Have to pick Highlander or 4runner ? Help decide!

[t0y0ta4R]

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

More than likely the 4runner has a higher resale value but you can confirm it by looking at new and used prices of previous year models. Typical comparisons are made by some websites at the 3 year mark surrounding the residual value.

 

[Alfa1]

3rd row

Hi guys, first post here and first 4Runner in the family. We were looking for a reliable 3 row seating SUV last Summer and we eliminated the Highlander very quickly when we tested the 3rd row with the kids. The 4Runner was very tempting but we decided to be raisonnable and listened to all of those who say that 4Runners are not for pavement drivers and we bought a 2020 Honda Pilot Black Edition. I must admit that the interior space is better and that the fuel consumption is better too (better than both Toyotas). You can't imagine how much trouble I had with this Honda. Long story short, we bought a 4Runner this winter and I can say that we love this truck and we use the 3rd row all the time. My point is, if the 3rd row seating is important, test by yourself the highlander because for us it was no more an option after testing. The 4Runner is way better in my opinion on that aspect.

 

[KDubb]

There can be only one ... Highlander.

Hi everyone !
My wife has a 17 Lexus GS 350 ... I have a Benz 01 ..it old and it's a rusty ...
We being think to get a new car instead of Mercedes...
So I am trying to pick between Highlander and 4runner.
Just wonder.. I heard that 4runner has terrible anchors system for a child safety seats and its tight also ...
Is that true.. somebody has a child safety seat or have expirience with that ?
Personally I dont really like Highlander looks and style...its probably more for mom's...
We expecting baby soon so nust wonder what to get ...
But if I am going to buy 4runner i go for Limited trim ..cause a softer suspension..
Also heard that Highlander has more space ...
We planning to keep car for long time like 7 -10 years ..

She is used to a Lexus? She’ll like the Highlander.

 

[Dillusion]

Didn't read all the posts but my 2 cents.

We have a 15 Highlander and 18 4Runner OR.

For a family car the Highlander is 10x better.
- Power is fine in both but I feel the Highlander responds better. Probably doesn't help riding on 285s in the 4R but even stock the Highlander felt better.
- Ride is a lot better in the Highlander
- 3rd Row in Highlander is good for kids only. Adults forget it. Don't have a 3rd row in the 4R
- Gas mileage is not great in either but I would of bought a Prius if I cared.
- Kids are out of car seats and never used the hooks just the seat belt so I'm not help here.

That being said it is true 90% of the people who own a 4R probably have no need for it.

I take my 4R fishing and need 4WD so Highlander was out of the question. My Tundra was just too big for what I used it for.

 

[w210210]

She is used to a Lexus? She’ll like the Highlander.

She just told me she not realy like the Highlendar design..
"Its looks like a minivan .. I kind want a SUV look "

 

[pointman]

Sounds like you need a Highlander.

Probably 90% of 4Runner owners need a Highlander.

Haha well said. The stats on the Landcruiser are probably even more overwhelming.


Genuine inquiry, why are people saying that the non Limited models are not as as capable for inclement weather?

 

[ryguytheman]

Haha well said. The stats on the Landcruiser are probably even more overwhelming.


Genuine inquiry, why are people saying that the non Limited models are not as as capable for inclement weather?

Probably has to due with the full time 4 wheel drive. Think about rain or light snow. You wouldn't normally throw it in 4WD for either of these, but you might come across a slick patch here and there. The limited doesn't require any manual switching to have 4WD traction when you hit a sudden bad spot.

 

[w210210]

Ok so today I trst drove with my wife Highlendar 2018 and 2017 4runner Limited ! Finaly ...
Ok yes 4runner has a little rougher ride it's a little noisier..
Its base a nice Tank feel actually.. feel safer sit higher more visibility ..
Highlendar a little softie..less noise less body roll ..no dive nose when braking...
Yes more for a family definitely. more roomier ....
But after all I am more confuse ... I like both and so does my wife
But honestly I prefer 4runner..but have to decide more ..still under emotions after test drive ...
I must say I kind expect Highlendar to have a more softer and smooth ride ..but it's not that smooth and soft... I expect more for Highlendar. It's a ride with a hint of firm ..
Ok so Thank you guys for your answers...
Again have to decide what to pick ... I am more confuse then before.. I rely like them both !

 

[cb1111]

I just spent quite a bit of time driving a 4R Limited. For those undecided between the Highlander and the 4R, take both on the highway for an extended drive.

I found the 4R's ride and handing absolutely brutal on the highway. The steering needed constant correction and it wasn't a "pleasant" drive.

The interior was functional and everything but the driving dynamics were fine. The nosedive, 70's Cadillac ride and the extended braking distance just makes this a no-go for me as a daily driver. Combined with the "not so great" gas mileage made me look elsewhere.

The GX is a far more pleasant driving car with minimal downsides over the 4R (gas mileage, not quite as competent off-road due to fugly bodywork).

That said, the 4R would be my choice for the carnage following a 2019-nCoV outbreak with looters roaming the streets and needing to get to my prepper's palace in the woods - seriously. This would make a great 2nd car for the next 20 years that will take you everywhere.

Yes, you can fix the nosedive and possibly the brakes, but the 70's boat handling on the highway can't easily be fixed.

