If you're shopping for a family-friendly SUV, chances are you've considered a Toyota product. But which to choose? For the 2022 model year, Toyota offers several compelling options, including two midsize crossover SUVs: the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota 4Runner. Each vehicle caters to a different niche, boasting its own unique set of features and capabilities. Whether you prioritize a spacious family hauler or an off-road adventure companion, this comprehensive comparison will help you decide which midsize Toyota SUV suits your lifestyle best.
2022 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Toyota Highlander: Midsize SUV Comparison
Look and Feel
Styling is perhaps the most salient differentiator between the 2022 Toyota Highlander and the 2022 Toyota 4Runner. They may be siblings, but these two SUVs have very different personalities. For the 2022 model year, CarGurus experts gave the Highlander 8 points out of 10 and scored the 2022 4Runner 6 points.
The 2022 Highlander appeals with its modern, somewhat aggressive front-end design. Its flared fender arches and clever interior storage solutions make it an eye-catching and practical choice. The XSE trim stands out with a bold red interior and unique exterior styling.
Reviewers also liked the 2022 4Runner's rugged, no-nonsense appearance. Its boxy proportions and high ride height pay homage to its roots, tracing back to the SUV craze of the 1980s. Inside, you'll find a functional layout, but the SUV does show its age with a late-2000s dash design.
Both vehicles offer various trim levels to cater to different tastes. The Highlander lineup includes L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum trims, each with its own set of features and styling cues. The 4Runner comes in SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited trims, offering a range from rugged to refined.
Performance
When it comes to performance, CarGurus expert reviewers rated the 2022 Highlander better than the 2022 4Runner: The former earned 7 points out of the 10, while the latter scored 6.
The 2022 Toyota Highlander packs a punch with its 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This engine has smooth power delivery, making highway cruising and passing a breeze. The Highlander offers a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with various driving modes to suit different conditions.
Handling is another strong suit for the Highlander. The XSE trim in particular benefits from a sport-tuned suspension that enhances cornering stability without sacrificing comfort. It's a capable family hauler that doesn't shy away from spirited driving.
When it comes to towing capacity, the Highlander can handle up to 5,000 pounds, which is competitive for its class. Additionally, it boasts a maximum payload of 1,685 pounds in specific FWD trims, adding to its versatility.
The 2022 Toyota 4Runner's 4.0-liter V6 engine delivers 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. While it may not feel as lively as some competitors in terms of acceleration, this is a reliable power plant that suits the 4Runner's rugged character.
On the road, the 4Runner's ride can be described as somewhat harsh, with noticeable body roll and a tendency to jostle over bumps. However, this characteristic transitions into an advantage when you venture off-road. The SUV's suspension excels in absorbing rough terrain, and the available off-road features like crawl control and a locking rear differential make it a capable off-roader.
Like the Highlander, the 4Runner can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it suitable for hauling trailers and outdoor equipment.
Form and Function
Both the 2022 Toyota Highlander and the 2022 Toyota 4Runner offer practical interior space and functionality, though with some differences. The Highlander outscored the 4Runner here as well for the 2022 model year, earning 9 points out of 10 compared to the 4Runner's 8.
The 2022 Highlander provides ample cargo space, offering up to 84.3 cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats folded down. With the second row in use, you still get 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space, making the SUV spacious for everyday needs. The clever storage solutions and thoughtful design make it a family-friendly option. Additionally, the higher trim levels come with a power liftgate, and the Limited and Platinum trims even feature a hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.
The interior of the Highlander is equally well-designed, with numerous storage compartments and cupholders throughout the cabin. Second-row captain's chairs, available in certain trims, create a comfortable environment and provide easy access to the third row.
The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offers more cargo space than the Highlander. When configured as a two-row model, it provides a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet. If you opt for the three-row version, cargo space decreases slightly, to 88.8 cubic feet. Behind the second row, you'll find 46.3 cubic feet, and behind the third row, a modest 9 cubic feet.
Despite its age, the 4Runner compensates for its somewhat cramped interior with a power-open/close rear window, which is a handy feature for accessing the cargo area. This SUV's design prioritizes function over form, appealing to those who value utility above all else.
