2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It featured a bulkier, industrial exterior with a horseshoe-shaped grille and deep beveled creases on the side body panels, giving it a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. The design paid homage to previous generations, notably with the slanted rearmost window, while retaining practical features like the sliding rear window for easier cargo access. Inside, the 4Runner mirrored the Tacoma pickup truck, with a purposeful and comfortable cabin. The use of hard plastics was balanced with light cushioning for comfort, offering a materials quality superior to the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not quite matching the Land Rover Defender.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offered a range of trims based on powertrain choices, with the Platinum Hybrid Max being the top spec. Its exterior styling was understated, featuring a wide, flat-bottomed grille and minimal style lines. The interior of the Platinum Hybrid Max was practical, with leather and Ultrasuede-trimmed seats and bronze accents. The cabin was spacious, with ambient lighting and a panoramic glass roof enhancing the airy feel. The third row provided ample legroom, making it comfortable for taller passengers. The Grand Highlander was equipped with practical features like a storage shelf in the dash, multiple cupholders, and a removable centre console in the second row, making it a convenient choice for families.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The standard 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for improved acceleration and fuel economy. In Canada, part-time 4WD was standard, with full-time 4WD available in higher trims. The Hybrid i-Force Max powertrain combined the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery and an electric motor, delivering 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid variant provided stronger power at lower speeds, beneficial for off-roading. The 4Runner's handling was more composed on pavement, with reduced nosedive and body roll compared to the previous generation. It offered eight distinct packages with varying off-road capabilities, with the TRD Pro and Trailhunter models being the most capable.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 265 horsepower in the non-hybrid version. The hybrid powertrain produced 245 hp, while the Hybrid Max combined the 2.4-litre turbo-four with a hybrid system for 362 hp. In Canada, AWD was standard, with different systems for each powertrain. The Hybrid Max offered full-time AWD for better stability and agility. While not a performance vehicle, the Grand Highlander accelerated quickly, and the brakes felt firm. The Hybrid Max included Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select system for various driving conditions, but its all-season tires and large overhangs limited its off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was nearly 13 centimetres longer than its predecessor, with minimal gains in passenger space. The front seats accommodated taller passengers, but the middle row offered only adequate legroom. A third row was available on non-hybrid models, though it was cramped and lacked thigh support. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. Storage included door pockets, a dashboard tray, and a centre armrest bin, with cargo capacity at 1,371 litres behind the second row, reduced to 1,206 litres in the hybrid due to battery placement. A sturdy roof rack compensated for cargo deficits.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander featured three-zone climate control, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. The third row offered 15 centimetres more legroom than the standard Highlander, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The second row was car seat-friendly, with retractable window shades and easy access to the third row. Storage solutions included a dash shelf, a cubby in front of the shifter, and multiple cupholders. Cargo space was generous, with 586 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,640 litres with the rear seats folded, and 2,761 litres with the second row stowed. The gas and Hybrid Max powertrains could tow up to 2,268 kilograms, while the standard hybrid was rated for 1,587 kilograms.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 14-inch option available. Both screens offered logical menus and quick responses, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A digital instrument panel was standard on Hybrid variants. Off-road models included external camera views and automatic camera activation for trail navigation. A 14-speaker JBL audio system was available, along with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and a digital key function were also offered.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander came with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a customizable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on higher trims. The Platinum Hybrid Max included a digital rearview camera mirror and a 360-degree camera system with a see-through bird’s-eye view. A 10-inch head-up display was available on top trims, showing speed, road signs, and navigation. All trims featured seven USB-C ports, two 12-volt outlets, and a wireless charging pad, with additional 120-volt outlets on higher trims.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the Tacoma pickup on which it was based was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. All 4Runner models included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and Proactive Driving Assist. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard in Canada.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. A blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard across all trims. The Platinum Hybrid Max offered traffic jam assist for low-speed driving. The NHTSA rated the Grand Highlander five out of five stars, while the IIHS gave it mostly top “Good” scores, with an “Acceptable” rating for headlights and the small overlap front crash test.