What good is a 4Runner if its RWD?
- Thread starter Manny735
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Snowfox
New member
You can go to Toyota web site and select SUV then you have an option to built your 4R, select SR5 then you have an option to choose 4X4 or 2x4 and other feature.
Beats the heck out of me, but then I live where it snows. Apparently folks down in the south think differently.
Sounds like you want the SR5 model
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Clemsonfan15
New member
What do you mean what is the point of a RWD SUV?
They are probably the highest selling SUV.
They are probably the highest selling SUV.
Snowfox
New member
Highlander is a crossover Vehicle vs Truck base is a real off road Vehicle like a T4R.
Clemsonfan15
New member
Totally. I thought you meant all RWD SUVs were pointless.
In that case, may we suggest a 4x4 SR5? :hiding:
bobs4state
New member
Station Wagon
I live in the south.
IMO an SUV with RWD is really just a tall station wagon. Family Truckster!
I live in the south.
IMO an SUV with RWD is really just a tall station wagon. Family Truckster!
scanny
Senior Member
I test drove Highlander among other SUVs but when I took 4Runner for a ride I got a clear understanding that want only 4Runner.
They are two very different vehicles. The Highlander is a car-based cross-over. It has a unibody, rather than body-on-frame. It has limited towing capacity. It has no low range, and a slip-then-lockup style of AWD system. In other words, it has very little offroad capability.
The Highlander is larger inside, and will drive, ride, and handle more like a car than a truck.
If you are interested in getting your 3 kids to school in the snow, then an AWD Highlander is fine. If you are interested in going offroad, then a 4WD 4Runner is a better choice.
If you are comparing a FWD Highlander to a RWD 4Runner, then all bets are off. Both are just tall station wagons, and I'd probably go with the Highlander.
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Thai
Elite Member
Well, if you have to ask the diff b/w 4runner and highlander, then it is prbably better to get highlander. 
Rwd trucks are good for towing and hauling. Remember, even with just 2wd, you still have traction control over the rear axle along with stability control...so, it won't be a total catastrophe driving a 2wd truck in bad/snow weather. Unless you get Limited, the 4runner's 4wd system is fairly "primitive" and may not be as effective as a good AWD system in bad weather. Good AWD system = Subaru, Audi, Mercedes, etc.. Note that in the past, Toyota's AWD systems have not been really good...not sure if that has change with the newer models.
Rwd trucks are good for towing and hauling. Remember, even with just 2wd, you still have traction control over the rear axle along with stability control...so, it won't be a total catastrophe driving a 2wd truck in bad/snow weather. Unless you get Limited, the 4runner's 4wd system is fairly "primitive" and may not be as effective as a good AWD system in bad weather. Good AWD system = Subaru, Audi, Mercedes, etc.. Note that in the past, Toyota's AWD systems have not been really good...not sure if that has change with the newer models.
Whats good about 2W 4Runner
In Canada you should buy an SR5 4W. But even if you bought two wheel you get a lot with a Four Runner. I will not try to detail all the things, but to just take one section and compare what you get extra on the Runner VS. Highlander.
Just look at the rear of each vehicle:
1. You get a hidden wiper blade for rear window
2. You get an electric window that can be lowered from the drivers seat, that can be open while you drive and is easy to use for small items.
3. You get a step in bumper for loading ease.
4. You get a complete towing capability standard.
5. Best of all when you raise the hatch you can stand under it out of the rain to load without stooping unless you are really tall.
Also never ignore the value of rear wheel drive, there is a reason that luxury cars are returning to it. Also for driving on ice like we get in the south it is
actually easier to control than a AWD for experienced drivers.
You still should get the 4W it is only about 6% more in cost.
In Canada you should buy an SR5 4W. But even if you bought two wheel you get a lot with a Four Runner. I will not try to detail all the things, but to just take one section and compare what you get extra on the Runner VS. Highlander.
Just look at the rear of each vehicle:
1. You get a hidden wiper blade for rear window
2. You get an electric window that can be lowered from the drivers seat, that can be open while you drive and is easy to use for small items.
3. You get a step in bumper for loading ease.
4. You get a complete towing capability standard.
5. Best of all when you raise the hatch you can stand under it out of the rain to load without stooping unless you are really tall.
Also never ignore the value of rear wheel drive, there is a reason that luxury cars are returning to it. Also for driving on ice like we get in the south it is
actually easier to control than a AWD for experienced drivers.
You still should get the 4W it is only about 6% more in cost.
Agreed.Well, if you have to ask the diff b/w 4runner and highlander, then it is prbably better to get highlander.
If you are towing a travel trailer, sure. If you are towing a boat up a slippery boat ramp, I'd much prefer 4WD with low range.
It is my impression that the Highlander's system is not great, but I'm not very familiar with the details of it.
scanny
Senior Member
It's not only pointless it going to be even worse than a regular FWD vehicle.
TreeFarmer
New member
I just traded my 2010 Highlander with 60 k on it for a 2010 sr5 4runner.
First of all, the Highlander is plenty capable off road but not designed for it. I had that thing in places that made my wife sh--.
I also towed a boat up very muddy and steep boat ramps with the Highlander. I had Perreli snow tires and those things provided great traction for events as such.
I hated the nanny tranny. I do not need an override when things get hairy. If I push the gas- go. The Highlander overrides A LOT more than the 4runner.
First of all, the Highlander is plenty capable off road but not designed for it. I had that thing in places that made my wife sh--.
I also towed a boat up very muddy and steep boat ramps with the Highlander. I had Perreli snow tires and those things provided great traction for events as such.
I hated the nanny tranny. I do not need an override when things get hairy. If I push the gas- go. The Highlander overrides A LOT more than the 4runner.
