2022 Toyota Highlander vs 4Runner Comparison – The Highlander and the 4Runner are very similar in many ways, especially because they come from the same manufacturer.
However, there are some differences you should consider before you make your purchase decision. This could help you decide if one of these SUVs would be a better fit for your lifestyle than the other.
Here’s our breakdown of the pros and cons of each SUV and why we think that one might work better for you than the other.
What is the main difference between the 2022 Toyota Highlander vs 4Runner?
The main difference between the 2022 Toyota Highlander vs 4Runner is size. The Highlander is a mid-size SUV while the 4Runner is a full-size SUV.
This means that the Highlander has less interior space and can seat up to eight people while the 4Runner can seat up to seven people.
The Toyota Highlander has a starting MSRP of $32,000, while the Toyota 4Runner has a starting MSRP of $36,000.
Another difference is their size. The Highlander is classified as a midsize SUV, while the Toyota 4Runner is considered a compact SUV.
Their engines are also different, the Highlander comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower, while the 4Runner comes standard with a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower.
When it comes to towing capacity, the Toyota Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the Toyota 4Runner can tow up to 7,400 pounds.
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Advantages of Toyota Highlander
- The Toyota Highlander comes with a standard V6 engine that gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
- The Highlander has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, which is 1,500 pounds more than the 4Runner.
- The Highlander comes standard with front-wheel drive, while the 4Runner comes standard with rear-wheel drive.
- The Highlander has 60/40 split-folding third-row seats that can accommodate seven passengers, while the 4Runner only has 50/50 split-folding third-row seats for five passengers.
Advantages of Toyota 4Runner
- The Toyota 4Runner has a better towing capacity than the Toyota Highlander.
- The Toyota 4Runner has a longer wheelbase, which gives it a smoother ride.
- The Toyota 4Runner is available with a manual transmission, while the Toyota Highlander is not.
- The Toyota 4Runner has standard front and rear mudguards, while they are an optional extra on the Toyota Highlander.
- The Toyota 4Runner comes standard with skid plates, which protect the underbody of the vehicle from rocks and other debris.
- The Toyota 4Runner has a higher ground clearance than the Toyota Highlander, making it better suited for off-road driving.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The main differences between the Toyota Highlander and the 4Runner are in their engines. The Toyota Highlander has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque.
The v 4Runner has a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. Both SUVs have a six-speed automatic transmission, but the 4Runner has an optional five-speed manual transmission.
The fuel economy for the Highlander is 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the 4Runner gets 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
Transmission
The Toyota Highlander comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the 4Runner has a five-speed automatic transmission.
The difference in speed means that the Highlander will be able to accelerate faster than the 4Runner.
In terms of towing capacity, the Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the 4Runner can only tow up to 3,500 pounds.
When it comes to gas mileage, the Highlander gets an estimated 21 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway.
The 4Runner gets an estimated 17 miles per gallon in the city and 22 miles per gallon on the highway.
Drivetrain
The 2022 Toyota Highlander will be available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the 4Runner will only be offered with all-wheel drive.
The Highlander will have more engine options than the 4Runner, including a hybrid powertrain.
The base engine for the Highlander is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 295 horsepower, while the 4Runner’s base engine is a 4.0-liter V6 that produces 270 horsepower.
The Highlander has a six-speed automatic transmission, while the 4Runner has a five-speed automatic transmission.
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Fuel Economy
The Toyota Highlander vs Toyota 4Runner are two of the most popular SUVs on the market. They’re both great vehicles, but which one is better?
When it comes to fuel economy, the Highlander has the edge. The base model gets an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
The 4Runner’s base model gets an estimated 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. So, if you’re looking for a more fuel-efficient SUV, the Highlander is the way to go.
Fuel Tank Capacity
Both the 2022 Toyota Highlander and the 4Runner have a fuel tank capacity of 20 gallons. The Highlander gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the 4Runner gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
So, if you’re looking for a vehicle with better fuel economy, the Highlander is the way to go. As far as size comparison goes, the Toyota Highlander is about 15 inches long and six inches wider than the Toyota 4Runner.
And when it comes to price, the Highlander starts at $34,600 while the 4Runner has a starting price of $36,040. So, if you’re looking for a vehicle that’s more affordable, then go with the 4Runner.
Seating Capacity
One of the main differences between the Toyota Highlander vs Toyota 4Runner is seating capacity. The Highlander can seat up to eight people, while the 4Runner only seats five.
So, if you have a large family or often have to transport a lot of people, the Highlander would be a better choice.
Additionally, the Highlander has more cargo space than the 4Runner, so you’ll be able to fit more stuff in it when you’re going on long trips.
Dimensions
The main differences between the Toyota Highlander and the 4Runner are their dimensions and measurements.
The Highlander is wider and longer than the 4Runner, while the 4Runner is taller and has a longer wheelbase.
The Toyota Highlander has a length of 194.9 inches, a width of 75.2 inches, and a height of 70.1 inches. The Toyota 4Runner has a length of 188.8 inches, a width of 74.5 inches, and a height of 67.9 inches.
When it comes to ground clearance, the Highlander has 8.6 inches and the 4Runner has 9.6 inches.
The wheelbase for the Highlander is 109.8 inches and for the 4Runner it is 105.9 inches long. The Highlander also has a higher ground clearance than the 4Runner.
When it comes to engine size, the Highlander has a 3.5-liter V6 engine while the 4Runner has a 4.0-liter V6 engine. The Highlander also has more horsepower and torque than the 4Runner.
As for fuel economy, the Highlander gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
While the Toyota 4Runner gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
Interior Dimensions
The Toyota Highlander has more passenger and cargo space than the Toyota 4Runner.
The first and second rows of seats have plenty of room to stretch out, and the third row is suitable for adults on shorter trips.
The 4Runner’s interior is more spartan, with less passenger and cargo space. However, some drivers prefer its more rugged feel.
When it comes to deciding between the Toyota Highlander vs Toyota 4Runner interior, it comes down to personal preference.
Cabin Space
Toyota Highlander has more passenger and cargo space than the Toyota 4Runner. The Highlander can seat up to eight people, while the 4Runner can only seat up to seven.
The Highlander also has more space behind the second row of seats than the 4Runner.
When it comes to cargo space, the Highlander has 38.4 cubic feet behind the third row of seats, while the 4Runner only has 27.8 cubic feet.
If you need even more space, the Highlander has a maximum of 83.7 cubic feet with all the seats down, while the 4Runner only has 66.8 cubic feet.
So if you need a vehicle that can comfortably seat seven adults, the Highlander is your best bet.
Cargo Box Dimensions
When it comes to SUVs, cargo box dimensions are an important consideration. The 2022 Toyota Highlander has a cargo box that is 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, which expands to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded down.
The 4Runner’s cargo box is 10.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 46.3 cubic feet with the third row folded down. So, if you’re looking for an SUV with more space for your things, Highlander is the better choice.
Infotainment
When it comes to the 2022 Toyota Highlander vs 4Runner infotainment system, there are a few key differences to consider.
The Highlander comes standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment system, while the 4Runner only offers an 8-inch screen.
The Highlander’s infotainment system is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 4Runner’s is not.
If you’re looking for a vehicle with a superior infotainment system, the Highlander is the better choice.
Comfort
The 2022 Toyota Highlander vs Toyota 4Runner is a great choice for those looking for a comfortable SUV.
However, there are some key differences between the two that may make one a better choice for you than the other.
The Highlander has a more comfortable ride, thanks to its larger size and softer suspension. It also has more features designed for comforts, like heated seats and three-zone climate control.
The 4Runner, on the other hand, is more rugged and off-road focused, so it doesn’t have as many creature comforts.
It does have a slightly higher ground clearance and tougher suspension, which can make it a better choice for those who want to take their SUV off the beaten path.
Safety
The Toyota Highlander vs 4Runner is both great options if you’re looking for a safe vehicle.
The Highlander has a lower starting price and comes with standard safety features like automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control.
The 4Runner has a higher starting price but comes with additional safety features like blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Both vehicles have been rated highly by safety organizations, so you can’t go wrong with either one.
Warranty
The 2022 Toyota Highlander comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The Toyota 4Runner has the same basic coverage, but its powertrain warranty lasts for 10 years or 100,000 miles. So if you’re looking for a vehicle with a longer warranty, the 4Runner is the better choice.
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Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a comfortable and stylish SUV that can seat up to eight passengers, the Highlander is a great option.
If you need an SUV that’s more rugged and can handle off-road adventures, the 4Runner is the better choice.
When it comes to price, the Highlander is slightly more expensive than the 4Runner. And finally, when it comes to size, the Highlander is larger than the 4Runner.
