Toyota Highlander vs Toyota 4Runner: Which is Better on Everyman Driver 

This is strange. I know the Highlander will do 100% of everything that I'm looking for and fits my lifestyle. But deep down inside I still want a 4Runner.

The Highlander beats the 4runner in all categories on paper yet the 4runner is still the better vehicle

My BRAIN says highlander,my man heart says 4RUNNER

I had an 06 V6 highlander for 12 years! Best car ever had. Comfortable and very reliable. After getting my Sequoia, my brother in law is still driving the highlander. 200k miles and going strong. Great family car.

I've always admired the Highlander from a distance but after owning my 3 4runners ('98 '08 and '16) it's safe to say I'm fully smitten☺👍

I’m waiting for the 4Runner hybrid! I want that 4WD with low gear.

Owned both. Had 4 runner loved it!!!!! Love love. Got into accident. Totaled. Got a check from insurance… we went w highlander instead another 4 runner. I have to admit the highlander is a way better more comfortable drive.

Why buy a Highlander when you can get a sienna? 4Runner is a real suv

My wife and I have always admired both. When it came time to upgrade her RAV4 as the family expanded it seemed obvious to just get the highlander. I think we had built up our expectations to high. The delayed throttle response is the most annoying even after plugging in a peddle commander. Auto shut off would closely be second. I think it is time to trade in for a 4Runner. After a few test drives it just feels better built and doesn’t have the throttle lag.

I have a 22 4runner in the exact trim and color depicted in your video I just got back from an extended overland trip cross country (19000 miles) on the odometer after 8 months of ownership I can say it is the best off road vehicle ive ever owned!!!! Highway driving was very comfortable even across stretches where i was on cruise control at 90 mph, montana, colo, wyo etc. this vehicle is a beast off road and I took it to some extreme remote places. Imho you cannot compare these two vehicles they are simply designed for different purposes. If you have a couple of kids and are a soccer mom, sure the highlander is for you! But if you want some adrenaline pumping through your body as you cross imogene pass at 13000 feet then the 4 runner is the best option even the kiddos will appreciate it!!!

4Runner for off road & towing. Highlander if used for family car/minivan alternative. Both are quality.

It says this was released 4 months ago but feels like it was recorded 3 years ago. Since 2020, the 4Runner comes standard with an 8 inch screen with Apple Car Play and a bunch of standard safety features. It really improves it as a daily driver and a big reason I just bought a 2020. Now excuse me, I need to go find this frozen pond video 😀. I do enjoy your videos, keep up the good work!

My kids are growing up. I want the 4Runner. I don’t want anything that screams middle aged woman - I guess it’s time for a crisis car 😂

Thank You Everyman Driver! I watched many Many of your videos before buying. They are very informative and I enjoyed!

Hi Dave, Great review on these two vehicles 🚗

Wife has a Highlander XLE AWD. I have a 4Runner SR5 Premium. It is called a happy couple! We love both of them

That ice pond review of the 4Runner is by far, without a doubt, the best review of the vehicle on RU-vid. Your video really emphasized the capability of the vehicle, even when you aren’t expecting to need it. Edit: Just went back and watched it again. Pure gold. I ordered my Trail Premium in April of that year, 2014. I still have it and I still adore it. Thanks for your reviews, Dave. Top notch.

In a nutshell the highlander is build like a minivan in terms of chassis. FWD unibody based. 4runner is built like a pickup truck in terms of chassis. RWD body-on-frame based.

Great video Thankyou

I just test drove both and the Highlander wins ,when I stepped on the gas of the 4Runner ,nothing, not responsive at all, slow,complete opposite with the Highlander,theirs no comparison

People still don't understand the difference between 4wd and AWD.. They don't realize that u can ONLY use 4wd when there is slippage and constant slippage. In other words on your 2 lane highways that have snow etc here and there u can put it in 4wd but you will destroy the transfer case eventually $$$ with AWD u never have to do a thing! Very important!! Also a fwd with winter rated tires will far outperform any 4wd and awd with all season tires! They make winter rated tires now that can stay on year round with 60k warranties! Food for thought!