I really wanted to like the 4R. I justified it to myself because of my job, but aside from the macho image, there is little to recommend in this car for a daily driver.

The Highlander isn't on my list, but for most people it should be.

 

[seatia]

It's always precious to listen to guys pretend that they have any effective input into the purchase of the next family ride...

No pretence here whatsoever. :bounce:

The absolute best vehicle a family could have with a newborn or small children still in car seats is a minivan with sliding doors.

It's all about the ease of access parked next to other cars to buckle and unbuckle and carry the little angels a gazillion times before they can fend for
themselves.
No more worries about swinging the doors wide open against other cars to gain enough space.

And about space, take a row of seats out relatively easily to make room for the the family accessories.

I hear Toyota makes a nice van.

 

[Space King]

No pretence here whatsoever. :bounce:

The absolute best vehicle a family could have with a newborn or small children still in car seats is a minivan with sliding doors.

It's all about the ease of access parked next to other cars to buckle and unbuckle and carry the little angels a gazillion times before they can fend for
themselves.
No more worries about swinging the doors wide open against other cars to gain enough space.

And about space, take a row of seats out relatively easily to make room for the the family accessories.

I hear Toyota makes a nice van.

Can't really argue with anything you've said. But to me, a minivan is the vehicular equivalent of going out in public wearing pajama bottoms and flip-flops. Lets the world know you just don't care anymore.

 

[Dillusion]

Can't really argue with anything you've said. But to me, a minivan is the vehicular equivalent of going out in public wearing pajama bottoms and flip-flops. Lets the world know you just don't care anymore.

This is me.

 

[seatia]

Can't really argue with anything you've said. But to me, a minivan is the vehicular equivalent of going out in public wearing pajama bottoms and flip-flops. Lets the world know you just don't care anymore.

You go that right.
Never ever was too partial to image if it wasn't needed. :thumb3:

Had all sorts of vehicles, Corvettes, Mercedes, BMWs, P/Ups etc.
But I did get my daughter a T4R 4x4 since she's in northern Michigan in the snow. She loves it as do I.

But if I were to have another child, I would go out and buy another minivan with sliding doors.

 

[JArnoldP]

We own both, 2020 Highlander and a 2021 4Runner. For a family I would go with the Highlander. Comfort and loading and unloading kids makes it the best choice, but they are both great vehicles.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[John in NC]

We have two small kids, our Highlander is by far a better every day vehicle than the 4runner. But the 4runner is more fun !
A third kid would be the breaking point, and minivan time. Or full size SUV. Having said that I rode in the 3rd row of our friends 2021 Yukon Denali XL and it was horrible! They've had tons of problems with it too.

PS let me expand by saying that the 4runner is the bomb, great resale, nice rugged look, rides fine, stone cold reliable, decent gas mileage for what it is. The Highlander is a great soccer-mom type vehicle, great on road trips, great grocery getter. I can drive the 4runner hour upon hour on the highway no problem but some complain about it's manners. The Highlander feels like more like planted and tight.
2nd row of the Highlander can move forward and back quite a good distance, and can give unreal legroom slid back if nobody is in the 3rd row, and great 3rd row legroom if you want to slide the 2nd row up. My 4runner has sub-par 2nd row legroom especially if the front driver and passenger are taller and like to ride dirty slid back and leaned back (meant to be kinda funny in an immature way, my favorite).

Final PS, that Nighshade color is nice! And bring back Shoreline Blue!

 

[ahtoxa11]

Can't really argue with anything you've said. But to me, a minivan is the vehicular equivalent of going out in public wearing pajama bottoms and flip-flops. Lets the world know you just don't care anymore.

I'd argue that people who do buy minivans do care; for applications that involve moving people (including kids) or needing the most versatile cubic space in a vehicle, a minivan is impossible to beat. So if you care about those two aforementioned things first and foremost, there's no reason not to buy one.

People still turn their noses at minivans, but minivans are the most versatile vehicles on the read for vast majority of people. They just aren't 'cool' to many.

When I need one in the future, I'll buy one, though not as the only vehicle.

 

[1jzgte]

highlander gets my vote

 

[spartacus]

Highlanders are great capable vehicles.

 

[justanothereric]

Can't really argue with anything you've said. But to me, a minivan is the vehicular equivalent of going out in public wearing pajama bottoms and flip-flops. Lets the world know you just don't care anymore.

This is the comment of the year hahahah

 

[ravens_wood]

I'd argue that people who do buy minivans do care; for applications that involve moving people (including kids) or needing the most versatile cubic space in a vehicle, a minivan is impossible to beat. So if you care about those two aforementioned things first and foremost, there's no reason not to buy one.

People still turn their noses at minivans, but minivans are the most versatile vehicles on the read for vast majority of people. They just aren't 'cool' to many.

When I need one in the future, I'll buy one, though not as the only vehicle.

100%. I furnished the majority of my apartment with nice 2nd-hand furniture bought off craigslist/offerup/facebook and frequently borrowed my parent's '07 Sienna for transport. Even borrowed the minivan and left them my truck when taking road trip to tailgate a Browns game with friends.

They've been empty nesters since '11 but that minivan still gets a crap ton of use between them and us 3 sons borrowing it.