4runner vs. Highlander

[4Runner1371]

My friend's looking to buy either highlander or 4runner. Can anyone explain to me difference between 4runner's 4 wheel drive and Highlander's All Wheel Drive system?
I heard Highlander supposedly had engine overhaul done and now it's similar to the 4runner. Personally I think Highlanders are ugly IMO.
any input would be appreciated. For example, Interior size/design/material, driving view, performance, comfort, gadgets, longevity, blah blah blah....Thanks!

 

[<<<<]

If you put 4R vs Highlander in same ring, then there is no contest. 4R is far superior in almost all aspects.

 

[POS Racing]

If you put 4R vs Highlander in same ring, then there is no contest. 4R is far superior in almost all aspects.

The interior in the Highlander sure seem to have a lot more room than my 4Runner.

But the Highlander doesn't look like it would be much of an off road vehicle.

http://www.toyota.com/highlander/

 

[SP Jon M3]

Quote from Highlander site on Toyota.com:

Note: The Highlander Hybrid is not designed to be driven off-road.

 

[toto]

A truck that's full-time 4WD still has the option of a "4 Lo" setting, which enables the drivetrain to put more torque at the wheels. In contrast, an AWD system is stuck at one setting, generally the equivalent of "4 Hi".

Because there's only one setting for the AWD system, and it's often symmetrical between front/back power distribution, an AWD vehicle really isn't suited for off-roading.

A Highlander has its roots in a car, like a Camry sedan. The 4Runner has always been a truck, and it's still made with body-on-frame construction. I think the 4Runner ride is excellent, but the Highlander will be a tiny bit more "car-like" in that area. I would also speculate that the Highlander is closer to the ground and therefore a little easier to get in and out of. They're both full of creature comforts on the inside, especially if you compare the Limited models.

For the money, I think you get a much more rugged vehicle with a 4Runner than you do with a Highlander. The 4Runners are selling around invoice (or less, with incentives), whereas the Highlander is making the dealers a little more money right now. That's making the real pricing much more comparable, so don't focus on the difference between MSRP on the two models.

One advantage the Highlander will have is gas mileage. I really like the 4Runner, but I also have a short commute. I had a '94 4Runner back then, and it was killing me on a long commute. That's something to consider as well.

 

[Jeff Kleb]

I can't say much about the 2008 Highlander, but I know a lot about the previous version of it. My girlfriend has a 2002 Highlander (2WD) with about 110,000 trouble-free miles on it.

The 4Runner is clearly superior as an "off road" vehicle, since it is built upon a real truck chassis (Tacoma) with the rear wheels being the primary drive set and the engine mounted longitudinally (front to rear). Look under the hood and underneath a Tacoma and it will bear a strong likeness to a 4Runner. The standard engine in the 4Runner is a 4.0L V6, with a 4.7L V8 available as an extra-cost option. If you want to tow anything bigger than a canoe, the 4Runner wins by a wide margin!

The Highlander, as we all know, is not much more than a tall Camry - with unibody construction, a transverse-mounted engine and the front wheels being the main power method. The base engine for the Highlander is a large 4-cylinder ('02 through '07 models) displacing 2.4L (I think), with a 3.0L DOHC V6 as an option. My g/f has the 3.0L V6 and it has quite a bit of power for its size. In '04, Toyota bumped up the displacement to 3.3L, so those Highlanders should have even better acceleration than '02 and '03 versions.

In fairness to the Highlander, it is smaller, lighter, more agile than the 4Runner -- and also uses less fuel. When my g/f got her '02 Highlander new, she looked at the 4Runner and thought it was too "trucky" for her tastes. The Highlander also has a lot more room on the interior, particularly the front area of the cab - where there is plenty of storage underneath the center console.

The Highlander is smoother and gives a slightly better ride than the 4Runner when on the open road, but would yield to the burly T4R when the going gets tough. Using ONLY two-wheel drive, the front-drive Highlander is superior to the 4Runner using only its rear wheels for power. However, the 4Runner has the advantage when in 4x4 mode (with both a low range and locking center differential on tap) versus the Highlander.

I have seen the '08 Highlander and still think it looks bloated and somewhat ugly; but that may change after it "grows on me" during the next year or two. I noticed that it is much heavier than the previous generation Highlander and the 4-banger was not invited to the party this time.
:bash:

My g/f is really leaning towards a four-cylinder RAV4 as her next car; but she's going to keep the Highlander on the road for a few more years. Since I have been with her (and it - LOL!) since the 30k mark, I have used nothing but synthetic oil and it still runs like new. Now, if I could just get her to wash it once in awhile.




