Toyota is one of the largest and most well-known brands in the automotive world. This brand is responsible for offering us some of the most reliable vehicles on the market to choose from. With that said, you may want to make the choice to figure out which one of the Toyota SUV models offered is the one you want to drive. If you’re looking at the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota 4Runner, you’ll be looking at two of the SUVs that we’ve known for a long time. Let’s take a look at both of them and figure out which could be the right choice for you to drive.
Same but Different
There’s no doubt that these two Toyota SUV models are related to each other, but they are certainly very different. The Highlander is a three-row crossover that’s based on an FWD platform while the 4Runner continues to be the body on a frame that brings you the RWD architecture for you to drive on the road.
Cabin Space
While both SUVs offer you three rows of seats, the Highlander does offer you more legroom in the first and second rows for the drive. The Highlander is a bit longer than the 4Runner to give you the dimensions you want if you’re looking for the larger cabin between these two. One check mark in the box for the Highlander column.
Cargo Capacity
Even though the legroom is greater in the Highlander, the 4Runner offers you more room for cargo. There’s 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row down and 89.7 cubic feet of useable cargo space with the rear two rows down. When all three rows of seats are up, the Highlander does have an advantage with 13.8 cubic feet of space compared to nine cubic feet in the 4Runner.
Technology
The technology offered for the Highlander is geared toward a family on the road with a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and the Driver Easy Speak system. The 4Runner is aimed at an adventurous crowd and it offers you the features for that experience. Both models give you an excellent JBL stereo system, making it a choice for you depending upon how you’re going to utilize the SUV.
Powertrains
You’ll have the most horsepower in the V6 engine of the Highlander that makes 295 ponies while using an eight-speed automatic. The Highlander can also give you a four-cylinder engine with 185 ponies and a six-speed automatic for the drive. The 4Runner uses an excellent V6 that makes 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. of torque and it’s offered with the 4WD system that will make it easy for you to tackle the fun and adventure on the trails you explore.
Fuel Mileage
You won’t be blown away by the numbers for fuel mileage, but the Highlander is able to give you 27 mpg on the highway with the V6 engine and you can choose a hybrid model that makes 30 city/28 hwy mpg. The 4Runner will be one that sucks up the gas a bit more while giving you 17 city/21 hwy mpg when you head out on the road for a drive.
Capability
You can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the Toyota Highlander and carry up to 1,280 pounds inside the vehicle when you need to take gear with you. The 4Runner gives you a bit more for the ride. The tow rating is the same but the payload comes in at 1,500 pounds to give you the ability to fill it with more of what you want to take during your ride.
Off-Road Toyota SUV Capability
The Highlander has AWD as an option and eight-inches of ground clearance, but that’s about it. The 4Runner is made to head out on the trails. If you choose the 4Runner, you’re going to have 9.6-inches of ground clearance and enjoy the benefits of a truck platform that makes for a great build to handle the ride on the trails. The 4Runner is also equipped with the off-road gear you want to take with you.
Which One is Right for You
You’re trying to figure out which version of the Toyota SUV is the one you should choose. Are you going to take your family on the road most of the time? If so, the Highlander is the right choice. Do you want to explore and head off-road for some adventures? If you do, you will want to choose the Toyota 4Runner for your drive. Whether you choose used SUVs or a new one, Toyota has the Toyota SUV you are looking for.
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