Have to pick Highlander or 4runner ? Help decide!

[CharlesNellis]

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]

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]

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]

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
arty:
Mike

 

[t0y0ta4R]

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.

 

[LimeLED]

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

Nope! Limited and Off-Road (with optional KDSS) have the least body roll and most firm ride. Limited probably being the most firm.

SR5, Off-Road (sans KDSS), and Pro will have a much softer ride.

Not only should you really take both the Highlander and 4Runner for a test drive, you should test the various 4Runners grades as well. They drive and ride dramatically different from each other.

If I had only test drove an SR5, I might not have bought a 4Runner. It was way too soft and too much body roll around turns. The Off-Road with KDSS is what sold me. Everyone has a different preference.

 

[boyguan]

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.

I have both. 2017 Highlander Hybrid XLE AWD and a 2017 ORP.

The highlander wins 99% of the time. It can handle most driving situations for me in california and the trips to Tahoe. The only time the 4runner wins is when you want to do some real off roading and light rock crawling.

The highlander is way better on tech and safety and just a more comfortable ride overall.

If you do not plan to do any heavy off roading and just the casual car camping, get a highlander.

 

[flyfishin]

Nope! Limited and Off-Road (with optional KDSS) have the least body roll and most firm ride. Limited probably being the most firm.

SR5, Off-Road (sans KDSS), and Pro will have a much softer ride.

Not only should you really take both the Highlander and 4Runner for a test drive, you should test the various 4Runners grades as well. They drive and ride dramatically different from each other.

If I had only test drove an SR5, I might not have bought a 4Runner. It was way too soft and too much body roll around turns. The Off-Road with KDSS is what sold me. Everyone has a different preference.

This is true. I drove an SR5 and then a TRD ORP with KDSS and thought the ride was stiffer with less body roll. Bilstein 5100's took it to another level.

 

[flyfishin]

If you decide to get a Highlander be sure to drive the hybrid and the V-6. The hybrid drive is definitely different and not for everyone. I also think it has a few more maintenance issues as the miles add up. Cost is offset by the gas mileage and the ability to deduct through section 179 if that is an option. It does cost more so the V-6 may be best for most. We have had people walk right in front of the hybrid in parking lots because you can't hear it at low speed. Also, there is a lag when you need to accelerate as the gas engine kicks in. It has plenty of power though.

 

[calimattSR5]

I too have a baby on the way, and faced the decision recently of choosing 4Runner or Highlander. My 2000 4Runner started having transmission issues at 284k so I sold. We chose the 2020 4Runner SR5 premium w/ 3rd row over the Highlander. Wife loves her car (2012 Ford Edge Platinum) and it has equivalent safety features to the 4Runner (w/TSS) now. We will use the 4Runner for the family town car and Edge for long trips. Once baby 2 or 3 is on the way, wife will get a 3rd row SUV of her choosing once the Edge is retired (currently 190k). The deals on 2019 highlanders were hard to pass on, but the features weren’t an upgrade to wife’s edge. The 2020 has great features but way too expensive currently.

The 4Runner will retire as a family car and become mine, and only used as a backup dad car for camping and ski trips. I hope to hit 300k in this one, it’s a great all around utility vehicle with amazing reliability.

Having a family will completely change our needs and decision factors in 2-5 years, good luck!

 

[phillyd2]

Highlander is a no brainer.

I will never understand people buying 4R, Jeeps, etc. who have no use for what they were designed for.

In this case the Highlander will do everything much better if you are a pavement driver. If towing both are silly to buy compared to others.

 

[JWM816]

I drive a 2018 T4R and my wife drives a 2018 Highlander, she test drove the T4R, but was not for her. For family trips we take the Highlander, better MPG, softer ride, more bells and whistles. We did not get the 3rd row in the T4R, so cannot speak to space back there, we have captain's chairs in the Highlander which makes it easier for people to get in the back since we have two car seats occupying the captain's chairs. We are able to fit me in the driver's seat (6'3"), my Dad in the passenger (6'5"), my kiddos in the middle, then my Mom (5'10") and my wife (5'7") for trips around the city. After that we have room for our two slightly larger than umbrella style strollers and jackets in the cargo area. We also take family trips of the four of us and our pup (90 lb. lab) with luggage for 4 day trips easily.

 

[Dan0280]

I have both. 2017 Highlander Hybrid XLE AWD and a 2017 ORP.

The highlander wins 99% of the time. It can handle most driving situations for me in california and the trips to Tahoe. The only time the 4runner wins is when you want to do some real off roading and light rock crawling.

The highlander is way better on tech and safety and just a more comfortable ride overall.

If you do not plan to do any heavy off roading and just the casual car camping, get a highlander.

I also have both. 2018 Hybrid XLE AWD and 2014 SR5 Premium. I agree with “highlander wins 99% of the time”. If you are staying on paved roads it’ll handle any road condition, and be more comfy. I’ve had it in VT and Lake Placid in snow/sleet/ice and no worries. Maybe it’s just a heavy hybrid thing, but one noticeable difference between the 4R and HL is the HL understeers pretty badly. Other than that it’s a great all around SUV. I’m happy I’ve got both.

 

[bcrunner88]

I have just traded 2017 Highlander for 2020 4runner. There are pros and cons.
Like others have said - the Highlander is smoother and more nimble. Probably better on the highway. It has more things like heated steering wheel ( I miss that!). The seats - both comfortable, but highlander has a bit more thigh support. The panoramic moonroof I never used. The navigation/audio was not good and stalled on me many times - read highlander forum.

The 4runner's audio (JBL) is wayyyy better. The 4runner is smooth in a different way. I like being up a bit higher. Gas mileage is not as great. Anyways just wanted a change.

 

[ax2021]

T4R build 100% in Japan, Highlander in US, think about it!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[CF_Machete]

maybe check out a lexas gx460??? sounds like like the highlander is your best bet, but if you want max creature comforts, 4runner capability, size and have the cash, gx460 for sure.

 

[Baystate4Runner]

Life is too short to drive a Highlander or any similar appliance.

 

[w210210]

Thank you guys !
Is 4runner hold Value better then Highlander ?

 

[flyfishin]

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.

This move to transmissions with 6-10 gears is all about fuel economy. We have a 2020 Tacoma and I came out of a F-150 with a 6 spd. The 4runner shifts better and smoother than both. Hard to beat that tried and true 5spd. I'll be interested to see how these new transmissions fare with 100k miles on them. Lots of moving parts and you know what that means.

 

[flyfishin]

Yes. Take a look at used 4runners and what dealers and individuals are asking. I typically buy used but you don't save enough to justify it with a 4runner. One of the best resale numbers of any vehicle made.

Does the Highlander have poor resale? No, it's pretty good.