For Toyota, the goal is to craft reliable, accommodating SUVs that effortlessly pair with your active lifestyle around Charlotte, Lincolnton, and Gastonia, NC. The brand does a darn good job of making these kinds of vehicles too. When sorting through the Toyota lineup, one of the most popular debates centers around the Toyota Highlander vs. Toyota 4Runner.
Since the pair have so many similarities, our team at Toyota of Gastonia figured a look into each SUV’s specifications may be enlightening. This way, while you move through the car-shopping experience, you know exactly what you’re getting with the Highlander and 4Runner.
You’ll enjoy that Toyota trademark of reliable, long-lasting performance, whether you opt for the Toyota Highlander or the Toyota 4Runner.
The Highlander comes with a pair of motors that are listed here:
The hybrid motor is certainly the go-to for this model if your top priority is to maintain high-end fuel economy.
The Toyota 4Runner is both strong and efficient, as well, with a 4.0L engine powering the SUV to the tune of 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque.
Thanks to the size of the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota 4Runner, you’ll have ample room for all your cargo or the entirety of your family.
| Toyota Highlander | |
| Front Headroom: | 41.2 inches |
| Front Legroom: | 42 inches |
| Second Row Headroom: | 39.4 inches |
| Second Row Legroom: | 41 inches |
| Third Row Headroom: | 36.1 inches |
| Third Row Legroom: | 27.7 inches |
| Toyota 4Runner | |
| Front Headroom: | 39.3 inches |
| Front Legroom: | 41.7 inches |
| Second Row Headroom: | 38.6 inches |
| Second Row Legroom: | 32.9 inches |
| Third Row Headroom: | 34.3 inches |
| Third Row Legroom: | 29.3 inches |
Finally, there’s the matter of cargo volume, which alters depending on how you arrange the cabin. With the Highlander, you get 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet behind the second, and 84.3 cubic feet total.
Those same figures for the 4Runner measure nine cubic feet behind the third row, 46.3 cubic feet behind the second, and a total of 88.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity!
If you find that the interior of your SUV isn’t enough for storage or you have a boat you want to take to the lake for a long weekend, both the Toyota 4Runner and Toyota Highlander are capable companions.
When properly equipped, each of these SUVs can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Traits like Trailer Sway Control with the Highlander, and the wiring harness with 4- and 7-pin connectors for the 4Runner, come in handy.
In the end, your personal preference will decide whether you want to drive the Toyota 4Runner or Toyota Highlander around Gastonia, Charlotte, and Lincolnton, North Carolina. You can test out both SUVs by contacting us here at Toyota of Gastonia, !