P.S. Whatever you decide - 4Runner or Highlander - I doubt that you will be disappointed. Both are safe, reliable and dependable vehicles that are not likely to leave you sitting on the side of the road waiting for a wrecker.

 

[Koz]

Apples and oranges! If there is no need for 4WD the highlander is the way to go. The only off roading for the highlander is just dirt roads. The Highlander is very nice street vehicle that will ride more like a car and get better gas mileage. The 3.5 V6 with the 5 speed is one of the best power-trains out there, 270hp is sweet.

If I were considering a new 4Runner now I would wait for the 5th gen to come out. I have a feeling the next gen will be very interesting and will raise the bar in mid-sized SUVs.

Koz

 

[alaskaman]

Highlander = dropping off kids, picking them up from soccer practice, AWD on rainy days, church socials.

4Runner = all of the above and everything else including donuts on closed freeways, climbing rocky hills, going through moving water, sleeping in at the top of mountain roads etc.

mileage = negligible difference

fun = depends on what you consider fun

bang for buck = No comparison

hybrid = ok one for the Highlander

 

[Thai]

In '04, Toyota bumped up the displacement to 3.5L, so those Highlanders should have even better acceleration than '02 and '03 versions.

Toyota bumped it up to 3.3 L V6...the 3.5 did not come on till the new Highlander.

The 3.5 V6 with the 5 speed is one of the best power-trains out there, 270hp is sweet.

Koz

I agree 100%. Although not perfect, the 5-speed auto is reliable and proven.

 

[Thai]

mileage = negligible difference

bang for buck = No comparison

I would imagine the mileage would favor the Highlander significantly. And the Highlander is probably faster than both V6 and maybe V8 4runners.

For an average family, the best bang for the buck will be the Highlander...bigger inside (current generation) and more versatility for family. The ride, handling, & braking should favor Highlander.

For the off-roader, then 4runner is the better choice.

 

[alaskaman]

hmmmm. I just cant see doing donuts in the arizona desert in a highlander. just me I guess.

 

[Barefoot]

Anybody who's considering both should get the Highlander...

 

[RonMAIDEN]

What is this person going to do with the Highlander or the 4Runner? If it's a street only vehicle then the Highlander probably is a wiser choice for MPGs,overall handling and braking and they do offer a hybrid for a premium.

If you entertain any kind of off road ventures,hauling stuff or camping trips then the 4Runner is a much better choice.

 

[alaskaman]

several years ago I read many horror stories about the highlanders drivers seat. did those get resolved?

 

[Avet14]

Toyota bumped it up to 3.3 L V6...the 3.5 did not come on till the new Highlander.



I agree 100%. Although not perfect, the 5-speed auto is reliable and proven.

its not the same 5 speed as in the 4runner is it?

 

[Jeff Kleb]

[Toyota bumped it up to 3.3 L V6...the 3.5 did not come on till the new Highlander.

My bad. Yeah, it was a 3.3L, now that I think about it.

Sorry.....having a senior moment today.


P.S. Oh, I edited my previous post to reflect the proper displacement of the Highlander's V6.

 

[Thai]

its not the same 5 speed as in the 4runner is it?

I doubt it. The 5-speed is the same as that in previous gen Camry/ES330...aka from car line. The 5-speed in the 4runner is from the Land Cruiser/LX i believe...aka from truck line.

 

[oxfordethan]

My wife has an '05 Highlander. I have a '99 4Runner. There is honestly no comparison between the two. The highlander drives like a car...that's what it feels like. The 4Runner feels like a truck. The suspension, the way it handles, acceleration, gas mileage are all different. I like the Highlander for traveling long distances on the highway. However, I like the 4Runner for its utilitarian nature (camping,hunting, off-roading). I could go on. Both are great depending what you need them for. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Avet14]

To be honest I really like the new Highlander the best compared to all other midsize crossovers in the market. I think the looks of it are great, and provides everything someone needs out of an SUV who also doesn't offroad. It would be a great car for my mom. Shes currently driving our 07 4Runner which she loves but I think she would like the carlike qualities of the new Highlander more. Too bad it wasn't available at the time.

At the time it was a decision between the 4Runner and the Honda Pilot, and I convinced her to get the 4Runner because the Pilot was too much of a car in my mind.

But the new Highlander can tow 5k lbs just like the V6 4Runner, and I believe its AWD system is an even 50/50 split unlike the Pilot or even new Rav4 which use an on-demand system which is primarily front-drive... I dunno that sorta stuff it important to me. Plus it has a cutoff switch on the VSC!

Plus the Highlander would have more room and a better ride definitely.

 

[jwa898]

The new Highlander doesn't offer nearly as much leg room for the driver as the 4Runner.