4Runner vs Highlander

Hey guys! Newer member here. Love the forum and joined a little while back after having my 07 DCSB Tacoma for almost a year now. I never thought I would love the truck as much as I do.

My wife currently has a 2019 Honda Passport and we are looking to trade it in because we have been largely unimpressed with it. As the title states, would you all recommend a 4Runner or Highlander? Pros? Cons? Yes, we will definitely be test driving them both but would like to know personal experiences or pieces of advice from owners of either model.

The 4Runners we are looking at are both SR5 options with 3rd row seating, so that does not play a factor. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Wasn't sure where to post this, so, being a 2nd gen owner, I threw it in here. Mods can move it if necessary. Thanks so much guys (and gals). Love the forum by the way!

 

Buy her a new Tacoma Double cab.

 

3rd row definitely plays a factor. I have heard pretty lackluster things about the third row in the 4Runner. I think if 3 rows is important to you, go for the Highlander. I would only go for the 4Runner if you're going to take it offroad. Personally I love 4Runners but they are very lackluster in space if you want a family vehicle. I think the Highlander also gets better fuel economy, and you could get a hybrid. My vote is Highlander. You already have your truck for your adventures.

 

If that was the case, I'd give her mine and buy a Cement 3rd gen

With two kids, we need something with more room.

 

Excellent points. Thank you for this!

 

Obviously you'll know more when you go have a look at them. Set up the third row and get back there and check them both out. See how much trunk space it leaves with it up. If you google them I am sure the Highlander has waaay more storage capacity. Are you looking to buy new or used?

 

Both are very different vehicles. Once you drive and think about how you'll actually be using them and the kind of features you want in a vehicle (if you like tech or not), i think the choice will become clear.

 

What’s the price difference?

 

I have a 2018 4Runner as well with 3rd row seats. Here is what I can tell you after doing my research and picking the 4Runner.

If you need more leg and and head room for the 2nd and 3rd rows, gas mileage, and creature comforts then the Highlander is a better choice.

If you need cargo room and like to customize your vehicle then the 4Runner is a better choice.

The current Highlander is so much more modern than the current 4runner but there are rumors that the 4Runner will be all new for 2022.

 

Valid points which I will definitely check out. Buying used. The 4Runner has ~40,000 miles and Highlander ~35,000 miles.

 

Nominal with the 4Runner being slightly more pricey.

 

Those are both really low miles so should be fine. 2019s? Wouldn't hurt to look on 4Runner/Highlander forums for problems and things to look at with the year/generation.

 

Like others have said two very different vehicles. Does your wife like to drive a bof frame suv? Like stated above the Highlander does the 3rd row seat better then the 4 runner. I've been looking at 4 runners as well lately. Baby #2 on the way and the t4r looks like it's going to handle the rear facing car seat much better then my double cab tacoma.

 

The 4Runner is closer to truck like performance, ride, and fuel mileage. If you plan to tow or take it off road 4Runner is the best choice. The Highlander is closer to a Mini-Van. And I don't mean that in a negative way. It will cost less get better fuel mileage and probably ride better, but it isn't as capable off road nor for towing

My wife and I went through the same process. I looked at stuff and spent 3 months researching on line. I initially wanted a RAV-4 to go along with the 4X4 F150 and 4X4 Tacoma in the driveway. But wifey said it was too small. With 2 crew cab trucks we didn't need the capability of the 4Runner and it came down to Highlander or the new redesigned Explorer. We ended up with the Explorer.

 

Do you have plans to off road with it? If not then just get the highlander.

I mean you already have a tacoma for off roading so it's not like you need two off road vehicles.

 

Highlander more kid friendly and women too

 

This right here

 

Another option is the Lexus GX460. It's bit of a compromise between both but it also has a V8 engine.

 

I vote 4runner, looks way better than the Highlander. Stand out from the crowd when you are dropping the kids off at school!

 

Very very different ** vehicles. I just had a loaner 2021 Higherlander Hybrid so i can speak to that and my sister in law has a 2018 TRD Pro 4runner.

If your wife prefers safety features, just overall comfort functionality (power lift gate, updated technology etc.) then the Highlander is the way to go.
The hybrid highlander got stupid gas milage, i had it in sport mode the whole time just hauling ass and i couldn't get lower than 30 mpgs..... Imagine if i drove in eco/tried to conserve gas.

If you care about mpgs/gas price/milage highlander would be better.
But if you want the 4runner to be sort of a jack of all trades, camping family offroading etc car then i'd get a 4runner.

I love the 4runner and have wanted my wife to get one, but if i'm being realistic the highlander suits her needs way better than a 4runner at least until they update it. Now if your wife wants to take this offroad then 4runner all the way.

Also, the highlander is super spacious which caught me off guard