2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, adventure-ready design, reminiscent of its 1980s SUV roots. Unlike many modern SUVs that transitioned to car-based platforms, the 4Runner maintained its connection to the Toyota Tacoma pickup, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. Its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper were all designed for tackling obstacles, making it a niche choice for those who ventured off the beaten path. Inside, the 4Runner's design was functional, though it showed its age with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s. The 4Runner offered a range of trims, from the base SR5 to the off-road-focused TRD Pro, each with varying features and capabilities.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander presented a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window. Despite its spacious interior, the Highlander appeared smaller from the outside. Inside, it offered clever storage solutions and a range of trims, from the base L to the luxurious Platinum. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior and sport-tuned suspension. The Highlander was designed with family comfort in mind, offering features like second-row captain's chairs and a hands-free power liftgate in higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a single 4.0-liter V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, though dated, was chosen for its reliability and decent initial acceleration. However, it felt underwhelming in most driving situations, with power routed through a five-speed automatic transmission to either rear-wheel drive or available four-wheel drive with low range. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome on paved roads, with noticeable body roll and a jostling experience over bumps. Yet, off-road, the 4Runner excelled, with its suspension absorbing rocks and bumps effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included features like Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their trail capabilities. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, which was more than most car-based crossovers.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering standard front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. The Highlander's V6 provided better pickup once in motion, with a throaty exhaust note during acceleration. It featured a drive-mode button with Sport, Normal, and Eco modes, and an AWD system with Mud/Sand, Rock, and Normal modes. The Highlander's handling was commendable, with the XSE trim's sport-tuned suspension reducing body roll while maintaining a smooth ride over bumps. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds, with a max payload of 1,685 pounds in the FWD L and LE trims.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo space in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model's 88.8 cubic feet. With the second-row seats in use, the two-row 4Runner provided 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The optional third-row seat, available on select trims, increased seating capacity to seven but reduced cargo space to just 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window for easy access. Despite its age, the 4Runner's cabin was functional, though not as spacious or efficient as more modern SUVs.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander provided up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded. With the second-row seats in use, there was 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space, and 16 cubic feet with all seats deployed. The Highlander featured quick-release latches for easy seat folding and a power liftgate on all trims above the base L. The Limited and Platinum trims offered a hands-free power liftgate. The Highlander's interior was well-designed, with deep cargo pockets, extra ledges, and a spacious center console. The XSE trim's second-row captain's chairs provided a center aisle to the third row, which was more suitable for children than adults.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It included Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. While the system lacked advanced features like a head-up display, it offered a straightforward layout with hard buttons and dials, appealing to those who appreciated a more analog driving experience. Optional upgrades included navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander also featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, along with a WiFi hotspot and five USB ports. The system's straightforward layout was complemented by hard buttons, providing an effortless blend of screens and tactile controls. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and additional USB-C ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen was available, though it was less intuitive than the base screen. Other available features included a digital instrument panel screen and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, offering standard forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars in frontal and side-impact testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but only three stars for rollover testing.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander also came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high beams. All but the base L trim featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional safety features included front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view parking monitor, and adaptive headlights. The lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist systems were notably active, sometimes feeling intrusive on certain roads.