2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, retained a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking a durable and utilitarian vehicle. Its design, unchanged for over a decade, still managed to convey a sense of timelessness with its two-box body, flared fenders, and trapezoidal wheel arches. While not conventionally attractive, the 4Runner's appearance was functional, much like a reliable tool that doesn't require frequent updates. The interior, though dominated by hard plastics, was practical and easy to clean, aligning with the SUV's mission of durability and simplicity. The dashboard featured large knobs and buttons, emphasizing a straightforward, old-school approach to controls.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander stood out with its distinctive styling, making a statement among midsize SUVs. Its design featured wide headlights, a long hood, and an assertive grille, giving it a bold presence. The Highlander's profile was accentuated by a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car, while the rear taillights borrowed elements from Lexus models. Inside, the Highlander exuded an upscale feel, especially in the Limited trim, with near-flawless fit and finish, tan leather seats, and wood details. The Highlander prioritized comfort and convenience, making it an appealing choice for families seeking a blend of practicality and luxury.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre 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 a capable off-roader. The 4Runner excelled in challenging terrains, thanks to its A-Trac off-road traction control system and optional packages like TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro, which added features like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. However, on paved roads, the 4Runner felt slow and clunky, with heavy steering and brakes. Its fuel consumption was high, averaging 14.0 L/100 km, limiting its range to about 620 kilometres with its 87-litre fuel tank.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander, powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offered smooth and predictable performance. While not designed for high-speed thrills, the Highlander provided adequate power for highway merging and daily driving. Its suspension prioritized comfort, though the XSE trim added sportier tuning for those seeking a bit more excitement. The Highlander's powertrain compared favourably with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, offering a balanced blend of power and efficiency.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample legroom in both the front and rear seats. Its high ground clearance could pose a challenge for shorter passengers, but once inside, the 4Runner provided a comfortable ride. The rear seats could be folded to expand cargo space from 1,337 litres to 2,540 litres, accommodating various adventure gear. The 4Runner's interior storage was decent, and its back bumper served as a convenient seating spot for outdoor activities.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior space and versatility. It featured shelves ahead of the front seats for convenient storage, along with a wireless charging pad in higher trims. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with available captain's chairs for added comfort. The third row, while accommodating adults, required some compromise from middle-row passengers. Cargo space behind the third row was limited to 453 litres, but folding the seats expanded it to 2,245 litres, providing ample room for family trips and activities.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, particularly in the Trail grade, offered basic technology features. It came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation. While the Trail grade lacked advanced tech, higher trims offered upgrades like a dynamic navigation system and enhanced audio.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen in lower trims, with a 12.3-inch display available in the Platinum trim. The infotainment system was intuitive, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Navigation was available from the Limited grade, though it struggled with points of interest. The JBL audio system, standard in higher trims, provided good sound quality. The 12.3-inch screen, while visually impressive, limited certain apps to a smaller display area.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), offering basic safety features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. 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 NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for small overlap frontal-impact protection from IIHS.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander boasted Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), including advanced features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support. It also offered adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Highlander received top safety ratings, earning five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS.