Toyota 4Runner vs Toyota Highlander

The 2022 Toyota Highlander had a modern design with a somewhat aggressive front-end appeal. The flared fender arches and the dynamic styling of the third-row window worked together to make the spacious Highlander appear smaller than it truly was. Stepping inside, it offered ample cabin space with clever storage solutions for items such as iPads and juice boxes.

On the trims, the Highlander’s base L trim came equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, pushbutton start, proximity/remote keyless entry, three-zone climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Moving up to the LE trim added features like LED fog lights, a smart key system, and a power liftgate. The mid-range XLE provided added touches like silver roof rails, synthetic leather upholstery, and second-row sunshades. Our XSE test model stood out with its unique exterior styling, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a sporty red leather interior. Limited and Platinum trims further enhanced luxury with genuine leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a hands-free power liftgate.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner leaned into a retro yet robust aesthetic. The 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), based on the SR5 Premium trim, showcased retro body stripes, a heritage grille, and bronze 17-inch wheels. Exclusive to this trim were bronze interior stitching, floor mats, and a numbered plaque on the dashboard. The 4Runner lineup included a diverse range of trims from SR5 to TRD Pro, all exhibiting a truck-based SUV stance that harkened back to classic designs. The interior, though filled with plastic elements, felt solid and well-constructed.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander sported a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This powerplant was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. The Highlander featured drive modes such as Sport, Normal, and Eco, coupled with specialized AWD settings like Mud/Sand and Rock. While its acceleration off the line was average, it excelled at highway speeds and provided a confident overtaking experience. The sport-tuned suspension on the XSE trim minimized body roll while maintaining a comfortable ride. The Highlander could tow up to 5,000 pounds and had a max payload of 1,685 pounds.

Conversely, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produced 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission directed power primarily to the rear wheels, with optional or standard 4WD depending on the trim. Fuel economy was labelled at 17 mpg combined, with real-world figures hovering around 16.9 mpg. The 4Runner had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a minimum ground clearance of nine inches, which was beneficial for off-roading. Available off-road features included locking differentials, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. While it handled off-road conditions with ease, on-road performance, especially in inclement weather, showed some limitations in terms of acceleration, steering, and braking.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander excelled in cargo space with a maximum capacity of 84.3 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded down. With the second row in use, it offered 48.4 cubic feet, and with all seats deployed, it provided 16 cubic feet behind the third row. The interior was thoughtfully designed with features like quick-release latches and pull-straps to make folding and lifting seats easy. The power liftgate (manual on base L, hands-free on higher trims), numerous storage compartments, and cupholders in all rows added to its practicality. While second-row captain’s chairs added comfort and accessibility, the third row was best suited for short trips due to its limited space.

In comparison, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner’s distinctive feature was its power-down rear window, which, combined with the sunroof and automatic windows, created a breezy cabin experience. The seating was comfortable, though climbing in and out could be a challenge for shorter individuals. The second row was roomy, with USB ports and good leg and headroom, while the optional third-row seat, though present, compromised cargo space and comfort. Cargo capacity in the five-passenger setup maxed out at 89.7 cubic feet with the second row folded, a slight edge over the Highlander. With the third row in place, it offered a minimal 9 cubic feet, making it less practical for those needing more cargo room.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. While it lacked wireless capability, its straightforward design and hard buttons on either side were appreciated in an age of screen-dominant interfaces. Additionally, it included a WiFi hotspot and five USB ports. Higher trims offered a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner’s tech was more traditional, with analog gauges and a maximum 8-inch touchscreen. It too supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa. The well-spaced physical buttons were ideal for use with gloves. Despite its dated graphics, the infotainment system’s home screen displayed multiple functions simultaneously, unlike newer Toyota models. It also included voice recognition, navigation, various connected services, and an optional JBL premium sound system.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view parking monitor, and adaptive headlights. However, the lane-departure warning system was noted to be overly sensitive.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner shared similar standard safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were newly standard across all trims. During testing, the adaptive cruise control performed well, but lane-departure warning proved annoying to some. The 4Runner’s crash-test ratings reflected its age, with a four-star overall rating from NHTSA and three-star ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance.