Toyota 4Runner vs. Toyota Highlander
When we compare the Toyota 4Runner to the Toyota Highlander, the Toyota 4Runner has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Toyota 4Runner versus the Toyota Highlander, the Toyota Highlander is a better car than the Toyota 4Runner.
Toyota 4Runner versus Toyota Highlander Pricing
A one- to five-year-old used Toyota 4Runner ranges from $32,994 to $48,973 while a used Toyota Highlander from the same model year range is priced between $28,612 to $41,579. For a new model, the Toyota 4Runner's price is between $41,515 and $56,044, with the Toyota Highlander priced between $39,983 and $52,437.
Toyota 4Runner versus Toyota Highlander Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Toyota 4Runner is 8.6 out of 10 while the Toyota Highlander's quality rating is 8.9 out of 10. This results in the Toyota 4Runner being ranked 3 out of 25 Best Midsize SUVs and the Toyota Highlander being ranked 1 out of 25. Out of 15 Best Midsize SUVs for the Money, the Toyota 4Runner is ranked 15 and the Toyota Highlander is ranked 1.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Toyota 4Runner’s base engine makes 270 horsepower, and the Toyota Highlander base engine makes 265 horsepower. The 4Runner is rated to deliver an average of 17 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 437 miles. The Highlander is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 519 miles. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
The 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 Toyota 4Runner, a midsize SUV, has the advantage in the area of trunk space.
Hauling, Towing, and Off-Road Capabilities Comparison
The Toyota 4Runner has the advantage of offering higher towing capacity, ground clearance, and payload capacity than the Toyota Highlander.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Toyota Highlander has higher safety ratings than the Toyota 4Runner, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Toyota Highlander has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick+ award.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$41,515 - $56,044
Used Asking Price:
$32,994 - $48,973
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
24.7%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$39,983 - $52,437
Used Asking Price:
$28,612 - $41,579
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
38.1%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.8 / 10
Retained Value:
9.0 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.9 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
22 out of / 25Ranking
23 out of / 25iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 61Ranking
1 out of / 61Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
1 out of / 28Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 61Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 21Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 25Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
41 out of / 61Summary Review
Toyota doesn't have just one popular SUV in this segment, but two. The Toyota 4Runner is the Highlander’s more-rugged sibling.
Summary Review
The Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.
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
Pros and Cons
- Class-leading fuel economy
- No disappointing base engine
- Legendary reliability
- Poorly-rated headlights on L, LE, and XLE trims
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Trim Levels
TRD Sport, Limited, SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Pro, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, 40th Anniversary Special Edition
Trim Levels
LE, XLE, Limited, Platinum, L, XSE
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):
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Base Drivetrain Specifications
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
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing Capacity:
Not yet available
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
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 29 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
394 / 519 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
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
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:
38.7 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:
157.8 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4155 lbs
Width:
76 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
194.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
P265/70R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
