2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner retained a design that had not seen a major overhaul in over a decade. Despite minor updates, the 4Runner's appearance remained largely unchanged, offering a rugged, utilitarian look that appealed to those seeking a durable and reliable SUV. Its design was characterized by a two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches, which contributed to its timeless styling and practical utility. The 4Runner was available in several trims, including the SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro, with special editions like the Trail Special Edition adding unique features and aesthetics. The interior was simple and functional, with hard plastic materials and a dashboard featuring large knobs and buttons, emphasizing its straightforward, no-nonsense approach.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander boasted a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window. The Highlander offered a spacious cabin with clever storage solutions, making it ideal for families. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior and sport-tuned suspension, providing a unique blend of style and performance. The Highlander was available in multiple trims, including L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum, each offering a range of features and amenities. The interior was well-equipped with modern technology and comfort features, making it a versatile and family-friendly SUV.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4WD system, making it well-suited for off-road adventures. The 4Runner excelled in challenging terrains, thanks to its A-Trac off-road traction control system and optional features like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. However, on paved roads, the 4Runner felt slow and cumbersome, with heavy steering and clunky handling. Its fuel efficiency was also a drawback, averaging 16.8 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with available AWD and multiple drive modes, including Sport, Normal, and Eco. The Highlander offered a smooth and composed ride, with the XSE trim's sport-tuned suspension enhancing handling and reducing body roll. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample legroom and supportive seats. It featured a sliding cargo deck capable of holding up to 440 pounds, providing additional utility for outdoor activities. The 4Runner's cargo space measured up to 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, making it suitable for various adventures.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander provided up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded. It offered 48.4 cubic feet with the second-row seats in use and 16 cubic feet with all seats deployed. The Highlander's interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring deep cargo pockets, multiple storage compartments, and convenient access to the third row. The XSE trim's second-row captain's chairs added comfort and accessibility, making it a family-friendly option.

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. It included a premium audio upgrade with dynamic navigation and voice recognition. Despite its basic appearance, the system was user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It offered a straightforward layout with hard buttons for ease of use. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system were available on higher trims, enhancing the Highlander's tech offerings.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with concerns about its age affecting crash protection.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and advanced features like a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive headlights. The Highlander's safety systems were active and effective, providing peace of mind for drivers.