Must decide: Toyota 4Runner vs Highlander

[Hotdog2121]

Highlander ?

Soooo, did you drive the Highlander? I agree with you on the nose dive. I purchased a 2014 4Runner Trail Edition Premium. Absolutely love it except for the nose dive. I tested a Limited compared to the TE with KDSS. Liked the KDSS and bought it as it seemed tighter around corners (roll) but didn't really notice the nose dive during the test drive, my bad. I called TOYTEC and for $170 will be installing Eibach springs. That should take care of it. The guy even laughed a little (like it wasn't the 1st time he heard about it) when I explained to him about front end nose dive . Good Luck with whatever SUV you choose.

 

[ProspectiveBuyer]

No, didnt drive the Highlander, my wife did. She liked less than the CX9. She doesnt care either way I think. But I'd rather have a real truck if I am going for a large vehicle. I will have to re-learn how to drive.

 

[ProspectiveBuyer]

spongy suspension is geared to soaking up bumps.

OK, that makes sense. Then why are people talking about a 'harsh truck-like ride' when discussing trucks and truck-derived SUVs? Very confusing.

 

[Jeremy556]

No, didnt drive the Highlander, my wife did. She liked less than the CX9. She doesnt care either way I think. But I'd rather have a real truck if I am going for a large vehicle. I will have to re-learn how to drive.

Try a Trail Edition with KDSS, or a limited, they will corner much better than an SR5. KDSS gives you huge sway bars with a hydraulic disconnect (not really, but that's a multipage thread itself), the limited has cross linked shocks.

 

[cjacob316]

If the vehicle is for you and you prefer the 4runner, then buy it. My wife doesn't necessarily like driving mine, but it's not her car, it's mine. I have now owned 6 SUV's (3 jeeps and 3 4runners) and a Tacoma, It's all I know, I am an suv/truck guy. I would never want a car or a crossover for myself or even consider it. That my friend is why I chose the 4runner, because It's a real SUV and the best one at that. It's not about ride comfort (though it's why I went back to the runner over the Tacoma) or mpg or handling.

The question I feel like people keep asking, and I have yet to notice you actually answer, is whose car is this? Someone has to be the primary driver. Someone has to be the one to drive it to work every day, it's that person whose opinion matters most in the purchase.

 

[Be_Original]

This is all leading to what you want and not what she wants

 

[ProspectiveBuyer]

This is all leading to what you want and not what she wants

I guess you're right

 

[Cheers!]

try a limited. Rides much better on the road. Not as much nose dive, not as much body lean.

Not as good offroad though. Less approach angle, and not as soft for the bumpy trails.

 

[Jernik]

OK, i test-drove a SR5 Premium. It is a MONSTER! There is noticeable lag in both acceleration and braking. The suspension is very spongy, the nose dips when you brake, and the car leans over when you corner. It reminds me of the F150 I once rented. But somehow I like it, its way more appealing than a crossover. Still, I would stiffen the suspension and get rid of the automatic. That would make it a perfect truck.

I don't have it, but others have said the KDSS system tightens it up in the corners noticeably. You may want to test drive one of those before making your final decision. Not sure if it's available on SR5, that may be a Trail Edition option. Just a thought...

Also, I agree that off the line it is a bit of a dog unless you intentionally beat on it a bit, but put it in manumatic mode at 50-55 mph (it will automatically drop to gear 4) and floor it. It's surprising how well it responds for a 270 hp v6 in a 5000 lb vehicle. I mean, it's no Vette killer, but I've not had any problem getting around slow pokes either.

 

[spitfiremkiii]

I don't have it, but others have said the KDSS system tightens it up in the corners noticeably. You may want to test drive one of those before making your final decision.

+1 for KDSS

Since you wish to please your wife then check out the Range Rover Evoque before you pull the trigger on an SUV. Luxurious, great ride, cool looks and works both on and off road…..it is a real Range Rover……and that bastion of car based consumer advice "Top Gear"(UK) really liked it!! …….flame away BOF lovers

 

[Wis4]

We need to buy a larger vehicle (my current daily commuter is a Mazda Miata) and my wife wants either a Highlander or a Mazda CX9. Personally, I think that the 4Runner is a more interesting alternative, although the lack of manual transmission is a major turn-off. My off-roading experience is zero, although I did take my Miata to the track a few times. I would be interested in having fun off-road, although I dont know where to begin

From a driver enthusiast's perspective, which one is superior? Is the 4Runner essentially an off-road truck?

Thank you for your help!

My friend bought a Highlander and he loves it. It fits perfectly for what your looking for.

 

[Cheers!]

I remember test driving a kdss. It corners good. But I remember it still had a lot of brake dive and acceleration squat.

I would only ever lease a range rover. The evoque howvever is one of the ugliest cars ever.

You Can't Get A Cheap CarMax Range Rover Warranty Anymore

 

[statcoder]

I'm liking the 2017 Highlander new engine, the 8 speed automatic, safety stuff and even the start/stop. I don't even have kids and I drive a Tundra right now but I'm getting to be a middle-aged fuddy-duddy. I also noticed that the Highlander has more leg room and hip room than the 4Runner.

 

[K9trainer]

Thanks everyone for the advice. It really looks like the 4Runner has a lot more interesting and has a lot more potential than cross-over, and, in a way, is a lot more like a Miata than a Camry.

What do you guys think of the Nissan Xterra Pro-4X (manual transmission)? Isnt it is a cheaper clone of the 4Runner with stick shift?

PS: my wife kinda knows how to drive stick shift, and is open to the idea of a suv with stick shift

2 questions- wtf is a Miata? And Nissan a clone of a 4Runner?

 

[salong53]

[MENTION=118518]ProspectiveBuyer[/MENTION] being a car enthusiast without a need for off-roading or towing, have you considered a more car-like crossover? IIRC Subaru made the Forester several years ago in a WRX or STI version or something like that. Same turbo and running gear as the Impreza WRX STI but with family-hauler credentials.

 

[Jhalko]

2 questions- wtf is a Miata? And Nissan a clone of a 4Runner?

[MENTION=118518]ProspectiveBuyer[/MENTION] being a car enthusiast without a need for off-roading or towing, have you considered a more car-like crossover? IIRC Subaru made the Forester several years ago in a WRX or STI version or something like that. Same turbo and running gear as the Impreza WRX STI but with family-hauler credentials.

Guessing he made his choice given the thread is from 2014.

:lol:

 

[Antman]

Guessing he made his choice given the thread is from 2014.

:lol:

Quit trolling- This is a serious business here.

 

[salong53]

Guessing he made his choice given the thread is from 2014.

:lol:

Oops. Didn't even pay attention to that