Toyota 4Runner vs Highlander

Your next excursion into the great outdoors should be accompanied by fantastic features and capability. Having the right SUV for your adventures means each drive will be even more fun and memorable. Toyota engineering has plenty to offer, including both the 4Runner and Highlander models, but which one is the right fit for your lifestyle?

Our team at Ira Toyota Saco knows how important it is to know your next SUV before you commit. To help you decide between these two fantastic models, we present our Toyota 4Runner vs. Highlander comparison. We put these two models head-to-head so you can see which one has the features and performance that you need in Saco, Portland, and Scarborough, Maine.

4Runner vs Highlander: Drivetrain and Engineering

Which SUV is right for you largely depends on what kinds of driving you anticipate for the future. Toyota engineering has created models that excel for drivers’s many unique needs, and the 4Runner and Highlander are both stellar examples. Here’s what you can expect from these two SUVs.

The Toyota Highlander features engineering that helps you tackle your everyday needs on the road. The mechanical design at work gives you a confident drive all throughout town, and it’s easy to see why:

Toyota Highlander Specs
Standard Engine Design	3.5L V6
Horsepower	295
Torque (lb-ft)	263
Drivetrain (Standard/Available)	FWD/AWD

The traditional front-wheel drive (FWD) system gives you a classic performance as you head out around town, while the available all-wheel drive (AWD) system helps you take on slick roads and other tricky weather conditions.

The 4Runner, however, offers increased power for the purpose of off-road adventuring. This SUV is better suited for taking your trip to the dirt, mud, and whatever other terrain is waiting for you on the trail. The 4Runner can take you further out into nature for your camping trip.

Toyota 4Runner Specs
Engine Design	4.0L V6
Horsepower	270
Torque (lb-ft)	278
Drivetrain (Standard/Available)	4×2/4×4

The enhanced dynamic force of both part-time and full-time 4×4 drivetrains makes the 4Runner a better choice for outdoor lovers who are looking to set up camp deep in the woods. If you plan on sticking to paved paths and highways, the Highlander is a smart option.

Toyota 4Runner vs Toyota Highlander: Interior Dimensions

If you plan on having lots of people join you for your journeys, you’ll want to make sure they are comfortable for the road ahead. That means everyone will want to have space to claim for their own and settle into. A roomy cabin means happy riders!

While both the 4Runner and Highlander offer three rows of seats, they differ in size. The 4Runner offers a maximum seating capacity of seven, while the Highlander can seat eight when properly equipped. The room each passenger has to stretch out in differs as well.

Interior Dimensions (1^st/2^nd/3^rd row)
	Toyota 4Runner	Toyota Highlander
Headroom	39.3 in./38.6 in./34.3 in.	41.2 in./39.4 in./36.1 in.
Legroom	41.7 in./32.9 in./29.3 in.	42.0 in./41.0 in./27.7 in.
Shoulder Room	57.8 in./57.8 in./57.7 in.	59.0 in./58.7 in./55.0 in.
Hip Room	56.5 in./55.7 in./43.3 in.	57.2 in./57.0 in./45.6 in.

You’ll have more space, especially in the driver’s seat, with the Toyota Highlander. If you plan on transporting lots of people frequently, it may be the right SUV for your future trips.