Comparison - Toyota 4Runner Limited 2017 - vs - Toyota Highlander Limited 2016

General

Other Names:

Also called:

Toyota Hilux Surf

Also called:

Kluger

2017 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Startup and Review
2017 Toyota 4Runner Limited First look with Detailed Review of features
2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium Review
2017 Toyota 4Runner, interior, exterior, walk-around features
Toyota 4Runner 2015 Review By Kelley Blue Book
2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Review - Updated But Still Refreshingly Simple
The 3rd Generation Toyota 4Runner Is a Great Old-School SUV
Toyota 4Runner 2015 Limited Start Up and Review
My Week with the 2020 Toyota Highlander
Review: 2019 Toyota Highlander SE AWD - Ready for a Redo
AT NIGHT: 2017 Toyota Highlander Limited
Toyota Highlander 2016 small overlap crash test, GOOD EVALUATION
Average Price: 
44,560
Updated: 
02 Dec 2017
37,651
Updated: 
02 Dec 2016
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
Rear Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Year: 
2017
2016
Total Seating: 
5
7
Transmission: 
5-speed Shiftable Automatic
6-speed Shiftable Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
yes
yes
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
23.00gals
19.20gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Barcelona Red Metallic
#68070E
Classic Silver Metallic
#8E8E8E
Magnetic Gray Metallic
#38373C
Midnight Black Metallic
#03020C
Nautical Blue Metallic
#303C64
Super White
#DADADA
Color: 
Alumina Jade Metallic
#979797
Blizzard Pearl
#FBF8F9
Creme Brulee Mica
#A5A49B
Midnight Black Metallic
#3B3A41
Nautical Blue Metallic
#4A495D
Ooh La La Rouge Mica
#90646C
Predawn Gray Mica
#434043
Shoreline Blue Pearl
#313C4D
Silver Sky Metallic
#868A93

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

The last of an increasingly rare breed of truck-based SUVs, the 4Runner will take you off the beaten path like few other production vehicles. Adverse terrain is where it thrives, so if that's not where you generally tread, the Toyota Highlander is a better choice.

For 2017, the 4Runner is carried over with minimal changes. The Trail and Trail Premium are renamed TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium, and the TRD Pro Series is available in three additional colors.

While day-to-day commuting isn't the 4Runner's forte, this midsize SUV is thoughtfully designed. Weekend excursions are what this traditional SUV does best thanks to rugged drivetrain hardware and enough ground clearance to deal with tricky off-road situations. Its cargo area is quite versatile, too, especially when equipped with the optional sliding rear cargo deck.

Pros
Serious off-road capability few other competitors can match
Variety of configurations to suit many buyers and price points
Versatile cargo area, especially with optional slide out

Cons
Choppy ride quality compared to more modern crossovers
Standard V6 is not particularly fuel-efficient
Tall step-in height makes for ungraceful entry and exit.

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2017 Toyota 4Runner is offered in a number of trim levels, starting with the SR5, the SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, and TRD Pro models. All models are powered by a 4.0L 270 hp V-6 mated to a five speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity on properly-equipped models is 5,000 pounds. Although similar in size to the Highlander midsize crossover, the 4Runner has a distinctly different mission in life, catering to those seeking a higher level of off-road capability. To that end, the 4Runner offers Toyota’s Crawl Control feature helping to maintain a constant speed in challenging off-road situations, regulating engine and braking force within five driver-selectable low-speed settings. The optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) facilitates extended wheel travel for greater off-road control and stability.

The 4Runner last received a major makeover in 2014, when it received a new and controversial front-end styling update, LED taillights, and interior revisions aimed at giving the traditional SUV a more upscale feel. Big news came in 2015 with the introduction of the TRD Pro model, joining the Tacoma and Tundra with a model specifically targeted toward off-road enthusiasts. New for 2017 are the TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium grades. For the avid off-road enthusiast, the TRD Pro model returns for the new model year. The TRD Off-Road models offer unique interior and exterior badging, carbon fiber-look trim, and TRD red letter embroidery on the front headrests for the TRD Off-Road Premium model.

The 2017 Toyota 4Runner is a traditional body-on-frame midsize SUV related to the Tacoma midsize truck, the global Land Cruiser Prado, and U.S.-market Lexus GX. Five-passenger seating is standard, with an optional third row bringing total capacity to seven. The SUV is offered in rear- or four-wheel-drive configurations and the standard powertrain is a 4.0-liter 270 hp V-6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

Pros
New TRD Pro model
Truck roots give it off-road ruggedness
Entune multimedia suite

Cons
Last-generation V-6 engine
Truckish feel and handling
Polarizing styling.

By: 
motortrend.com

If it's an exploration companion you're after, the Toyota 4Runner fits the bill exceptionally well

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We're not all smitten with the 4Runner, but there's no denying that it stands out.

