Toyota 4Runner vs Toyota Highlander

The 2022 Toyota Highlander boasted a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window that gave it a compact appearance. Inside, it offered a spacious cabin with clever storage solutions for family essentials like iPads and juice boxes. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior, contrasting with a sedate navy blue exterior. This trim also featured unique exterior styling, ambient interior lighting, and a sport-tuned suspension, making it a fun and stylish choice for those seeking a blend of performance and luxury.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner, especially in its 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), embraced a retro aesthetic with groovy yellow, orange, and red stripes, bronze 17-inch wheels, and a heritage grille design. This SUV maintained the rugged, truck-based look of past generations, appealing to those who appreciated its enduring charm. Inside, the 4Runner's cabin was purposeful, with solid plastic components and idiot-proof controls that were easy to use, even with gloves on. The 40 ASE trim added unique bronze accents and a numbered plaque, emphasizing its special edition status.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) in Canada. The Highlander offered a drive-mode button with Sport, Normal, and Eco modes, as well as an AWD system with Mud/Sand, Rock, and Normal modes. While the V6 provided better pickup at cruising speeds, it was less lively from a standstill. The Highlander excelled in handling, with a sport-tuned suspension in the XSE trim that reduced body roll and maintained composure through turns. It could tow up to 2,268 kilograms and had a max payload of 775 kilograms.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Power was sent to a standard four-wheel drive (4WD) system via a five-speed automatic transmission. The 4Runner offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. It had two 4WD systems: a part-time 4WD and a full-time 4WD in the Limited trim. The 4Runner excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like Active Traction Control, a locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select. However, its on-road performance was less refined, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a brake pedal that lacked finesse. The 4Runner was more at home in off-road environments, where it could tackle mud, rocks, and water with ease.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered impressive cargo space, with up to 2,387 litres available when the second- and third-row seats were folded. With the second-row seats in use, it provided 1,370 litres, and with all seats deployed, 453 litres behind the third row. The Highlander's interior was designed for practicality, with deep cargo pockets, multiple storage compartments, and second-row captain's chairs for added comfort. While the third row was less spacious for adults, it was suitable for short trips.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a unique rear window that powered down into the tailgate, providing excellent ventilation. Inside, it offered comfortable seats, dual-zone climate control, and ample storage, though some lacked rubber liners. The second-row seating area was roomy, with good legroom and USB charging ports. However, the optional third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner provided 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it a practical choice for those needing ample storage.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It featured a straightforward layout with hard buttons for easy navigation. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and USB ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system were available as upgrades.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology was more traditional, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. It offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with real knobs and buttons for easy use. The infotainment system was praised for its simplicity and effectiveness, with available upgrades like a navigation system and JBL premium sound. Voice recognition performed well, though it had limitations with certain commands.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, dynamic radar cruise control, and more. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and eight airbags. The Highlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims. However, the 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.