Is a 4Runner the right vehicle for me?

[nevada]

Hi everyone,

My wife and I are in the market for a new vehicle. We've been driving Rav4's for the last four years and when we travel with our two small dogs, all our stuff, and with children hopefully in the near future, we both agree that we need something bigger. We have had great experiences with Toyota, so the two logical choices are the 4Runner or the Highlander...

I know this topic has been discussed before, but I have researched like crazy and I am still on the fence, so any and all advice or opinions would be great.

We live on Long Island and it will be are daily driver, so we do a lot of local driving, but we spend a great deal of time at my family's cabin upstate. We spend quite a bit of time on the highways and it snows like crazy up there. We also need to have the ability to tow an ATV or a Jet ski from time to time. I doubt it will see a ton of off road time aside from the occasional fire road or camping trip. but the roads up there are not in good shape and pot holes etc have done some pretty good damage to other cars in the past.

Obviously the 4Runner is more interesting and I think it is the vehicle that I think I want, but the reviews for the highlander are so much better than the 4Runner as far as on road performance goes. Are 4 runners that bad on the highway? A very close family member was recently hurt badly in an accident so we are extremely concerned with feeling secure and safe in our vehicle. Also, my wife thinks the highlander is one of the most boring cars she's ever seen, but it seems like a good value for the $.

I know this is a 4Runner forum so opinions my be biased, but do I need a body on frame truck like the 4Runner or is the Highlander the right choice? There are also better deals and promotions on the Highlander...

I will be test driving both very soon. Sorry for the long post. Thanks!

im not sure if you're talking new or not, but we have an 02 Highlander LTD, and for your described use, the HL is better suited. its an awesome rig. and does GREAT in inclement weather.


altho, having a vehicle the wife is happy with, especially if she will be the primary driver, is important.

 

[OppoZ]

Hi everyone,

My wife and I are in the market for a new vehicle. We've been driving Rav4's for the last four years and when we travel with our two small dogs, all our stuff, and with children hopefully in the near future, we both agree that we need something bigger. We have had great experiences with Toyota, so the two logical choices are the 4Runner or the Highlander...

I know this topic has been discussed before, but I have researched like crazy and I am still on the fence, so any and all advice or opinions would be great.

We live on Long Island and it will be are daily driver, so we do a lot of local driving, but we spend a great deal of time at my family's cabin upstate. We spend quite a bit of time on the highways and it snows like crazy up there. We also need to have the ability to tow an ATV or a Jet ski from time to time. I doubt it will see a ton of off road time aside from the occasional fire road or camping trip. but the roads up there are not in good shape and pot holes etc have done some pretty good damage to other cars in the past.

Obviously the 4Runner is more interesting and I think it is the vehicle that I think I want, but the reviews for the highlander are so much better than the 4Runner as far as on road performance goes. Are 4 runners that bad on the highway? A very close family member was recently hurt badly in an accident so we are extremely concerned with feeling secure and safe in our vehicle. Also, my wife thinks the highlander is one of the most boring cars she's ever seen, but it seems like a good value for the $.

I know this is a 4Runner forum so opinions my be biased, but do I need a body on frame truck like the 4Runner or is the Highlander the right choice? There are also better deals and promotions on the Highlander...

I will be test driving both very soon. Sorry for the long post. Thanks!

The one thing that you mention (future kids) that is not covered (at least I didn't see it) is the car seat consideration. I have two kids and have no idea how large the interior of the Highlander, so please keep that in mind. As for the 4R, the car seat behind the driver's seat is fairly close which causes me to move my seat up (I'm only 6'). On short and long trips, it becomes bothersome... May not be a big deal to you, but it's frustrating to me. You may want to borrow a car seat from one of your buddies and try that out too. To note, I did look into large SUVs (Expeditions, Tahoes, etc, etc) and found the same problem. Ah screw it, maybe there are smaller car seats out there that work better.

 

[nevada]

The one thing that you mention (future kids) that is not covered (at least I didn't see it) is the car seat consideration. I have two kids and have no idea how large the interior of the Highlander, so please keep that in mind. As for the 4R, the car seat behind the driver's seat is fairly close which causes me to move my seat up (I'm only 6'). On short and long trips, it becomes bothersome... May not be a big deal to you, but it's frustrating to me. You may want to borrow a car seat from one of your buddies and try that out too. To note, I did look into large SUVs (Expeditions, Tahoes, etc, etc) and found the same problem. Ah screw it, maybe there are smaller car seats out there that work better.

we have 3 carseats in the back of our HL, there is a ton of room. i can have the seat adjusted to where im comfortable, and im not sure if they can even kick the seat.

 

[KCcarguy]

Used gx470s are worth a look too.

 

[JAIIsT4R]

I was just in your situation. I looked at all the vehicles you've mentioned and had the same concerns

I have a toddler and newborn on the way; last week purchased 2012 SR5 4wd, entune, nav, backup camera and 3rd row which will come in handy when the boys get older. Having 2 brothers myself; many car trips required your own space.

There are lots of reason to buy/not buy any vehicle; my top reasons for choosing this specific model:

1) As others can attest the 4R is a safe vehicle which was good because reason #2 was...

