Diff between Highlander & 4Runr

[Grenvilleter]

Hi there. Can someone point out the diff between a 4runner and a highlander.
I've been looking for another vehicle for my wife. She needs a awd/4wd vehicle but not to the extreme as my 3rd gen 4runr. Prefer something that gets better gas mileage than my 4runr.

Looking around, I came across a Highlander and I always thought the highlander was just another model of 4runr but appears it is not the case.

Read some reviews and see many had premature oil consumption due to sludge build-up but what years IDK and not familiar with what engines were available. Probably want a 4cyl for fuel economy.

So...is a highlander size wise between a Rav4 and a 4runr?
Thanks for your input.

 

[andy2008]

Hi there. Can someone point out the diff between a 4runner and a highlander.
I've been looking for another vehicle for my wife. She needs a awd/4wd vehicle but not to the extreme as my 3rd gen 4runr. Prefer something that gets better gas mileage than my 4runr.

Looking around, I came across a Highlander and I always thought the highlander was just another model of 4runr but appears it is not the case.

Read some reviews and see many had premature oil consumption due to sludge build-up but what years IDK and not familiar with what engines were available. Probably want a 4cyl for fuel economy.

So...is a highlander size wise between a Rav4 and a 4runr?
Thanks for your input.

Highlander actually has the most room of the three didn't start that way but recent years the highlander is larger. Biggest difference is that 4 runner is last Body on Frame SUV Toyota makes highlander/rav4 unibody design so like you said if she won't be hitting the trails just need AWD or 4wheel drive for messy roads etc... Highlander be a great choice good luck on the hunt

 

[chaz]

ive got an 08 highlander with the 4wd (which can be locked 50/50) & v6 (270hp,) Gas Mileage of 2008 Toyota Highlander about 2 less mpg than a 4cyl. it has vsc off, snow, & dac buttons, rear ac controls, 3rd row seat, all in all not bad. many would be surprised at where you can go & how much you can carry. cabin is not as quiet as the 4r tho.but imo, if its just for a DD the 09 rav4 has the same v6 & some might say is pretty fast with slightly better mpg http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Toyota_RAV4/2009/

 

[wc11]

If it matters, uni-body traditionally has lower towing capacity vs body on frame.
Newer Highlanders are almost the same size as 3rd Gen runners.

Highlanders are primarily front wheel drive with 50/50 4WD whereas the Runner is the opposite.

 

[541joseph]

if your looking for better gas milage do go highlander. my spouses mom had one and she would get 15 at best city and about 22 hwy. it was 2010 and it was just awful lots of road noise horrible on ice traction control and abs are way to invasive and you have to be at a complete stop to turn it off just not worth it IMO. if i were you id look into a 4th gen 4runner.

 

[c_mack9]

I sell these things for a living and everyone is correct. The 4runner is body on frame as mentioned above. It shares a platform with the Tacoma and uses the 4.0L truck engine. The Highlander is unibody and built on an Avalon on the newer 2 generations. The v6 is the 3.5L car engine from the Avalon and v6 Camry. The Highlander drives more like a car, it's very smooth and quiet and it's actually a surprisingly nice car. The 4 cylinder does get pretty good gas milege, people usually get above their epa estimates. Sounds like it would suit your wife very well, I think she would really like it and it's a Toyota. Have her test drive one, I bet she'll like it. I don't know what your budget is but if you can get the body style that is 2008 up you're golden. They did a redesign for this year, it's incredible.