2021 Toyota Highlander vs. 2021 Toyota 4Runner
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Toyota Highlander and 2021 Toyota 4Runner contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Toyota Highlander and the 2021 Toyota 4Runner.
In comparing the 2021 Toyota Highlander's and the 2021 Toyota 4Runner's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2021 Toyota 4Runner has the advantage in the areas of reliability and resale value. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Toyota Highlander's and the 2021 Toyota 4Runner's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Toyota Highlander is a better car than the 2021 Toyota 4Runner.
Pricing: A used 2021 Toyota Highlander ranges from $25,940 to $40,999 while a used 2021 Toyota 4Runner is priced between $30,585 to $49,817.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Toyota Highlander loses 41.8 percent of its value and the 2021 Toyota 4Runner loses 30.1 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Toyota 4Runner retains 11.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Toyota Highlander.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Toyota Highlander is 8.5 out of 10 while the Toyota 4Runner's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Toyota Highlander being ranked 3 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs and the Toyota 4Runner being ranked 7 out of 32.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Toyota Highlander is 8.1 out of 10. For the Toyota 4Runner the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the Toyota 4Runner a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Toyota Highlander.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Toyota Highlander’s base engine makes 295 horsepower, and the 2021 Toyota 4Runner base engine makes 270 horsepower. The Highlander is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 501 miles. The 4Runner is rated to deliver an average of 17 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 437 miles. This gives the 2021 Toyota Highlander the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2021 Toyota 4Runner. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 2021 Toyota Highlander, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, a midsize SUV, has the advantage in the area of cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2021 Toyota Highlander has higher safety ratings than the 2021 Toyota 4Runner, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
35085
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
32108
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27000 - 37580
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
36765
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
32108
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27000 - 37580
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
33313
Price Range:
25940 - 40999
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
28757
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
22434 - 40434
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1177
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
69014
# Good or Great Deals:
626
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
39971
Price Range:
30585 - 49817
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
28757
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
22434 - 40434
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
973
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
67240
# Good or Great Deals:
562
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Toyota 4Runner Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
9.1 / 10
Safety:
7.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Toyota Highlander
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.8
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.6
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.7 - 12.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.387
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Toyota 4Runner
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
11.9
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.6
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.7 - 12.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.587
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.245616441293197
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 26.4
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.3578812079452227
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 26.4
Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 17Ranking
1 out of / 17Ranking
1 out of / 16Ranking
1 out of / 16Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 34Ranking
3 out of / 34Ranking
3 out of / 34Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 34Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 28Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 28Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 56Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
25 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 34Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 34Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 56Toyota 4Runner Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 28Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 28Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 32Ranking
31 out of / 32Summary Review
The Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.
Summary Review
Toyota doesn't have just one popular SUV in this segment, but two. The Toyota 4Runner is the Highlander’s more-rugged sibling.
Pros and Cons
- Class-leading fuel economy
- No disappointing base engine
- Legendary reliability
- Third-row space a bit cramped
Pros and Cons
- Rugged off-road capability
- Great for towing when properly equipped
- Outstanding value retention (low depreciation)
- Aging design
- Interior space is limited by comparison to other midsize SUV / crossovers
- Fuel economy literally half that of a Highlander Hybrid
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
L, LE, Limited, Platinum, XLE, XSE
2021 Toyota 4Runner Trim Levels
Limited, Nightshade Edition, SR5, SR5 Premium, Trail Edition, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, Venture Edition
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
295 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
263 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
270 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
278 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 28 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
358 / 501 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4, AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 19 / 17
Range (city/hwy):
368 / 437 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.7 inches
Cargo Space:
16 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
84.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
157.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
32.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Cargo Space:
47.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
89.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
144.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4145 lbs
Width:
76 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
194.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4400 lbs
Width:
75.8 inches
Height:
71.5 inches
Length:
190.2 inches
Wheelbase:
109.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P265/70R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Blueprint
Brown
Opulent Amber
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
White
Blizzard Pearl
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Nautical Blue Metallic
Brown
Not available
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Silver
Classic Silver Metallic
White
Super White
Red
Barcelona Red Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Graphite
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Gray
Graphite
Beige
Sand Beige