I have owned '06 Highlander/AWD. Switched to '09 RX350 and in 2011 got the newer RX350 (a lot more responsive). When I got older, I went with the 2016 4Runner SR5 Premium, where I was very enthusiastic about it. I don't do off-roading, however reliability of 4Runner stands out.

The 4 runner is made in Japan , all you need to know

Thank you very much. Wonderful review.

I LOVE my 2016 4runner, and only put a 1200 miles/yr on her. I don't need third row seats. I hate kids, but I'm only getting 13 mpg. I still look back at her in the parking lot and smile. I just work about her frame here in NE.

4Runner is king in all categories in my opinion. The transmission is limited to 5 gears but is butter smooth and will last 500 years give or take a decade. Also built in Japan where all the good yotas come from

I did test drive and checked out the 2022 Highlander and 4runner. I was disappointed that there wasn't a 3rd row available in the few 4runners available. I also was disappointed that the 4runner did not have some of the gadgets I love. I'm getting the '22 Highlander XLE. I loved the captains seats and so did my little girl as well as the 3rd row. I also like that the 3rd row reclines and there's ventilation.

It's not a fair comparison it should be the 4runner limited vs the Toyota Highlander

Amazing review

I bought my 4runner back in 2011 still own it love it and will not upgrade for another 10 years.. I hate the new tracking tech all the useless cameras all the beeping garbage.. I'm looking to buy a 1990 or older 4runner

Love my 4Runner, no plans to ever take it off road. But the extra space to get my car projects completed and move stuff around is a plus. But riding in my wife's Bronco Sport and the 4Runner is like night and day.

Both have apple car play and android auto, you just have to plug your phone in.

I bought a 2021 Highlander in May and it is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. How is it you have a model in Nov 2021 that is not?

4runner is basicly a Land Cruiser Prado since its on the Prado frame and shares almost everything with the Prado

Nice video sir. I’m looking for a highlander for mi family just checking prices first

cam you make a crystal comparing the highlander and pilot? when it comes to suspension, chassis, etc

Drove highlander 350,000 miles. No issues. But was city daily drives. If doing off road, definitely 4runner. So, if purely city driving, then highlander hands down. Otherwise, the 4runner

Love to see the Highlander try getting out of ice pond..

It's pretty simple choice. Most people should buy the Highlander. Yeah you have some off road capability but the 4Runner is worse in every other way especially the categories that really matters to a family- size, efficiency, same reliability, better tech

I like both them 👍

The easiest way you're going to decide is imagine which one Tim The Toolman would drive.

I recently got a 4Runner Limited and it has everything I want and more. I traded in my 21 Telluride and I am very happy with my decision. The 4Runner feels solid. Yes the ride is more bumpy and sure it doesn’t have great mpg but the peace of mind I have knowing this vehicle will last for years and that I can take it almost anywhere is worth it.

Haha apples to oranges..4runner is for different people than the mall crawling highlander. Rugged, durable bulletproof 4runner all day. Its a great daily as well

I think the Highlander would suit me but I'm concerned about the rubber oil cooler hose. If it breaks it could ruin the engine

we love the 2022 Highlander Premium

I love my 4Runner

Currently owning a 2020 highlander XLE AWD. And driven every trim from rental places. They do all come with APPLE CARPLAY and ANDROID AUTO via USB cable. Not wireless option. 2023 is coming with wireless option. Aside from that. All other info is correct.

Love my 4runner after installing a command pedal. City 3 is a great setting.

Very informative.Thanks for posting. Unlike the rest of the world, North America has largely rejected the Landcruiser. The 4Runner is its cheaper replacement. Is it the price or are there other reasons for the Toyota's 'unpopularity'? As a Landcruiser fan, I'd appreciate an American or Canadian (or anyone else's) opinion on this.

