2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling elements from the Tacoma pickup, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that gave it a rugged look. However, its side profile introduced a softer character line, reminiscent of the Toyota Supra and Sienna, which added unnecessary visual weight. The rear echoed the front's trapezoidal design, but the overall appearance felt disjointed compared to more cohesive competitors like the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's asymmetrical dash and metallic styling broke monotony, while the high-mounted infotainment screen reduced driver distraction. The Bronze Edition's light grey fabric seats, with an odd triangle motif, seemed impractical for families due to their tendency to attract dirt.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, based on the SR5 Premium trim, embraced a retro vibe with body stripes and bronze accents. It featured a heritage grille and bronze wheels, exuding a nostalgic appeal. The interior, though filled with plastic, felt solid and functional, with controls easy to use even with gloves. The 4Runner's design harkened back to truck-based SUVs, offering a sense of invincibility, though it was more at home off-road than on city streets. Despite its flaws, the 4Runner's enduring appeal lay in its rugged, classic SUV stance.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 243 horsepower, paired with a CVT and standard FWD. AWD was available via an electric motor for the rear axle. It reached 60 mph in just over 8 seconds, slightly slower than gasoline-only rivals. The hybrid powertrain offered a quick initial response, but the engine's hum became a drone under heavy acceleration. The ride was soft yet confident, with minimal wind and road noise, making it a quiet midsize SUV.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine with 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Two 4WD systems were available, with the Limited trim offering a full-time option. The 4Runner averaged 16.9 mpg in testing. It excelled off-road with features like Hill-Start Assist, Downhill Assist Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration and heavy steering. Despite its flaws, the 4Runner's off-road prowess remained a highlight.

The 2022 Highlander Hybrid offered well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage was plentiful, with trays and bins for personal items. The second row was spacious, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs or an optional bench for eight-passenger capacity. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children on short trips. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2023 4Runner's standout feature was its power-down rear window, enhancing ventilation. Entry required effort for shorter individuals, but seats were comfortable. The 40 ASE trim featured SofTex artificial leather and heated front seats. Storage was ample, though lacking rubber liners. The second row offered good legroom and comfort, while the optional third row was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without it, cargo capacity was 46.3 cubic feet, expanding to 89.7 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2022 Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on higher trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Higher trims offered navigation and a JBL audio system.

The 2023 4Runner's technology was basic, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with available navigation and JBL audio. The system's home screen displayed multiple functions, and voice recognition performed well, though limited by manual controls.

The 2022 Highlander Hybrid earned a five-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The systems generally worked well but needed fine-tuning.

The 2023 4Runner included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It received a four-star NHTSA rating, with lower scores for frontal and rollover protection. The lane-departure warning was prone to false alarms but could be disabled.