2024 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, particularly in its 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), was a nostalgic nod to the past with its retro body stripes and heritage grille design. This special edition, based on the SR5 trim, added $3,330 to the base price, offering unique bronze accents and a numbered plaque, making it a collector's item. Available in black, white, or red, the 4Runner maintained its rugged, truck-based SUV appeal, with a solid interior filled with practical controls. Despite its plastic-heavy cabin, the 4Runner exuded a sense of quality and durability, appealing to those who appreciated its straightforward, no-nonsense design.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was a modern crossover built on the TNGA-K platform, sharing its underpinnings with the regular Highlander and other Toyota models. It was larger than its competitors, offering a spacious interior that benefited from its extended length and wheelbase. The Grand Highlander's design was more conservative yet rugged, drawing inspiration from off-road vehicles like the 4Runner. Its interior was well-appointed, with options for synthetic or real leather, and it provided ample comfort and space for passengers, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a roomy and comfortable ride.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The 4Runner offered two 4WD systems: a part-time system and a full-time system on the Limited trim. Despite its off-road prowess, the 4Runner's fuel economy was rated at 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres, and it was known for its leisurely acceleration and heavy steering. Off-road, it excelled with features like Active Traction Control, a locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select, making it a formidable choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options, including a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder with 265 horsepower, a 2.5-litre hybrid with 245 combined horsepower, and the powerful Hybrid Max with 362 horsepower. All models in Canada came with all-wheel drive, and the Hybrid Max boasted impressive acceleration with a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds. While not a sports car, the Grand Highlander provided adequate power and a comfortable ride. It featured three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal—with additional off-road modes for gas-only and Hybrid Max models. The Grand Highlander's brakes were solid, and its steering, though somewhat numb, was manageable for its size.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a unique feature with its rear window that powered down into the tailgate, providing excellent ventilation. Its interior was practical, with comfortable seats and dual-zone climate control. However, storage areas lacked rubber liners, leading to potential rattling. The second-row seating was spacious, but the optional third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner offered a generous 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it a practical choice for those needing ample storage.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander excelled in interior space, surpassing its rivals with a total cargo capacity of 2,761 litres. It offered 1,640 litres behind the second row and 583 litres with all seats up. The Grand Highlander was not only spacious but also comfortable, with ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in all rows. Its design provided excellent visibility, and even the third row accommodated adults comfortably, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While not the most modern, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with real knobs and buttons, making it easy to operate even with gloves. Voice recognition performed well, though it had limitations with certain commands. Overall, the 4Runner's technology was straightforward and functional, appealing to those who preferred simplicity.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering a significant improvement over previous Toyota interfaces. It included features like dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An intelligent assistant and cloud-based navigation were available through a connected-services subscription. The Grand Highlander's JBL stereo provided excellent sound quality, and streaming audio integration was available. While the tech offerings were advanced, careful consideration of subscription options was recommended for buyers.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard across all trims. However, the 4Runner's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Marginal rating from IIHS for driver protection in certain tests.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, being a new model, had not yet been crash-tested. However, it came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Features included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, and more. The Grand Highlander also featured adaptive cruise control with four following-distance settings, enhancing its safety credentials.