I had a 2014 4 Runner Trail Premium trade up to a 2022 Limited then left it for 2022 Highlander XSE. 😩 I Love the 4 Runner, but for a daily driver with kids in traveling sports.I had to make an economic change. ⛽️ 💰I know I will eventually go back to the 4 Runner . But for now it’s Highlander Gang…🙌🏾

The 4Runner and the Highland are completely different vehicles. Toyota designed them this way. Two different types of buyers. The 4Runner is more of a rugged, long lasting SUV akin to the Land Cruiser. The Highlander is more of a family station wagon for kids to go to and from school events.

I love the 4Runner and I have loved it for 30 years. I am I am just now looking to purchase one however I cannot get past the gas. I mean over a Highlander hybrid it basically gets half the gas which means you're spending an extra 200 bucks a month on gas. Are you at the Highlander and I'd have an extra $2500 every year.

I have a 3rd gen 4runner and absolutely love it, for being as small as it is, has a ton of cargo room. Wife has a '16 forester, and we're looking to upgrade it to a 3rd row with awd or 4x4. While we love our subaru, it's maintenance costs have definitely put a hurt on my wallet (cvt trans at 66k, and head gaskets at 88k, plus axles 2x now, and other basi things) Have always liked toyota, but I'm afraid of going with a difference awd system from my subaru since there really is no other system out there that can even come close to comparing, which is why I'm looking into also the 4wd vehicles too, mainly the TRD off road, since my last pickup was an 07 tacoma TRD off road and absolutely loved it and it's incredible capabilities, plus the 4.0 v6 back in 07 was a tire shredding power house. I have heard that the newer smaller v6 is much more lacking in that dept, but also have heard the 4.0 in the modern 4runners also lack such power I personally don't mind owning the older vehicles but we do always have at least 1 nice, more family friendly, and reliable usually with a warranty for the wife to drive and usually have the child in too. Was looking at the ascent, but I'm still worried about these maintenance costs that her current forester have cost me (head gaskets alone were $9k) I don't know much about dodge, other than trans problems. Chevy, have a bunch of friends with that traverse, and only 1 has had major issues with theirs, but have had read online that they do have reliability issues. Know nothing about Mazda, vw, modern Kia or Hyundai. I own an 02 Ford f250 with the 7.3, which my this truck has been the biggest POS I've ever had, my 50 year old classic chevy c30 has less issues than that ford. And I believe that's about it that's within our price range of around 45k That's why I'm looking at these 2 suvs.

I bought the 22 tundra and the Highlander for the town

I agree with you.

4 runner but needs to keep roll down rear glass but needs to move wiper to hidden on top and needs air/ micnetic ride and need v8 and a trd v6 turbo or superchargerd same as for v8

4 Runner for the win!

You will go back to 4Runner soon or later.

I've wanted a 4Runner forever, so a few days ago I finally bit the bullet and bought a Highlander 😂

Highlander drives like a minivan and 4runner drives like a jeep.

You know I bought a Highlander limited in 2019 new and loved it don't get me wrong but because I didn't know any better. I rolled my work SUV and figured I'd go ahead and get a 4Runner I seen used and this was a 12 so still not as updated as a 19 would have been so and I'll tell you between the two of them and if I could do it again in 19 after owning the 4 runner I'd go to the 4Runner everyday over the Highlander. It's Just because it just drives a lot better to be honest and is way smoother than the Highlander and it hugs the road better and is not all over the place. I mean sure if you like the leather dash it's not for you because you're not getting the leather dash but you don't need it and to be fair in the the 4 runner the sr5 is all you need and you we'll be happy but to be happy in a Highlander you have to get limited on up. Then ppl say well gas mileage well to me it really doesn't get that much less gas mileage to be honest with you then the Highlander they are not made for that anyway and If you get the right tires on it like a Cooper Discoverer you'll get about 22 to 23 on highway in the runner.. most I've ever gotten out of my Highlanders 26.8 but for me it's more of the ground clearance thing on the 4 runner I like as well and you can take it more places because of it and not feel stuck to the pavement.