Though its trucky roots show around town, the 4Runner is an especially capable off-roader.

Comfy seats and a roomy and versatile cargo area make the 4Runner a great pack mule.

Bigger isn't necessarily better when you lack some advanced safety tech.

While it's not a budget Range Rover, the 4Runner is well-outfitted and features a lot of available off-road tech.

Think of the 4Runner as a throwback SUV...with throwback gas mileage.

Pros
Off-road capability and features
Distinctive styling
High-tech suspension options
Strong V-6 engine
Power rear window

Cons
Weak third row
Choppy ride
Lack of steering precision
Price can climb quickly
Subpar fuel economy

By: 
thecarconnection.com

Comfortable and pleasing to drive, the 2016 Toyota Highlander is a no-brainer pick for a three-row family crossover. It also earns our top rating

Regardless of trim level, the Highlander stands out by virtue of its spacious and comfortable cabin. Second-row seating is a choice of three-across bench seating or captain's chairs with a side table. The refined V6 and smooth six-speed automatic transmission deliver effortless acceleration and make the Highlander one of the quickest big crossovers around. There are also plenty of contemporary tech tools and smartphone-integrated services, anchored by an 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen display in the higher trim levels

The Highlander packs enough goodness that we've made it one of our top picks for a three-row crossover this year. But it's not the only model worth checking out. The Highlander's main rival, the Honda Pilot, is fully redesigned this year and is more upscale and carlike than in prior years. The Ford Explorer is also updated this year and offers a similar range of prices and features plus a strong turbocharged V6 option. There's also the handsome-looking Dodge Durango or the three-row Hyundai Santa Fe, the latter of which stacks up nicely against the Highlander across the board. All of them are competent family vehicles, but the Highlander certainly earns its well-deserved reputation for all-around goodness
pros
Refined interior appointments
Quiet, compliant ride
Smooth and strong V6 engine
Seating for up to eight, functional cabin design.

cons
Lackluster four-cylinder engine
Third-row seat isn't as roomy as those in some other top rivals

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2016 Toyota Highlander isn't all that exciting to look at or to drive, but it's very versatile and handsome enough to be a great minivan alternative

The Highlander may look a little more rugged than it has in the past; yet it's still more closely related to Toyota's cars than to its rugged trucks like the 4Runner. The Highlander stands as a more civil, family-friendly alternative to the 4Runner or a more spacious alternative to the RAV4

In its latest generation, the Highlander lineup has become a little more truck-influenced from the outside, with the maw-like grille and exaggerated wheel wells and sills offering more than a faint hint of rugged cues. Inside, the cabin is all car, although there are a few fine details borrowed from Toyota's trucks, some Teutonic-themed dash action, and a pleasing jumble of lines and textures.

Pros
Wide range of powertrains
Flexible second row
Easy third-row access
Good connectivity

Cons
Design is better, but still bland
Just-adequate powertrains
Somewhat busy dash design
Hybrid only delivers if you drive gingerly

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The Toyota Highlander's reasonable price and ample list of advanced safety features make it one the best value propositions in the class. You won't find any other midsize SUV at its roughly $30,000 price point with this many active safety features. On top of that, its interior is made with upscale materials, and the ride is hushed

the Highlander's driving dynamics are comfortable but dull. It’s base four-cylinder engine is unusual for the class, as most rivals have a standard V6. You can add a V6 engine to the Highlander, but you’ll pay about $1,400 to do so. With its base engine, the Highlander’s fuel economy is above average for the class. You’ll get even better gas mileage with the optional V6 engine. If you want a better driving experience and a more potent engine in the base model, look to the Honda Pilot. There’s a modest $35 difference in price between it and the Highlander, and the Pilot handles much better through turns. You’ll also get the V6 engine standard – just not the active safety features. And if you’re a fan of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the Pilot has them in all but the base trims. You can’t get either with Toyota – at any trim level

Pros
Lots of standard active safety features
Above-average fuel economy
Comfortable and quiet on the highway

Cons
Dull performance and handling
Cramped third-row seat

By: 
cars.usnews.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Regular Unleaded
Regular Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
17.00mpg
19.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
20.00mpg
25.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
24
24
Cylinders: 
6
v
6
V
Engine Size/Displacement: 
4.00L
3.50L
Torque: 
278ft-lbs
at 4 400rpm
248ft-lbs
at 4 700rpm
Horsepower: 
270hp
at 5 600rpm
270hp
at 6 200rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
37.40Feet
38.70Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
yes
yes
Seatback Storage: 
no
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
no
yes
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
no
no
Side view Camera: 
no
no
On steering wheel: 
Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel
Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel
More in Convenience: 
Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc
Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
190.70in
191.10in
Width: 
75.80in
75.80in
Height: 
71.50in
70.10in
Ground Clearance: 
9.00in
8.00in
Front Track: 
63.00in
64.40in
Rear Track: 
63.20in
64.20in
Wheel Base: 
109.80in
109.80in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
38.60
39.50
Rear Head Room: 
38.60
39.60
Front Leg Room: 
41.70in
44.20in
Rear leg room: 
32.90in
38.40in
Front Hip Room: 
56.50in
57.10in
Front Shoulder Room: 
57.80in
59.30in
Rear Hip Room: 
55.70in
57.10in
Rear Shoulder room: 
57.80in
59.60in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
89.70cu.ft
83.20cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
5000lbs
5000lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
47.20cu.ft
13.80cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
30.00degrees
18.00degrees
Angle of Departure: 
26.00degrees
23.10degrees
Curb Weight: 
4525.00lbs
4354.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
yes
yes

