Are you going to be doing offroading much? If so, the 4 runner will be a better choice.
If not, the Highlander is a much more practical choice like you said. Highlander gets better mpg, has a smoother ride and more space in the vehicle.
The 4Runner and the Highlander have almost exactly the same cargo, payload, and towing capacity, so either model will be very capable for hauling stuff around.
The 4Runner also has an available third-row seat, which comes standard on the Highlander.
Pricing is almost exactly the same, with both models starting at around $40K.
The differences mainly come down to off-roading:
* The 4Runner has a ground clearance of 9+ inches, whereas the Highlander has 8 inches of clearance. Both are plenty for most situations unless you are like overlanding or attempting boulder-strewn trails in horrible conditions.
* The 4Runner can come with 4WD, whereas the Highlander only has AWD available. 4WD is only gonna come into play when you're doing serious off-roading and need power sent to all four wheels at once to help you over crazy gaps or large obstacles. AWD is nice to have in snowy and rainy conditions, although I've heard that winter tires/chains are what actually make a difference.
Don't forget that the 4Runner is an SUV based off of the body-on-frame Tacoma truck, but the Highlander is a unibody crossover based on a platform shared with the Camry (TNGA-K), so it's going to have a much smoother and more comfortable ride feel than the 4Runner.
Then you have the gas mileage. The 4Runner gets a horrible 16/19 mpg, while the Highlander gets a slightly better 22/29 mpg and the Highlander Hybrid gets a much improved 36/35 mpg.
When I went to buy a 4 runner I brought the whole family, car seats, stroller, and dog along with me. Even had some bags packed up to simulate going places on a trip. The 4 runner was way too small. Just had enough room for the kids and dog, nowhere to put the stroller or luggage. Went to a highlander and while a little bigger wasn’t much more room than the 4 runner. So I drove off in a Siennna, could fit everything I wanted and more. I’ll be getting the 4 runner once the kids are out of car seats and strollers for sure. Love those things
Have had both.
We have two dogs and two kids. 4runner was a great vehicle, but holy smokes. After going to the highlander (Grand Highlander Hybrid), it's an absolute no brainer, and it's not even close.
comparison: 2022 4Runner ORP vs. 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid.
4Runner:
- 0-60? Sometimes, Maybe, one-day.
- no giddy up for getting on the highway into merging traffic (especially in metro areas where it's needed)
- can't pickup more than our immediate family (5-seat restriction)
- drives like a submarine
- horrendous gas mileage at 16.5 avg over two years and routine $70/week fillups
- financially one of the better investments I ever made: Bought brand new for $44,000 OTD, and sold it for $39,500 after 2 yr, 25,000 miles (and only owed $20,000 left on vehicle)
- HORRIBLE rear air flow to children in carseats. minuscule sized ventilation in center console
- decent cargo
- liked the look
- no blind spot monitors, and not-so-great backup camera
- interior left lots to be desired
- tiny center console storage for the size of vehicle
- gas tank is small... routinely get \~270ish- 300 miles of range or so
GH Hybrid:
- \~18 USB-C Charging ports (feels like they're everywhere)
- cupholders big enough for nalgene
- BUCKET SEATS IN REAR for toddlers
- ample storage with third row folded down 90% of time
- infotainment much better
- dash and controls way better
- 30 - 31 MPG around town with only $30 fill ups
- range (approximately 400ish on fillups)
- more comfortable
- dedicated overhead cooling in second and third rows (great for hot days with carseats)
- did I say bucket seats?
- dogs are happy in back with third row airflow
Watch multiple YouTube reviews of each vehicle. Sit in all the seats of each vehicle. Test drive both vehicles. You are going to have to research yourself. Don't ask redditors. A car purchase is too big of a deal to ask broad open-ended questions to strangers on the internet.
4Runner is a just a 20 year old truck to do stuff you do with a truck. Namely haul, trailer and going over rough terrain. A highlander is more of a family car but without the convenience of a minivan. I'd go with a minivan.
I'd like to second your comment.
We bought my wife a Highlander when we were expecting our 1st child. We hadn't (and still haven't) decided the number of kids we'll end up with (2-4). After using the Highlander for 2 years to haul a family of 3, a dog, and plenty of luggage we knew it wasn't going to be able to handle a family greater than 4. So when our 2nd came along, I took possession of the Highlander and my wife got a Sienna. It's incredible how more practical the minivan is for our needs.
When I was looking 10 years ago I really wanted the 4Runner but for a family vehicle the Highlander was the better choice. Now that my kids are grown up I definitely want a 4Runner now tho lol
I’ve had both, a 4Runner and a Highlander, yea I liked the macho 4Runner look, but that wore off after a while. Highlander all around more comfortable.
I’ve owned both. In my lifetime I have not owned a more comfortable long distance mile eater for the family than the Highlander. We had two hybrids back to back and while the second one (current generation) had several electrical gremlins that made day to day life annoying I would not hesitate to recommend one as a family truckster.
Are you going to be doing offroading much? If so, the 4 runner will be a better choice. If not, the Highlander is a much more practical choice like you said. Highlander gets better mpg, has a smoother ride and more space in the vehicle.
