When you compare the Toyota Highlander vs. 4Runner, you'll discover several key differences, including the Highlander's standard three-row seating and more fuel-efficient turbocharged engine, which stands in contrast to the 4Runner and its standard two-row interior, slightly lower MPG values, and more capable all-terrain performance.
If you dream of driving a new Toyota SUV with a muscular engine, advanced tech, and a spacious interior, review our comparison of the Toyota Highlander vs. 4Runner. Either SUV will give you what you need, but one may be better-suited for your life than the other. When you've decided on one, visit our team at McGee Toyota of Hanover for an in-person tour.
Toyota Highlander vs. 4Runner: Toyota SUV Differences & Similarities at a Glance
- The two SUVs run on the same engine displacement, but the 4Runner makes more power and has a higher maximum towing capacity; the Highlander gets better MPG values, however.
- The 4Runner is better suited for off-roading with its maximum 10.1-inch ground clearance; the Highlander caps out at 8 inches.
- The Toyota Highlander is ideal for large families with an eight-passenger seating capacity, while a standard two-row 4Runner accommodates only five.
- These midsize SUVs have similar standard interior appointments, with 8-inch touchscreens and similar upholstery options. However, the 4Runner has a larger touchscreen upgrade and available TRD accents; the Highlander does not.
SUV Showdown: Toyota 4Runner vs. Highlander
McGee Toyota of Hanover has compiled a thorough review of the Toyota 4Runner vs. Highlander models to help SUV shoppers determine which of these Toyota automobiles makes more sense for their preferences.
Below, we compare the 2025 Toyota Highlander vs. 2025 Toyota 4Runner in various editions, including the base variants of each SUV, noting the differences in dimensions, specs, capabilities, and features.
Toyota Highlander vs. Toyota 4Runner Engine & MPG
As you shop and compare the Toyota 4Runner vs. Highlander SUVs, you'll discover that these models offer similar power output and general specs, but their performance and capabilities are optimized for slightly different roles.
The Toyota Highlander is motivated by an advanced, turbocharged 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed to the front wheels in the Highlander crossover SUV's base configuration, but all-wheel drive (AWD) is available.
Its 2.4-liter turbocharged engine is coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission. With its standard FWD layout, this fuel-efficient powertrain enables the 2025 Highlander to reach an EPA-estimated 22/29/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),1 an impressive feat for an eight-passenger SUV.
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is a classically styled midsize SUV featuring an engine of the same caliber as the Toyota Highlander – a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. However, it boasts more rugged off-road SUV credentials. Its engine provides slightly more muscle: A standard 2025 4Runner outputs 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It manages a maximum EPA-estimated 20/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1 rating, falling just shy of the high-efficiency Highlander. That means the Highlander takes the lead in both seating capacity and a Highlander vs. 4Runner gas mileage comparison, but gives up the performance crown to the 4Runner.
Toyota 4Runner vs. Highlander Towing Capacity & Drivetrain
Comparing the Toyota Highlander vs. 4Runner towing capacity, we find that both of these SUVs are very capable. The Toyota Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, while the Toyota 4Runner gets an impressive 6,000-pound tow rating.2 That means either Toyota SUV towing capacity can be enough for a robust adventure with watercraft, a camper, or a trailer to enhance the experience.
In contrast to the Toyota Highlander SUV's FWD or AWD layout, the 4Runner is built on a rear-wheel-drive platform. It starts with two-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive is available.
Off-Roading Chops: Toyota 4Runner vs. Toyota Highlander Comparison
The matchup between these two SUVs in the off-roading arena is an exciting one. Both have strong all-terrain prowess, but the dynamic 4Runner is a more valuable choice for those who adore the great outdoors. That's not to say the Highlander doesn't have its off-road uses, though. Let's get into specifics.
For one, both vehicles come standard with a Drive Mode Select system, but the Highlander misses out on the 4Runner SUV's available Custom, Sport S, Sport S+, and Comfort modes. This fine-tuned precision allows you to dial in your necessary power on the Toyota 4Runner. Instead, the Highlander sticks to a set of available pre-determined modes like Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, and Normal.
Additionally, the Toyota 4Runner provides a smoother drive over debris with a maximum 10.1-inch ground clearance. The Highlander sticks to a consistent 8-inch ground clearance across all its 2025 iterations.
A final point we'll make is regarding a tire comparison. The Toyota Highlander offers smooth operation with standard all-season tires across every model. The 4Runner, on the other hand, promises more pointed control with a set of different options: standard all-season and two available types of all-terrain tires.
We'll put it bluntly: the rugged Toyota 4Runner SUV demonstrates off-road performance capabilities the Highlander crossover simply doesn't match.
Specifications: Toyota Highlander vs. Toyota 4Runner Comparison
Comparing Toyota Highlander vs. 4Runner Size & Seating Capacity
The size and seating capacity of the Toyota Highlander and 4Runner differ substantially. So, selecting your ideal new Toyota SUV may also come down to your needs and preferences around its cabin size and passenger capacity.
