Toyota 4Runner vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was a versatile SUV that offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged gas engine, a hybrid system achieving up to 36 mpg in combined driving, and the robust Hybrid Max configuration with 362 horsepower and full-time AWD. Trim levels ranged from LE to Platinum, with prices spanning from $43,855 to $61,770. The top-tier Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum, priced at $61,770, featured a Storm Cloud paint finish, resembling a grander version of the popular RAV4. Its interior, while functional, emphasized practicality over luxury, with a mix of glossy hard plastics and unlined storage areas. The climate system was user-friendly, but the infotainment interface had room for improvement, particularly with its small volume knob.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota 4Runner shared design elements with the Tacoma pickup, boasting a muscular appearance with pronounced wheel haunches and black flares for off-road models. The front grille sat high, complemented by heritage-inspired front ends on the TRD Pro and Trailhunter models. The interior was utilitarian, featuring chunky control dials and an abundance of hard plastic, with only select areas offering soft-touch materials. Cloth upholstery was standard, with synthetic leather and genuine leather available on higher trims. Despite the leather, the cabin never quite achieved a high-end feel.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max was designed for performance with a touch of efficiency. It featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electronic full-time AWD and two electric motors, delivering 362 horsepower. This setup allowed the Grand Highlander to accelerate swiftly, aided by a traditional six-speed automatic transmission that avoided the droning typical of CVTs. While the Hybrid Max offered a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, its fuel economy was lower than the standard hybrid, achieving 27 mpg combined. During testing, it averaged 26 mpg on a balanced city-highway route and 23.3 mpg on mountainous terrain. The ride quality was soft and isolating, though handling was secure only up to a point, with early tire squeal and understeer in curves. Visibility was excellent, but the front camera's frequent screen takeovers were a minor annoyance.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner offered two powertrains: a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, and the i-Force Max hybrid system, which increased output to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft. Our TRD Off-Road Premium tester featured the hybrid powertrain, which, despite its torque, wasn't particularly quick, with a 0-60 mph time in the mid-to-low seven seconds. The eight-speed automatic transmission was well-matched to the engine, with more aggressive tuning in Sport mode. The 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to its torque and features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain System drive modes. However, its on-road dynamics were compromised by a firm suspension and notable body lean in corners.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered spacious seating across three rows, with nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a pass-through between second-row captain’s chairs. The third row was comfortable for adults and tall teens, with ample crush space for safety. Cargo space was generous, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.5 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner could be configured with two or three rows, seating up to seven. The front seats were the most comfortable, with power adjustments and heating available on higher trims. The second row offered decent space but lacked thigh support, and access was hindered by short rear doors and a high step-in height. The three-row version was less accommodating, with limited legroom and low seat bottoms. Cargo space was competitive, with up to 90.2 cubic feet in two-row gas models, though hybrid models had reduced capacity due to a higher load floor.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims, complemented by a digital driver display that varied in size depending on the trim level. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various Toyota Connected Services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and digital voice assistant. The infotainment interface was user-friendly, though it lacked the ability to display multiple main-menu screens simultaneously. The Platinum trim featured additional tech like a head-up display and JBL premium audio system.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner featured a standard 7-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen, with larger displays available on higher trims. Our tester had the 14-inch screen, which, while functional, lacked visual flair. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of connected services like Remote Connect and Safety Connect. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster offered customizable information displays, and higher trims included a wireless phone charger and JBL audio system.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control. However, the Proactive Driving Assist system was found to be more irritating than helpful. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to headlight performance and small overlap frontal-impact protection.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner also featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with additional standard features like blind-spot monitors and traffic-jam assist. Despite its recent redesign, the 4Runner received mixed crash test scores, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and varied results from the IIHS. It performed well in side crash tests and front crash prevention but had room for improvement in frontal crash and rollover evaluations.