2) After looking/testing JGC, Pilot, Highlander, and 4R - I was drawn to the 4R. Just could picture myself in this vehicle for the next 10 years going camping, snowboarding, kid activities and of course costco trips.

3) Price - although I would have loved to get the LE having extra cash is important right now. If this is my vehicle for the next ten years and I stay disciplined with my money (I'm sure the wife and kids will help with that) ; I'll have plenty of time to mod slowly and keep things interesting with the T4R for years to come

-Alfred

 

[gamerc]

Used gx470s are worth a look too.

Funny you should mention them. I liked them a lot, but found a few things that were a deal breaker. The side opening barn door would have been tolerable, but when combined with the non opening rear window, no way!

 

[Squelch]

This:

@ OP. You already know this, but it never hurts to be reminded:

Listen to your wife...

We test-drove the Highlander/4Runner/Forester, and she liked the handling of the 4Runner. It also helped that we test-drove a Trail w/ KDSS...

 

[RSSlaughter]

I have a RAV4 V6 LTD and a 4Runner Trail with KDSS. I test drove a 4Runner SR5 and it doesn't handle as well on the road as the Trail. But no 4Runner, Highlander, Pilot or anything else in the mid-SUV range is gonna handle like the RAV4, V4 or 6. If you had a V6 RAV4, you're not gonna get the acceleration because the engine is basically the same as the Highlander with a lot less weight, so you've gotta realize you're just not gonna go that fast anymore no matter what you buy.

For me, and I have to say that this is just my own personal opinion and a lot of others will disagree, the only reason to buy a 4Runner is if you're gonna go offroad, which is exactly why I bought it. On road in Long Island, you don't need a 4Runner of any kind. There are a few, very few areas upstate and in NJ where you could use the 4Runner's offroad capabilities and you have to decide whether you're ever gonna do that. If you're not, your significant other may not be very happy with the 4Runner - mine hates my T4R even though it does exactly what it's designed for and actually works pretty well on the road. So don't be stupid and buy a 4Runner even though it gives you a much bigger hardon than a Highlander. Buy what you need and buy what your wife will like and in both the short and long run, you'll be a lot happier.

I know my location shows Henderson, aka Las Vegas, Nevada, but I moved out here two years ago from NJ and the RAV4 was great there and a Highlander (or similar) will be fine for you.

 

[probos]

Get the Limited -- U won't regret it.

 

[KCcarguy]

Funny you should mention them. I liked them a lot, but found a few things that were a deal breaker. The side opening barn door would have been tolerable, but when combined with the non opening rear window, no way!

Yeah. The rear window is nice for hauling lumber, small trees, etc.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

If you like auto headlights, auto temp and other features the sr5 ot trail will not be for you. They are very basic vehicles.

 

[echowl]

I just sold my 1.5 year old 2010 rav4 sports and got a SR5, I never think about a highlander, cause it is really like rav4 big brother, except 7 seats, nothing really changed than a rav4.

I think if you are main driver, not your wife, just go with 4runner, you have much more city driving ,just go with limited, and if you have less budget, just sr5 and do some modification on shocks, I am the second situation,
but I never regret buying the sr5, that is real man's ride. I feel safe in it,
also 4runner has less noise than highlander.

in canada it is really expensive to buy a limit 4runner, ask me to spend almost 60k on a 4runner, why not go directly with a sequoia

 

[Hawaiian4runner]

I vote TE. No good or practical reason except I bet you will not regret it. Reasonable decision would be the highlander but I agree with your wife. BORING! Sometimes you gotta go with your heart. TE has decent road manners and out of this world off road manners. Puts a smile on my face on the freeway and on the trails. Wanna be a man or a soccer mom?

 

[chetJ]

OP- I was in the exact same boat. I
I actually also liked the highlander.However, what helped me decide was the second row seats on the 4R. The highlander had those word 40..40..20 seats i
n the middle row. This means that with my son's car seat, one other adult would be able to sit in the second row seat.With the 4R.. I have had 2 adults plus the car seat on the second row. I hope that this helps.

 

[JohnnyT]

If you haven't already and need to buy new, check out and drive a Nissan Armada. It's a quality, capable v8 truck.

If you are ok with pre-owned, look at an 07 or 08 low mileage v8 4runner or Sequoia.

 

[tjnaples]

4Runners look the coolest too. Especially the non-functioning hood scoop

 

[JohnnyT]

4Runners look the coolest too. Especially the non-functioning hood scoop

The TE's, yes. Absolutely.

The Limiteds and SR5's, no way. Butt ugly.

 

[Arc.]

Driving with a salesman next to you talking your ear off is never enough :infidel:

Though I've had that happen long time ago, this time they tossed the keys to me and said be back in 3-4 hours with the gas replenished.

@op - I agree with others highlander seems best for your needs. Take your time, test drive several times, research, etc and the right choice will become apparent to you!

 

[tjnaples]

The TE's, yes. Absolutely.

The Limiteds and SR5's, no way. Butt ugly.

haha

 

[KCcarguy]

The TE's, yes. Absolutely.

The Limiteds and SR5's, no way. Butt ugly.

Says the guy with a 4th gen (station wagon)