The 2025 Toyota Highlander SUV and 2025 Toyota 4Runner are identical lengths – 194.9 inches. The Toyota 4Runner is, however, slightly wider and taller than its three-row cousin. Since the Highlander has three rows, you can expect to seat up to eight passengers, while the 4Runner accommodates only five in its standard makeup. The Highlander can also be configured with a seven-passenger seating setup for those who prefer second-row captain's chairs instead of bench seating.
The Toyota 4Runner features a classic two-row, five-passenger layout across its trim levels. However, while this Toyota SUV is typically imagined only as a five-passenger model, it does offer an optional third row as part of the seven-passenger seating package.
A Quick Toyota Highlander vs. 4Runner Size Comparison
Highlander vs. 4Runner SUV Interior Space & Cargo Capacity
Two-row models of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner feature up to 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 90.4 cubic feet with the second row folded.
If you opt for a 4Runner SUV with the optional third row, you'll get a 12.1-cubic-feet storage area behind the seats. Fold the third row for 44.8 cubic feet or the two rows behind the front seats for up to 84.4 cubic feet for cargo in the seven-passenger version.
The Highlander SUV's 16 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind its third row tops the 4Runner three-row model. However, with the second and third rows lowered, the 4Runner SUV's 84.4 cubic feet of maximum storage volume is nearly identical to the Highlander SUV's 84.3 cubic feet in the same area.
Our Last Stop: 4Runner vs. Highlander Interior Features
As we wrap up our Toyota Highlander vs. 4Runner comparison, we'll be focusing on how the two come outfitted and what you can expect from their lists of practical cabin appointments. As the two share an automaker, you can expect many similarities, like standard fabric-trimmed seating, available SofTex and leather upholstery, and available wireless smartphone charging.
Some key differences between these two Toyota SUV interiors include the models' touchscreen displays and special badging. The 4Runner and Highlander both start with an 8-inch display, but the 4Runner upgrades to a 14-inch touchscreen, while the Highlander offers only a 12.3-inch upgrade option. Plus, the 4Runner gets available TRD interior accents and badging, while the Highlander does not have access to these features.
Find Your Preferred New Toyota SUV at McGee Toyota of Hanover
Given the size, specs, and capabilities of the Toyota Highlander vs. Toyota 4Runner, which of these Toyota SUVs do you prefer? No matter which automobile you love more, McGee Toyota of Hanover provides access to the latest Toyota vehicles in various trim levels, packages, and configurations. Either Toyota SUV, for families, can be an excellent fit.
We encourage you to shop our Toyota inventory, see our new vehicle specials, and contact our sales specialists to discuss your ideal new SUV in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions Comparing the Toyota Highlander vs. 4Runner
Is the Toyota Highlander bigger than the 4Runner?
The Toyota Highlander and the 4Runner are the same exact length (194.9 inches), but the 4Runner is wider and taller than the Highlander. The new Highlander SUV measures 76 inches wide, while the 4Runner measures 78 inches wide. The 4Runner is much taller, too, with the base model clocking in at 72.6 inches tall, while the Highlander is 68.1 inches tall.
Is a Highlander as reliable as a 4Runner?
A Toyota Highlander is considered as reliable as a Toyota 4Runner. Both of these Toyota SUVs for sale have a sterling record of reliability over the years. For 2025, specifically, both earned "Great" ratings by J.D. Power in Quality & Reliability and Resale value.3,4 So you can count on either model to deliver dependable daily transportation, provided you treat them to proper routine maintenance.
Why is the Toyota Highlander so popular?
The Toyota Highlander is widely loved because it meets the needs of many large and growing families through its spacious three-row interior, advanced cabin technologies, and fuel-efficient performance. In short, the Highlander midsize crossover SUV is the ideal family vehicle, as it provides comfortable seating for up to eight, a large cargo hold, and robust performance you can count on.
Is a Grand Highlander bigger than a 4Runner?
Yes, a Toyota Grand Highlander is bigger than a 4Runner. The Grand Highlander is a larger version of the popular three-row Highlander, which is already larger than the 4Runner. With its longer body and wheelbase, the Grand Highlander is larger than both the Highlander and the 4Runner and has more passenger volume and cargo space than most other Toyota SUVs.
Is the 4Runner off-road capability better than the Highlander off-road capability?
Generally, the Toyota 4Runner has better off-road capability than the Toyota Highlander. It boasts a maximum of 10.1 inches of ground clearance, offers more control over drive models with Custom mode that the Highlander lacks, and features more robust tire options. However, the Highlander is hardly an SUV to scoff at when going off-road with its available drive modes and 8 inches of ground clearance.
Learn More About The Toyota 4Runner And Toyota Highlander
