose some of the tech and comfort.

-the the turbo engines in the Acuras have oil consumption problems in the regions of America where it gets really cold.

Subaru SUV/CUVs:

-only transmission available is the CVT and they do not have a great track record. If they still had the 5 speed automatic I may have looked into these more.

Hyundai Palisade/Kia Telluride:

-I looked but no just no. The center stack of the Telluride looks like it was taken directly from my 2014 Kia Sorento. Probably plagued with the same electrical gremlins after a few years.

Nissan:

-didnt even look interesting

Toyota Highlander:

-I liked them but they are pretty much in the same price point as the 4runner and I wanted something more rugged for ice fishing and general offroading/camping in the warmer months.

-the traction aids and ground clearance are not as great in deep snow which I may be in from time to time on frozen lakes.

-I like to explore the unbeaten paths and needed something that I felt more at ease in.

w210210 · 01-20-2020, 03:58 AM

Yeah what scares me it's a 8speed tranny ...
And have to keep in mind that 4runner build in Japan ..
I just reading stories how 8 speed failing ... just I dont want buy car and if tranny is going to fail in a middle of nowhere...

w210210 · 01-20-2020, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 03_4x4Runner

The limited does not have a soft suspension. The XREAS shocks are much stiffer than an SR5. Mine is borderline harsh.

I always heard that Limited provide softer ride then other trims....
And review's in youtube they pointed that also ...

Mudballz · 01-20-2020, 09:19 AM

I have a 18 orp and love it the room versatility it’s aggressive look I have also driven for months a 18 highlander limited and loved that as well very tough choice but I bought the 4Runner but really only needed the highlander it rides better gets better gas mileage fits more people but in my mind the ability to escape and being capable to go deep on a moment’s notice swayed my choice
But reality all you need is the highlander

Mike

t0y0ta4R · 01-20-2020, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blanchard7684

I just got into a Highlander. a 2019 SE with all options.

Pros:

Gas mileage is substantially better than 4runner. I drive like a maniac and also have to drive into heavy headwinds and I still get 25+ mpg with the car loaded down. In 4 runner I get 15 mpg...so yeah a literal real world MPG difference is in realm of 10 mpg...

Power/acceleration. The 8 spd combined with the 290 hp it passes on highway conditions much better. I don't know why folks ***** about the 3.5, it seems like its got great power.

Space efficiency: Despite what the official numbers say for cargo room differences between the highlander and 4 runner, the highlander is more equitably laid out and has more real world space.

Second row/third row. The highlander has a better proportioned lay out for second row and third row. Way better.

Safety ratings: Highlander is a top IIHS pick.

Cons.

Its basically a 'chopped' minivan.
The step in height was too low for me at 5'11. I am always having to carefully step into the car.
Torque steer--I hate FWD vehicles. The torque steer is maddening. And with the steering being all electric and programmed its worse.

The 8 spd has a very annoying issue with hunting for the right gear. The things feels almost like it stalls.

I also detest the "auto start stop" feature. Whoever invented this and convinced manufacturers to put this in should be kick hard in the nuts.

The engine is also CRAMMED into a small space. As a do it yourself guy this was a drawback but not a deal breaker.

The cons outweigh the Pros for me.

I'll likely be getting back into a 4runner.

I think the limited is a better option for me. The seats in the limited were also more comfortable. The lumbar support was better in all 4runners I've owned or driven. The limited seats seemed much more compliant.

I have a kid, wife, and old dog and live in a fairly remote area. So I need occasionally to have some stout 4wd capability.

Overall I like the Highlander and I think its the best of all cross overs. But I just can't deal with the negatives of crossovers no matter what it is.

Note that in 2020 there is a whole new re-design. It is supposed to have a bit more interior space.

It's my understanding the Highlander and Camry share the same platform and there are a lot of complaints about the 8 speed transmission in Camry reviews. Most center around the gear hunting, unexpected up shifting, and never downshifting seems to be common in the reviews. I've seen a few Highlander reviews mentioning the same as well. In fact, it seems to plague the 3rd Gen Tacoma if you look at some of the postings over on Tacoma World. There is a whole thread for OVtune that addresses this specific issue. I don't think Toyota is alone in the never ending chase for better mpg through more gear options but it's something to be aware of when vehicle shopping. It's too bad as our 2007 Camry with the 6 speed automatic worked flawlessly for the 10 years we had the car. In addition, my 2005 Tacoma with a 5 speed transmission has never given me issues either but occasionally would stay in a low gear when descending down a hill which may be the transmission brake for towing kicking in and therefore normal. That said, some manufactures seem to have it worked out. We rented a 2018 Ford Expedition for a week in D.C. which had the Eco Boost V6 engine and 10 speed automatic. The transmission shifted well with no issues over the entire time we had it in a mix city/highway driving experience and even returned a best of 22 mpg during our trip which was impressive given the size of the vehicle. In short, it can be done and Ford seems to have at least figured it out with that model/combination.

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