Toyota 4Runner vs Highlander
The 4Runner and Highlander: Two Competitive SUVs With Plenty to Offer
The Toyota 4Runner and Toyota Highlander are two competitive SUVs that offer a range of features to meet the needs of a wide variety of drivers. Whether you’re seeking rugged off-road capability or a refined and spacious family vehicle, both models deliver unique strengths that make them stand out in the Toyota lineup. The 4Runner is built for adventure with its body-on-frame construction and trail-ready features, while the Highlander offers a smoother ride, advanced tech, and third-row seating for growing families. If you're considering a versatile SUV to purchase in Oregon, comparing the Toyota 4Runner and Highlander is a great starting point.
Performance & Towing
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner comes standard with the i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque and paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For even more capability, the optional i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain bumps output to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft, making it the most powerful 4Runner ever offered. Thanks to its rugged body-on-frame construction and available 4WD with features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select, the 4Runner can tow up to 6,000?lbs when properly equipped.
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with optional all-wheel drive. A hybrid variant pairs a 2.5-liter engine with electric motors to produce 243 hp, offering significantly better fuel economy but slightly lower torque. The gas Highlander can tow up to 5,000?lbs, while the hybrid version is rated for 3,500?lbs
In summary: the 2025 4Runner edges ahead in raw towing strength and off-road capability, with up to 6,000?lbs of tow rating and a higher-torque hybrid option, whereas the Highlander offers a smoother, more fuel-efficient ride, with respectable towing (up to 5,000?lbs for the gas model) combined with a hybrid model option that’s ideal for family and daily-driving use.
Interior, Cargo, & Safety
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner and 2025 Toyota Highlander both offer impressive features, but they cater to different priorities when it comes to interior design, cargo space, and safety. The 4Runner features a more rugged interior with durable materials, available 14-inch touchscreen, and optional third-row seating, making it ideal for adventurous drivers. It also offers up to 90 cubic feet of cargo space in two-row models, providing plenty of room for gear. In contrast, the Highlander offers a more refined and family-friendly cabin with seating for up to eight, premium materials, and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen for enhanced comfort and connectivity. While it offers slightly less maximum cargo capacity at around 84.3 cubic feet, it provides more usable space behind the third row compared to the 4Runner. Both SUVs come equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes advanced safety technologies like pre-collision warning, lane tracing assist, and adaptive cruise control, but the Highlander adds features like blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. Whether you prioritize rugged capability or everyday family comfort, both the 4Runner and Highlander offer strong safety and interior versatility.
Off-Road vs On-Road
When it comes to off-road and on-road performance, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner and 2025 Toyota Highlander each offer clear advantages depending on your driving needs. The 2025 4Runner is built for off-road adventures with its body-on-frame construction, available 4WD, Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and up to 6,000 pounds of towing capacity, making it ideal for tackling rugged trails and outdoor excursions. However, its truck-like ride and handling may feel less refined on paved roads. On the other hand, the 2025 Highlander is optimized for comfortable on-road driving with a unibody structure, smoother suspension, and quieter cabin, making it a better choice for daily commuting and family road trips. While the Highlander offers available AWD and mild off-road capability, it lacks the advanced trail-focused features found in the 4Runner. Ultimately, the 4Runner shines off the beaten path, while the Highlander excels in urban and highway environments.
Differences Between the Toyota 4Runner and Toyota Highlander
| 2025 4Runner Features | 2025 Highlander Features |
|---|---|
| Standard seating capacity of 5 passengers | Standard seating capacity of 8 passengers |
| 19/25 mpg | 22/29 mpg |
| Hard plastic coverings in interior | Soft-touch material coverings in interior |
| 5-speed transmission with 278 hp & 317lb-ft. of torque | 8-speed transmission with 265 hp & 310 lb-ft. of torque |
| Max cargo capacity of 89.7 cu. ft. | Max cargo capacity of 84.3 cu. ft. |
| RWD/4x4 capability | FWD/AWD capability |
| Better off-road ability | Better on-road ability |
| Ground clearance up to 10.1 inches | Ground clearance up to 8 inches |
Visit Lum’s Toyota and Test Drive Both the Toyota 4Runner and Toyota Highlander Today!
When you’re ready to find the SUV that best fits your lifestyle, visit Lum’s Toyota in Oregon for a personalized test-drive experience featuring both the Toyota 4Runner for sale and the Toyota Highlander for sale. Take the 4Runner for a spin and feel its rugged off-road prowess and commanding road presence, then switch gears and enjoy the smooth, refined ride of the Highlander with its family-friendly comfort and modern amenities. As you explore trim levels and performance differences, our knowledgeable team will walk you through features, financing options, and current specials. Plus, you can bring in your current vehicle for a quick trade-in appraisal and apply that value toward your next ride and drive home confident in your decision while saving money today.