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
4 one-touch power windows
Heated Mirrors
4 one-touch power windows

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
no
Front Seats Features: 
Multi-level heating passenger seat
4 -way power passenger seat
Multi-level heating driver seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Leather
Bucket front seats
8-way power driver seat
Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Multi-level heating passenger seat
Multi-level heating driver seat
Height adjustable driver seat
Bucket front seats
8 -way power driver seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Leather
Rear Seats Features: 
Reclining rear seats
Rear ventilation ducts
Split-folding rear seatback
Folding with storage center armrest
folding rear seatback
Manual folding bench third row seats
Rear ventilation ducts with fan control
Reclining rear seats

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Front stabilizer bar
Front stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension: 
rear stabilizer bar
rear stabilizer bar
Suspension Info: 
Front Independent Suspension
Four-wheel independent suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
yes
yes
Climate Control: 
yes
yes
More Comfort Features: 
Leather and simulated alloy steering wheel
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror
Turn signal in mirrors
Keyless Ignition
Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror
Leather steering wheel
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Turn signal in mirrors

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
yes
Video monitor: 
no
no
More Entertainment: 
15 total speakers
Satellite radio w/real time traffic satellite radio
3 Months of provided satellite radio service
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
USB connection
JBL Premium Brand Speakers
JBL Premium Brand Stereo System
Satellite Radio W/Real Time Traffic Satellite Radio
12 total speakers
3 Months of provided satellite radio service
USB connection
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
Adjustable speed sensitive volume control
Satellite radio w/real time traffic satellite radio

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
no
yes
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Variable intermittent wipers
Privacy glass
Intermittent rear wiper
Roof rack
Manual sunshades for rear side windows
Intermittent rear wiper
Privacy glass
Power glass sunroof
Variable intermittent wipers
Roof rack
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
20 X 7.5 In
19 x 7.5
Wheels more: 
Fullsize Matching Spare Tire
Underbody mounted spare tire
All season tires
Temporary spare tire
Underbody mounted spare tire
All season tires
Chrome-clad wheel covers
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
245.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
60
Diameter: 
R20
Width: 
245.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
55
Diameter: 
R19

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Front ventilated disc brakes
Ventilated front disc brakes
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
rear ventilated disc brakes
solid rear disc brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
yes
yes
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Rear Center 3-Point Belt
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests
Post-Collision Safety System
Dusk Sensing Headlamps
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
Remote anti-theft alarm system
First Aid Kit
Glass Breakage Sensor
VIP RS3200 Plus Security System
Glass Breakage Sensor
Post-collision safety system
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation

Options

Packages: 
Keep It Wild Savings
Protection Package
Preferred Accessory Package
Protection Package
Exterior Options: 
Special Color
Automatic Running Boards
Mudguards
Alloy Wheel Locks
Paint Protection Film
Rear Bumper Applique
Rear Bumper Applique
Drop Hitch Receiver
Rear Bumper Protector
Special Color
Cross Bars
Cross Bars and Side Rails
Towing Receiver Hitch w/Wire Harness
Door Edge Guards
Rear Bumper Protector
Body SIde Molding
Running Boards
Clear Paint Protection - Hood Package
Clear Paint Protection - Door Package
Accent Stripe
Body Side Moldings
Running Boards
Interior Options: 
Sliding Rear Cargo Deck
Leather-Trimmed 50/50 Split Fold Flat Third Row Seat
All-Weather Floor Mats and Cargo Liner
Carpet Mats w/Lipped Cargo Mat
Carpet Floor Mats and Cargo Liner
Wireless Headphones
Cargo Net
Carpet Floor Mats and Carpet Cargo Mat
Retractable Cargo Cover
Cargo Cover
Rear-Seat Blu-Ray DVD Entertainment System
2nd Row Captain's Chairs
Carpet Floor Mats, Carpet Cargo Mat, All Weather Floor Mats
10" Overhead DVD Player (moonroof vehicles)
Connectivity Package (4 Piece)
Carpet Mats w/Lipped Cargo Mat

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Graphite, leatherette
#313131
Sand Beige, leatherette
#B5AEA1
Color: 
Ash, cloth
#7D7C7C
Black, cloth
#282828