Have to pick Highlander or 4runner ? Help decide!
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Toffees
Member
Test drive both and bring a car seat. The anchors in the 4R are standard latch anchors, but are more difficult to access. But we have 4 kids with one in a latch carseat and one in a booster and we use the 4R to haul everyone on a regular basis. It's no minivan (which is our other vehicle), but it gets the job done, and it's not a burden on trips. In the end, neither the 4R nor the Highlander is a useful as a minivan, and they're not really like each other, so you need to decide what you want and which fits your needs best.
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t0y0ta4R
New member
That's my biggest hang up as well is the subjective (Subaru) looks of the Highlander.
Otherwise, they have a lot going for them and certainly a strong option I have to consider as well. Now if I can only check my ego while shopping...:biggrin2:
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t0y0ta4R
New member
Both can town up to 5K lbs and I believe the Highlander has a few more technical bells if that matters to you.
BigCountryT4R
New member
IMHO, highway a lot, family, and better gas mileage, get the highlander. If you ever want to look more rugged, offroad, and take a beating, the 4runner.
I personally have decided if I needed to switch vehicles due to the 4Runners height being a little to high for my elderly Mom, I will get the highlander. My Limited is just a hair too high for her to get in easily.
I love the new 2020 Highlanders. Here is a Limited that just came in to my dealer.
I personally have decided if I needed to switch vehicles due to the 4Runners height being a little to high for my elderly Mom, I will get the highlander. My Limited is just a hair too high for her to get in easily.
I love the new 2020 Highlanders. Here is a Limited that just came in to my dealer.
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Cymon
New member
I would strongly consider cross-shopping the Subaru Ascent. When we bought the 4runner we already had a Subaru Outback and one of the things that steered us to the 4runner was that the Subaru and Highlander were very similar with the Highlander just being a little bigger and having a third row. We wanted something different and I prefer the truck-like driving experience so we went with the 4runner. When we replace my wife’s Outback we will either be getting another one or the Ascent. The Ascent has similar exterior size specs to the 4Runner but a lot more interior room, and definitely more cargo room than the Highlander. Throw in the captains chairs, Subaru AWD, same towing capacity, almost 9” of ground clearance and Subaru safety and the Ascent is hard to beat unless you are looking for something to off-road on more than light duty trails and fire roads.
blanchard7684
New member
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.
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.
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EddieV4runnin
New member
Buy a Hyundai Palisade
LandCruiser
New member
Sounds like you need a Highlander.
Probably 90% of 4Runner owners need a Highlander.
Probably 90% of 4Runner owners need a Highlander.
03_4x4Runner
Senior Member
The limited does not have a soft suspension. The XREAS shocks are much stiffer than an SR5. Mine is borderline harsh.
thennen
New member
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
New member
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
Senior Member
:iagree:
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
New member
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.
Are you sure??:shrug:
kenwilliams0803
New member
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
