Toyota Highlander vs. Toyota 4Runner
There’s no escaping the fact that the SUV segment is growing by leaps and bounds, every year. There’s not a single auto manufacturer out there who doesn’t want a piece of it. Sport utility vehicles have grown to dominate the segment that once was ruled by minivans as the choice family vehicle. They’re also great for recreational use, and for getting anywhere you need to go regardless of terrain.
Toyota is perhaps unique in that it offers two mid-sized SUVs which each fill different needs for your family. Many drivers across Hialeah, Miami, Doral and Kendall are curious as to whether they should go with the 4Runner or the Highlander. Check out a breakdown of the similarities and differences between the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota 4Runner and see which is the best for you.
Toyota Highlander vs. Toyota 4Runner
Perhaps the biggest difference between the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota 4Runner is in their base, core construction. The Highlander is a mid-sized crossover SUV, which means it’s built upon a car frame and so it handles and rides like a car. The 4Runner, on the other hand, is a body-on-frame construction. It has a solid back axle like a pickup truck, which means it’s got more power for towing and hauling.
In the end, for many drivers, the difference will come in whether you want a truck-like vehicle that has performance and power, or whether you want a more luxurious family vehicle.
Cargo Space
The 4Runner has a bit less cargo space with the seats up, but a bit more maximum cargo space with which to work. When the second- and third-rows are both up, the Toyota 4Runner offers 9.0 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Highlander offers 13.8. When all rows are folded down, on the other hand, the Highlander only gives you 83.7 cubic feet, while the 4Runner offers 88.8 cubic feet.
For more space while driving the family around town or on long road trips, the Highlander is the better choice. For more room when hauling cargo and gear in total, the 4Runner is your best bet.
Handling vs. Power
One key difference comes in whether you prioritize handling or power in your vehicle. The unibody construction of the Highlander means that it drives much more like a car; it’s got a tight turn radius, is nimble and agile. The available AWD will still give plenty of traction for most drivers to get where they need to go.
The 4Runner, on the other hand, is built like a truck. It’s a true SUV. This means that it has a lot more capability and tougher construction. It’s ideal for trailblazing, true off-roading, and towing. It has a stiffer handling, but can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
The body-on-frame construction also allows the 4Runner to offer true four-wheel drive with a 2-speed transfer case, as opposed to the base front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive of the Highlander.
Check out Both at Doral Toyota
If you’d like to see the difference between the 2018 Toyota Highlander and the Toyota 4Runner for yourself, stop into Doral Toyota today and ask about taking a test drive on the roads of Doral, Miami, Hialeah and Kendall!