ITS A WIN WIN FOR TOYOTA... I OWN A 2014 SR5 4RUNNER...TRUSTING AND DEPENDABLE TRUCK HANDS DOWN ❤️💪🏾💪🏾

I chose the 4 Runner, love it

I have owned both and also the tundra 2005, Tacoma 2006, Camry 2012 CHR 2019, rav4 2006 Venza the 2021. The 4 Runner 2015, and the Highlander 2022. I still own the Tundra. But the best daily driver is the 2022 Ford Escape that I traded the 2022 Highlander in on. It is averaging around 200 miles per gallon. I was a Toyota guy but Toyota wasn’t making the rav 4 prime without long wait’s and large markups. So I bought the Ford Escape, best new car I have ever bought. Just so you know I bought 6 or 7 of those Toyota vehicles from the same dealership. But they couldn’t get me a rav 4 prime. Ps I have video’s on this subject.

We are retired and do trade in each 3 years. Soon we will trade in our current 2020 Subaru ascent touring model. We plan this time for a 10 to 15 year purchase and ask for your guidance between 4Runner and Highlander. 2023 only . Our priority is reliably. Our needs focus on lengthy vacations where storage capacity is second in importance. We are not price sensitive. Please provide your top two to consider in September. Thank you for anything you can provide.

I don’t think you can find a TRD Pro in the 40s

Seriously? In Canada you can get a base 4 Runner for under 51k plus all the fees and tax. Just over 60 k for an SR5. $65.500 for a TRD off road. Over 70 k for a Pro 4 Runner. Most just can’t afford them. Terrible bang for the buck!!

Silly to compare them!

Next, Sequoia VS the Land Cruiser.

The Highlander for when you are willing to wait for the storm to stop and the plows come out. The 4Runner for when waiting is not an option.

4Runner can be optioned with a terrible 3rd row.

One is a "real" SUV while the other is a cross-over. If you were running from zombies which, would you choose? Yep, I thought so...the 4Runner.

I struggled but settled on a HL because of better mpg for my wife. I’d buy a 4Runner for me.

4Runner > Dad Wagon

I have one of each.

The 3rd row in the highlander is unusable by adults.

Neither. The new pathfinder is far better looking than either and performance is more than a match. Reliability should be improved too due to the new ZF auto.

Hi Sir my son Regan has brought a 2017 Highlander & he is really pleased with it & my daughter in law Aimee drives it the most as my son Regan uses the company vehicle to work & back & the Highlander is a 7 seater & its ideal for their 4 Children & also for shopping as has a lot of room in the back for shopping especially if the very rear seats are not being used they are a great smooth vehicle with the 3.5V6 VVTi engine & they are a great vehicle & the only thing that I don't like about these Highlanders is they are All wheel Drive & if they were rear wheel only gosh they would more economical in that's my opinion & or 4x4 would you could select to 4WD & had North South 3.5V6 VVTi engine which I thought be great & would a lot better like my 1996 Toyota Hilux Surf 4x4 3.4V6 5vzfe engine which great & its rear wheel drive & can select electronically to 4 wheel when off road & when it gets really rough terrain & I can select high & low 4 wheel drive this Toyota hilux Surf 3.4v6 5vzfe engine is not a slow beast either & its quite impressive acceleration as well & it is stock standard motor & have blown away a lot later vehicles as such as Ford Ranger 3.2 Turbocharged diesel engine & the guy was not a Happy Chappy & was really pissed off that I blew his Ford Ranger away to the weeds & I had still more acceleration to go & I even blown away a later Ford Explorer V8 & left him for dust as well there are a lot of People under estimate my Toyota Hilux Surf 3.4V6 5vzfe engine & the spark plugs I'm running are NGK Iridium Spark plugs & when my son Regan brought this Toyota Hilux Surf 3.4 V6 engine & it looked like new when he brought it at 117,000 Ks & apparently had the cambelt change at a 100,000ks & when it had done 119,000 Ks I got the NGK Iridium Spark Plugs for NZ $ 125.00 for spark plugs & when my son Regan owned the 1996 Toyota Hilux Surf 3.4V6 5vzfe engine until 126,000Ks or I28,000Ks I brought the 1996 Toyota Hilux Surf 3.4V6 5vzfe engine off my son Regan & later down the track I took out the NGK Iridium Spark plugs just to take a look at them & all I done was to wipe them with a clean rag & then put copper coat on the threads of the Spark plugs & put them back in the 3.4V6 & just nipped the Spark plugs up & when the 3.4 V6 had done 189,000 or 190,000Ks I did complete cambelt kit change including water pump tensioner Ideller pulleys crankshaft seal & I never ever changed the NGK Iridium Spark plugs & they are still in the 3.4V6 & I have kept up with the servicing myself have replaced the spark plug seals in the rocker covers as well as the new rocker cover gaskets & this 1996 Toyota Hilux Surf 3.4V6 has now done 250,000 Ks & all I had done last Sunday was oil & filter change the NGK Spark Plugs are still in the little 3.4 V6 & haven't taken them out & the V6 engine doesn't even miss a beat & it is a very strong 3.4V6 5vzfe engine these engines are great engines & 2 weeks time I'm going to flush out the engine block & radiator & including the heater core & once I've done that new antifreeze & some fresh rain water from 1of my 250 liter water tank & it's got to better than tap water & I live in New Zealand & I'm Wishing You Sir all the best in what you do & have a Lovely Nice Day Sir & or A Lovely Nice Good Night Sir Kind Regards Peter

Land cruiser, Hilux and 4Runner(surf) come from a family that everyone love. These three legendary vehicles are the epitome of the automotive industry. Highlander is nowhere near to 4Runner.

Lol I don't know where your getting your prices a base model sr5 4runner is going to be 38k plus some Very free and you're looking at 41 42000 and for the pro I just saw one last month went I bought my 2022 trd off road premium and they wanted 53k but they told me the TRD pro is really hard to get so they mark them up 12k from 53k I did some calling around to Event out of state dealerships and about 7k over msrp is normal for 4runners right now in this craziness

4Runner until the electric pandemic arrives

Waiting for 2024 4 runner hybrid with mpg in the 20's

I own a 2003 Highlander with 160,000 miles. Ready to trade up, I love the 4 runner with its muscular looks, opening power rear window . Toyota only offered that on the 09-11s 🤪. Plus I think that the older styles were more rugged looking. IMHO.

The Highlander is basically a mom-mobile. I drive one and it is very comfortable. But, if I could’ve found a 4Runner with 3rd row seats, I would’ve got that any day of the week. It’s just a cooler car.

You owned a highlander, but didn't like it.... No explanation ? Review lacks info.

Most people aren't driving off road. We drive in traffic. Highlander

Short review: - Highlander is superior in every single way - 4Runner is cooler

Always have been a Honda person, liked sporty sedan but now i would just prefer 4runner and never take it off road.

2003 Toyota Highlander would not trade for new one or any other vehicle. Thank you Toyota

@4:36 you mention Highlander isn't compatible with Android Auto. I own a 2021 Hybrid Platinum and use the available Android Auto feature daily. Unsure if that's Platinum-specific but it's definitely available. I cannot speak to Apple.

The 4runner would be better if it had a hybrid option and an upgraded interior, IMO

The 4runner, while great, needs a major update. The drive train is archaic.

driving a 4runner in the city sucks

😅

Another minivan vs truck comparison... riveting. I get it, not all the soccer moms know the difference.

Lol "budget friendly"

4Runner is king in all categories in my opinion. The transmission is limited to 5 gears but is butter smooth and will last 500 years give or take a decade. Also built in Japan where all the good yotas come from