4runner vs. Highlander

[statman24]

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

I considered both.... and have decided on the 4runner.

In fact, I looked at the Honda Pilot also. I'd buy that over the Highlander any day.... but the 4runner beats them both.

 

[Falls]

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

Totally agree , 2 different animals really .

The 4R also shares parts , motors , tranny and other components with the larger off road SUV of the Land Crfuiser

 

[jwa898]

I considered both.... and have decided on the 4runner.

In fact, I looked at the Honda Pilot also. I'd buy that over the Highlander any day.... but the 4runner beats them both.

Congratulations and you will not be unhappy with your decision. Let us know when you get the 4Runner.

 

[statman24]

Congratulations and you will not be unhappy with your decision. Let us know when you get the 4Runner.

Thanks! Now, I'm just waiting for the right deal. Looking for a 2004 or 2005 (Sport or limited) V8, Any color but black, gold, silver or red.

 

[Falls]

Thanks! Now, I'm just waiting for the right deal. Looking for a 2004 or 2005 (Sport or limited) V8, Any color but black, gold, silver or red.

I think Silver looks great on the 4R , with I had that color instead of my Galactic grey ( although I do like it , just like Silver better , just my opinion though.

 

[jwa898]

I think Silver looks great on the 4R , with I had that color instead of my Galactic grey ( although I do like it , just like Silver better , just my opinion though.

I agree that silver looks great, I have a black 4Runner. Since you said that you don't want black though I would look at silver or galactic grey if I were you.

 

[Boston_Runner]

I just test drove a new Highlander, the accelaration is ok. Motor trend has it at 0-60 in about 7.5 sec. The handling was very boring and the steering is too loose, no road feedback what so ever. Another thing I have notice is that the Highlander looks real big from the outside and when you step inside, you wonder where all the space went. In other word, the outside looks bigger than the inside. I still cant get over that ugly re-design, judging by the Highlander's sales number, a lot of peoples agree with me.

 

[JP4RNR]

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

The 5 speed auto is not the same as the higlander would have a transaxle setup

 

[RTCarlin]

I currently have an '03 V6 T4R. Love it. Bought it new and don't plan on getting rid of it anytime soon... however. My wife and I were getting an oil change at the dealer and were walking the lot. Noticed the big hitch on the new Highlander and decided to check it out. I must say I'm pretty impressed. I think the "Highlander Haters" out there are comparing apples to oranges, which is giving them their negative outlooks.

The T4R is definately a truck at heart. Performs like a truck both on and off road. It feels rugged. I love it.

The Highlander is the exact opposite. It feels like a tall car on the inside (which my wife finds comforting). It drives like a car (ala Camary). It feels >safe<.

I felt the Highlander had a good amount of space inside. Definately roomier than my 4Runner. The comparison tool at Edmunds.com validated my feelings by showing me the dimentions side by side.

Bottom line... definately a different purpose behind the highlander vs. the 4Runner. Highlander is more family mover orientated while the 4Runner is more true SUV orientated.

Additionally, I surfed quite a few 08 HL reviews and have yet to find one that didnt admit that it was a good all around people mover. Here's a few for your reading pleasure...

http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/highlander/2008/review.html

http://www.automotive.com/2008/12/toyota/highlander/reviews/index.html

http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2008-toyota-highlander.htm

http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4218391.html

http://www.thecarconnection.com/Veh...ta_Highlander_Road_Test.S181.A13204.html?pg=1

---Ron

PS: Did I mention that i LOVE my 4Runner? but if my wife had her way we'd have a higlander. Different demographic for each vehicle.... That was the idea, I'd imagine....

 

[mikeync]

4runner vs highlander

I am going to bring this topic back up again

I realize the difference between the two vehicles, but here is my position.

We are moving to Anchorage, AK soon. We will not be going off-road or in deep muds etc. Towing will be limited - if anything we get a truck for a 5-th wheel later.

However, as you know the snow comes down big time up there - will be plenty of whiteout conditions driving as my wife needs to get to work no matter what the condition is. We will be driving up a couple of thousand feet elevations in fairly steep terrain (proper roads) that can of course be icy and have snow on them....

So what are your guys thoughts - do you think the highlander is fine for those conditions or should I get the 4runner. After looking at the competition I don't really see any other vehicle I would like. My one concern is that a new 4runner comes out right after I buy one, but I can live with that.

Appreciate your thoughts and input

EDIT: One more thing - if the recommendations are for the 4runner what are the advantages of the V8 considering my situation

Thanks!

 

[Boston_Runner]

mikeync, if you want a go anywhere in the snow SUV get the 4runner. My sister in law has a older Highlander and its not as good as the 4runner in the snow and no low range and locking center diff. on the highlander. If you drive alot of hills, get the V8, the addition torque will come in handy.