Technology
The Highlander and 4Runner both scored well for tech in 2022, each earning an impressive 8 out of 10 points from CarGurus experts.
The 2022 Highlander comes equipped with a range of tech features to enhance your driving experience. It boasts a standard Wi-Fi hotspot, five USB ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. While it lacks wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections, the straightforward layout and physical buttons alongside the screen provide user-friendly functionality. The center tray includes a wireless charging pad, along with a combination of USB and USB-C ports. For those seeking more, there's an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen, a digital instrument panel screen, and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system.
Like the Highlander, the 2022 4Runner offers a straightforward and user-friendly 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. What sets it apart from its competitors is its reliance on tactile controls, including hard buttons and dials that surround the screen. This feature can be especially valuable when driving with gloves on. While it lacks some of the more advanced features found in modern vehicles, the 4Runner embraces simplicity, which many drivers may appreciate.
Safety
CarGurus experts rate the 2022 Toyota Highlander at 8 out of 10 for safety, while the 4Runner earns 7 points.
The 2022 Highlander comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver-assistance features, making it a strong contender in its class in terms of safety. This suite includes forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high beams. Most trims, with the exception of the base L, come equipped with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional safety features include front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a surround-view parking monitor, a head-up display, and adaptive headlights. However, some drivers find the lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist systems overly active.
Despite its age, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner doesn't compromise on safety. It also features the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Notably, some of these features are only available with the automatic transmission. To enhance safety further, you can opt for blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree surround-view parking camera system. The 4Runner earned respectable scores in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) testing, with four out of five stars for frontal and side-impact tests and three stars for rollover testing.
Cost-Effectiveness
The 2022 Highlander bested the 2022 4Runner when it comes to cost-effectiveness: CarGurus rated the Highlander a high 9 out of 10, while the 4Runner earned 7 points. (It's important to note that these scores were assigned by comparing the two SUVs to their in-niche competition rather than to each other.)
The 2022 Highlander offers a range of configurations to suit various budgets and preferences. The most efficient options are the FWD L and FWD XLE trims, delivering an EPA-rated fuel economy of 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The AWD models are slightly less efficient, returning 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. In our real-world testing of the Highlander XSE, we observed a fuel efficiency of 23.4 mpg. Toyota also provides a hybrid variant for those seeking better fuel economy at a slightly higher price point. The Highlander lineup starts at an affordable $35,855 for the base L trim and extends to $48,010 for the top-tier Platinum trim, with a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty for added peace of mind.
The 2022 4Runner may not excel in daily practicality and fuel efficiency compared to typical midsize SUVs, but it caters to a specific audience seeking rugged capability. Regardless of RWD or 4WD configuration, the 4Runner returns the same fuel economy of 16 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined, primarily influenced by its aerodynamics. The 4Runner lineup starts at $37,605 for the base model, with the range-topping TRD Pro starting at $52,420. However, it's worth noting that some creature comforts, like automatic headlights and heated seats, may be missing from certain trims.
Verdict
Overall, the 2022 Toyota Highlander earned a CarGurus expert rating of 8.2 out of 10, while the 2022 Toyota 4Runner scored 7 out of 10.
Choose the 2022 Toyota Highlander if:
- you prioritize a well-rounded and family-friendly midsize SUV.
- advanced technology features and a versatile interior are important to you.
- you are looking for a vehicle that offers a range of configurations to suit various budgets and preferences.
Search for a 2022 Toyota Highlander on CarGurus
Choose the 2022 Toyota 4Runner if:
- you value rugged capability and off-road performance.
- a simple and straightforward infotainment system with tactile controls appeals to you.
- you are part of the subset of drivers who prefer traditional truck-based SUVs over car-based crossovers.
Search for a 2022 Toyota 4Runner on CarGurus
There's a reason Toyota continues to invest in producing both of these midsize SUVs, rather than focusing on one. The 2022 Toyota Highlander and the 2022 Toyota 4Runner each have their unique strengths and each cater to different types of drivers. Your choice ultimately depends on your priorities, whether that means advanced technology, family-friendliness, or off-road capability.
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