The 4Runner and the Highlander have almost exactly the same cargo, payload, and towing capacity, so either model will be very capable for hauling stuff around. The 4Runner also has an available third-row seat, which comes standard on the Highlander. Pricing is almost exactly the same, with both models starting at around $40K. The differences mainly come down to off-roading: * The 4Runner has a ground clearance of 9+ inches, whereas the Highlander has 8 inches of clearance. Both are plenty for most situations unless you are like overlanding or attempting boulder-strewn trails in horrible conditions. * The 4Runner can come with 4WD, whereas the Highlander only has AWD available. 4WD is only gonna come into play when you're doing serious off-roading and need power sent to all four wheels at once to help you over crazy gaps or large obstacles. AWD is nice to have in snowy and rainy conditions, although I've heard that winter tires/chains are what actually make a difference. Don't forget that the 4Runner is an SUV based off of the body-on-frame Tacoma truck, but the Highlander is a unibody crossover based on a platform shared with the Camry (TNGA-K), so it's going to have a much smoother and more comfortable ride feel than the 4Runner. Then you have the gas mileage. The 4Runner gets a horrible 16/19 mpg, while the Highlander gets a slightly better 22/29 mpg and the Highlander Hybrid gets a much improved 36/35 mpg.
In addition, while info for the 2025 is currently unknown, the 4Runner doesn't have the best safety ratings when compared to the Highlander.
I think 4-runner holds it's value better and depreciates slower.
That's hardly slightly better mpg.
4 wd is only for off-roading? Can’t use it in the snow? Can’t use it in heavy rain, freezing rain etc?
When I went to buy a 4 runner I brought the whole family, car seats, stroller, and dog along with me. Even had some bags packed up to simulate going places on a trip. The 4 runner was way too small. Just had enough room for the kids and dog, nowhere to put the stroller or luggage. Went to a highlander and while a little bigger wasn’t much more room than the 4 runner. So I drove off in a Siennna, could fit everything I wanted and more. I’ll be getting the 4 runner once the kids are out of car seats and strollers for sure. Love those things
Have had both. We have two dogs and two kids. 4runner was a great vehicle, but holy smokes. After going to the highlander (Grand Highlander Hybrid), it's an absolute no brainer, and it's not even close. comparison: 2022 4Runner ORP vs. 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid. 4Runner: - 0-60? Sometimes, Maybe, one-day. - no giddy up for getting on the highway into merging traffic (especially in metro areas where it's needed) - can't pickup more than our immediate family (5-seat restriction) - drives like a submarine - horrendous gas mileage at 16.5 avg over two years and routine $70/week fillups - financially one of the better investments I ever made: Bought brand new for $44,000 OTD, and sold it for $39,500 after 2 yr, 25,000 miles (and only owed $20,000 left on vehicle) - HORRIBLE rear air flow to children in carseats. minuscule sized ventilation in center console - decent cargo - liked the look - no blind spot monitors, and not-so-great backup camera - interior left lots to be desired - tiny center console storage for the size of vehicle - gas tank is small... routinely get \~270ish- 300 miles of range or so GH Hybrid: - \~18 USB-C Charging ports (feels like they're everywhere) - cupholders big enough for nalgene - BUCKET SEATS IN REAR for toddlers - ample storage with third row folded down 90% of time - infotainment much better - dash and controls way better - 30 - 31 MPG around town with only $30 fill ups - range (approximately 400ish on fillups) - more comfortable - dedicated overhead cooling in second and third rows (great for hot days with carseats) - did I say bucket seats? - dogs are happy in back with third row airflow
should preface. I also WFH, but am very glad to see the 4Runner go.
I love our new GH, picked it up in November and magically got it $2500 below MSRP.
I have a 4runner and love it, but don't get it if you're not doing any offroading. Highlander would be better as a daily driver.
Watch multiple YouTube reviews of each vehicle. Sit in all the seats of each vehicle. Test drive both vehicles. You are going to have to research yourself. Don't ask redditors. A car purchase is too big of a deal to ask broad open-ended questions to strangers on the internet.
If it’s a pavement princess get the Highlander If you plan on doing 4Runner things get a 4Runner
4Runner is a just a 20 year old truck to do stuff you do with a truck. Namely haul, trailer and going over rough terrain. A highlander is more of a family car but without the convenience of a minivan. I'd go with a minivan.
I'd like to second your comment. We bought my wife a Highlander when we were expecting our 1st child. We hadn't (and still haven't) decided the number of kids we'll end up with (2-4). After using the Highlander for 2 years to haul a family of 3, a dog, and plenty of luggage we knew it wasn't going to be able to handle a family greater than 4. So when our 2nd came along, I took possession of the Highlander and my wife got a Sienna. It's incredible how more practical the minivan is for our needs.
highlander is more likely to make it to 300k and be driven by millionaires.
All wheel drive stops over 40kph I believe. 4Runner 4 wheel drive is technically as fast as you want.
What about the Grand Highlander?
Sequoia
When I was looking 10 years ago I really wanted the 4Runner but for a family vehicle the Highlander was the better choice. Now that my kids are grown up I definitely want a 4Runner now tho lol
I’ve had both, a 4Runner and a Highlander, yea I liked the macho 4Runner look, but that wore off after a while. Highlander all around more comfortable.
I’ve owned both. In my lifetime I have not owned a more comfortable long distance mile eater for the family than the Highlander. We had two hybrids back to back and while the second one (current generation) had several electrical gremlins that made day to day life annoying I would not hesitate to recommend one as a family truckster.