 

[97RunnerSR5]

the new runners

personally i think the new 4runners are crap. The 3rd gens had the best 4wd's out of ne other truck i tested even jeep wrangler. The new runners use thal knob stuff where u turn a knob to get into 4 wheel thats not off road material u should have to shift into 4 wheel not press a button...i have a 97 runner and i have to shift into 4wheel like its a stick i love it..but thats just my opinion

 

[Dbone]

Re: the new runners

personally i think the new 4runners are crap. The 3rd gens had the best 4wd's out of ne other truck i tested even jeep wrangler. The new runners use thal knob stuff where u turn a knob to get into 4 wheel thats not off road material u should have to shift into 4 wheel not press a button...i have a 97 runner and i have to shift into 4wheel like its a stick i love it..but thats just my opinion

Right.....are you for real? I suppose you are entitled your opinion though...

Cheers

 

[mikeync]

Re: the new runners

personally i think the new 4runners are crap. The 3rd gens had the best 4wd's out of ne other truck i tested even jeep wrangler. The new runners use thal knob stuff where u turn a knob to get into 4 wheel thats not off road material u should have to shift into 4 wheel not press a button...i have a 97 runner and i have to shift into 4wheel like its a stick i love it..but thats just my opinion

Thanks for your opinion, but I honestly don't care if the vehicle is put into 4wheel by pushing a button or a stick if it is the better vehicle for me....

Appreciate other comments received and open for more

Thanks

 

[Mirlen]

Re: the new runners

personally i think the new 4runners are crap. The 3rd gens had the best 4wd's out of ne other truck i tested even jeep wrangler. The new runners use thal knob stuff where u turn a knob to get into 4 wheel thats not off road material u should have to shift into 4 wheel not press a button...i have a 97 runner and i have to shift into 4wheel like its a stick i love it..but thats just my opinion

Wimp, you shift to 4WD INSIDE the cab?!!?!? Real 4x4 people hop out and lock the hubs manually! WIMP!


Now, regarding Highlander vs. 4Runner. The Highlander is obviously more car/van like than the 4Runner. My wife and I went looking and I was set on getting something a bit tougher than our Pilot. Highlander compares to the Pilot but I still liked the Pilot over the Highlander. If I were considering something like the Highlander I'd probably opt for a Honda Pilot instead. I tend to like control/interiors on the Honda vehicles but I'm getting used to them on my 4Runner

 

[greasefingers]

Sort of of topic but ... I saw a Hybrid Highlander at the dealer

 

[mikeync]

Re: Re: the new runners

Wimp, you shift to 4WD INSIDE the cab?!!?!? Real 4x4 people hop out and lock the hubs manually! WIMP!


Now, regarding Highlander vs. 4Runner. The Highlander is obviously more car/van like than the 4Runner. My wife and I went looking and I was set on getting something a bit tougher than our Pilot. Highlander compares to the Pilot but I still liked the Pilot over the Highlander. If I were considering something like the Highlander I'd probably opt for a Honda Pilot instead. I tend to like control/interiors on the Honda vehicles but I'm getting used to them on my 4Runner

Thanks Mirlen - what I really don't like with the Pilot (and CRV for that matter) is that it is really a 2wd vehicle that just kicks in 4wd when it decides that it needs it. I know the highlander doesn't have as good a 4wd system as the 4runner, but it still beats the 2wd+ system that Honda uses....

 

[maine runner]

Mike -

Given the snow, I would say 4 Runner v6. If you get stuck, getting unstuck is easier to do with higher ground clearance and selectable 2 w, 4 hi, 4 lo and locker.

I would not go with the V8 since it comes with AWD. Not a fan of them (my other vehicle has it. Eyahchhh!

Hope this helps.

(p.s. It has snowed 70 inches so far this season. Only another 20 to go! yay!)

 

[Mirlen]

Re: Re: Re: the new runners

Thanks Mirlen - what I really don't like with the Pilot (and CRV for that matter) is that it is really a 2wd vehicle that just kicks in 4wd when it decides that it needs it. I know the highlander doesn't have as good a 4wd system as the 4runner, but it still beats the 2wd+ system that Honda uses....

"kicks in" is a bit rough of a description I think. Can't recall exactly but I do know from reading over the repair manual that the system dynamically adjusts amount of transfer to the rear especially at starts off the line where it will put quite a bit more on the rear as needed. It's a decent around town car and has handled decently in some snowy environments in an urban environment.

Also when looking at the Highlander, like someone else mentioned, where'd the space go? And the new body style of the Higlander and Sequoias remind me WAY too much of a Hyundai Santa Fe...

 

[97RunnerSR5]

Re: Re: the new runners

Wimp, you shift to 4WD INSIDE the cab?!!?!? Real 4x4 people hop out and lock the hubs manually! WIMP!


Now, regarding Highlander vs. 4Runner. The Highlander is obviously more car/van like than the 4Runner. My wife and I went looking and I was set on getting something a bit tougher than our Pilot. Highlander compares to the Pilot but I still liked the Pilot over the Highlander. If I were considering something like the Highlander I'd probably opt for a Honda Pilot instead. I tend to like control/interiors on the Honda vehicles but I'm getting used to them on my 4Runner

hahaha damn i didnt know u could engage it by getting out of the truck lol damn