2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was a standout in Toyota's lineup of crossovers and SUVs, positioned between the Highlander and the Sequoia. Built on the TNGA-K platform, it shared its underpinnings with models like the RAV4 and Camry, distinguishing itself as a true crossover rather than a body-on-frame vehicle. This design choice limited its towing capacity to 2,268 kilograms, but it offered a spacious interior, stretching 5,115 millimetres in length with a 2,950 mm wheelbase. Its styling, inspired by rugged vehicles, was more conservative and blockier compared to the smaller Highlander, resembling models like the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride. Inside, the Grand Highlander offered a range of trims with varying upholstery options, and it excelled as a comfortable road-trip vehicle with features like heated seats and a large centre console.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner retained its classic, albeit outdated, design, having last been redesigned in 2010. Its boxy shape and flared fenders gave it a rugged appearance, suitable for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model enhanced this with underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires. Inside, the 4Runner showed its age with old-school styling and technology, featuring an analog instrument panel and a small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. Despite its dated interior, it offered practical features like cushioned panels and grained upholstery. The 4Runner's design leaned heavily into nostalgia, similar to the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, but lacked some modern touches.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options, starting with a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid option delivered 245 combined net horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. At the top end, the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max powertrain boasted 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. All models in Canada came with all-wheel drive, and while not designed for sports car performance, the Hybrid Max provided impressive acceleration with a zero-to-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The Grand Highlander offered three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal—with additional off-road modes for gas-only and Hybrid Max models. Despite its size, the Grand Highlander delivered adequate acceleration and solid braking, though its steering feel was somewhat numb.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. While these specs were comparable to competitors like the Bronco and Wrangler, the 4Runner was hindered by its five-speed automatic transmission. The TRD Pro model featured four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, making it capable off-road. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt slow, with noticeable rear-end squat during acceleration and a loud engine and exhaust. Its soft suspension, while beneficial for off-roading, resulted in body roll and floatiness on highways. Despite these drawbacks, the 4Runner remained composed under hard braking and offered a comfortable ride over larger road imperfections.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was notably larger than its rivals, with a length of over 5 metres and a 2,950 mm wheelbase. This translated to impressive cargo capacity, with a total of 2,761 litres available. Even with all seats in place, it offered 583 litres of space. The Grand Highlander provided ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in all rows, making it a comfortable choice for passengers of all sizes.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior design appeared dated, but it offered practical features like large climate-control dials and sturdy handles for off-road adventures. The 4Runner provided plenty of space for front passengers, though taller drivers might find the steering wheel's reach limited. The second row offered ample legroom, but headroom was restricted due to the elevated bench height. Cargo capacity reached 1,337 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,540 litres with the seats stowed. However, the lack of remote seat releases and a powered liftgate were notable drawbacks.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering a visually stunning interface. While the system required a subscription for features like an intelligent assistant and cloud-based navigation, it included standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Grand Highlander Limited and Platinum trims featured an 11-speaker JBL stereo, providing a balanced audio experience.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system, while functional with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, was limited by its small eight-inch touchscreen. The TRD Pro model included a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system, but road noise often obscured its quality. Additional terrain controls were available, though their pictogram labels required consulting the owner's manual for full understanding.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander had not yet been crash-tested, but it came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard. This suite included features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Platinum grade offered additional features like traffic jam assist and a head-up display.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four out of five stars from NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection. It included standard safety features like adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning. However, its alerts were often oversensitive, requiring adjustments for optimal performance.