2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that was subtly refined from its predecessor, with a slanted tailgate glass and more pronounced body panel creases. The trapezoidal theme was evident in various elements, including the tailgate's license plate cutout and the grille. While the base L trim had standard headlights, higher trims like the Limited and Platinum boasted projector-beam LED headlights and fog lights. The interior was where the Highlander truly shone, with quality fit and finish, silver-painted accents, and a multi-layered dash featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. The Limited trim offered a three-tone interior with rich textures and padded surfaces, rivaling the Kia Telluride in terms of interior quality.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner maintained a design that had remained largely unchanged for over a decade. Its rugged, two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches exuded timeless utility. The 4Runner's interior was functional, with hard plastic surfaces that were easy to clean. The Trail Special Edition featured black cloth upholstery with tan stitching and a sliding rear cargo tray. While the dashboard was old-school with big knobs and buttons, it provided a straightforward and durable environment. The 4Runner's design was more about practicality and durability than modern aesthetics.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. It offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The eight-speed automatic transmission made full use of the engine's power, though it required a heavy foot for kickdown. The Highlander's steering was loose, and the suspension was soft, leading to a floaty ride. However, it provided a calm and isolating driving experience, ideal for long road trips. Fuel economy was commendable, with the FWD model achieving 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. It came with a five-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4WD drivetrain. The 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to its A-Trac traction control system and optional features like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. However, on pavement, it felt slow and clunky, with heavy steering and brakes. Fuel efficiency was lower, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined and 19 mpg highway.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The second-row seats were versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The Highlander featured three-zone climate control, a 120-volt outlet, and ample cargo space, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row and 84 cubic feet with both rows folded. The interior was well-designed, with simple controls and a user-friendly infotainment system.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner sat high off the ground, which could be challenging for shorter passengers. It provided comfortable seating with good legroom and visibility. The Trail Special Edition included a sliding cargo deck and a spacious cargo area, offering up to 89.7 cubic feet of space with the rear seat folded. The 4Runner's interior was practical, with decent storage and a functional layout.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system felt outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. However, it included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Limited and Platinum trims featured a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display. Safety features like adaptive cruise control and road sign detection were standard.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's Trail Special Edition came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation and voice recognition. The system was user-friendly, with physical shortcut buttons and knobs for easy operation.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. It received a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS for its crash test performance and emergency braking capabilities.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner featured Toyota Safety Sense P, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane departure warning. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision from the IIHS.