Choose Between a Toyota Highlander and the Toyota 4Runner

If you're in the market for a new SUV, two exceptional options from the 2025 Toyota lineup are the Toyota 4Runner and Toyota Highlander. Whether you need a rugged off-road machine or more spacious family transportation, both vehicles have outstanding features that match different needs. The 4Runner is renowned for its durability and adventurous capabilities. The Highlander is built for families who need a reliable, comfortable, and fuel-efficient mid-size SUV. In our head-to-head comparison, we’ll explain the key differences between these two popular Toyota SUVs, helping you decide one to buy at Principle Toyota of Hernando in Hernando, MS.

A Comparison of Performance

The new Toyota 4Runner operates with a standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that generates 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The Toyota Highlander also runs with 2.4-liter 4-cylinder but the output is a little lower at 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Both vehicles also offer a pure hybrid powertrain. The 4Runner has a hybrid with 2.4-liter turbo and an electric motor that generates 326 horsepower while the Highlander hybrid is equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and electric motors to generate 243 horsepower.

The 4Runner gives you 6000 pounds of towing capacity while the new Toyota Highlander tops out at 5000 pounds of towing. So the bottom line is that the Toyota 4Runner gives you more horsepower and torque whether you get the standard gas engine or the hybrid and it also gives you a higher level of towing capacity.

A comparison of fuel efficiency

Although the Toyota 4Runner offers a little more power, the 2025 Toyota Highlander is considerably more fuel efficient. The 4Runner hybrid gives you 23 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on Southaven, MS highways while the 2025 Toyota Highlander hybrid provides a much more fuel efficient 36 MPG. So if you don't need maximum power and put a high priority on fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander might be the SUV to get.

A comparison of interior space and features

The Toyota 4Runner provides seating capacity for up to seven if you select the optional third row while the 2025 Highlander is more family-friendly with seating for up to eight. The Toyota 4Runner has a standard 8-inch infotainment screen compared with a 12.3-inch standard screen in the Toyota Highlander. The 4Runner does offer a larger 14-inch infotainment display at higher trim levels. So in summary, the Highlander is more oriented toward families with greater seating capacity and it also has a larger standard touch screen display.

A comparison of technology

The Toyota 4Runner and the Highlander both operate with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system and both provide standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. The Highlander gets the edge when it comes to wireless device charging, offering it as a standard feature while it's an available upgrade on the 4Runner. In addition, the Highlander offers a head-up display safety feature on the Platinum trim while it's not available on the Toyota 4Runner. So when it comes to technology, both have a lot to offer but the Highlander provides a more premium tech experience.

A comparison of safety features

Both the Toyota 4Runner and the Highlander are equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as the standard safety system. Both provide your family with a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, and blind-spot monitoring. But the Highlander gets the edge by offering front and rear parking sensors standard on higher trims while it's an available option on higher trims in the 4Runner.

We'll help you decide which Toyota SUV is right for you