SIGforum.com    Main Page  Hop To Forum Categories  The Lounge    Looking for a new ride. Toyota Highlander vs 4Runner?
Page 1 2 3 
Go
New
Find
Notify
Tools
Reply
  
Looking for a new ride. Toyota Highlander vs 4Runner? Login/Join 
Rumors of my death
are greatly exaggerated
Picture of coloradohunter44
posted Hide Post
I have a 2023 4Runner ORP. I tow a 18 foot boat 40 miles round trip for fishing when weather allows in Colorado, once a week or so. The V-6 is bulletproof and well engineered. I run 91 octane fuel. 15 mpg or so towing. 20 or so normal driving. I don't do rabbit starts to help with the economy. I'm 6'2" and fit nicely. I never considered the Highlander, but a friend has one and they love it. It just depends upon your needs. Both will last a long time with good care and maintenance. I wanted to be able to do off-roading in Colorado and the 4Runner is much better suited.



"Someday I hope to be half the man my bird-dog thinks I am."

looking forward to 4 years of TRUMP!
 
Posts: 11075 | Location: Commirado | Registered: July 23, 2009Reply With QuoteReport This Post
crazy heart
Picture of mod29
posted Hide Post
If you want a real SUV, 4-Runner all day long. Get one while they still have the 4.0 V6.
Made in Japan, body-on-frame, rock-solid reliability and unbelievable resale value.
Some models still have a manual lever for the transfer case. When's the last time you saw that on a new SUV or truck?
 
Posts: 1804 | Location: WA | Registered: January 07, 2009Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Member
posted Hide Post
I bought a 2019 5th generation Toyota 4Runner from my good friend in early 2022, and it's run like a champ and is a great platform for carrying all sorts of emergency equipmen, both inside and on the roof. My experience is that it will get you through any type of snowstorm and many types of slippery conditions - but you must pay attention to her every second, and not let her "wander" while you're at high speeds on the highway. After driving it for 2 years, it still gets 18 mpg. A year ago, the resale value of my 4Runner was $12,000 more than I paid for it - a sign of quality worth paying attention to. I like my 4Runner quite a bit, and for that reason I recommend that you to get one if you can find one.
 
Posts: 110 | Location: Chicago area | Registered: April 01, 2018Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Member
Picture of redlickranch
posted Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by mod29:
If you want a real SUV, 4-Runner all day long. Get one while they still have the 4.0 V6.
Made in Japan, body-on-frame, rock-solid reliability and unbelievable resale value.
Some models still have a manual lever for the transfer case. When's the last time you saw that on a new SUV or truck?



The above reasons I am temped to overlook the mileage with 4R. But, I don't really pull anything and I have a CanAm Defender and Kodiak ATV for off road stuff. I don't want a Lexus since their is only One dealer in town vs Toyota has 3. One of the reasons I moved off my Acura and now Infiniti is the dealer. Thanks for all the feedback I don't think I can go wrong with either. I like the 4R for the power, made in Japan and it sits up a bit higher, but I did notice the ride. The Highlander has a softer ride, but the 4 cyl turbo motor has me a bit hesitant for long term reliability. I may see if I can find a Certified Highlander with the V6.

Thanks for the feedback....


NRA Life Member

 
Posts: 1057 | Location: Bluegrass State GO CARDS!!! | Registered: July 31, 2008Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Member
posted Hide Post
We have both a 2015 Highlander and 2020 4Runner. Very different vehicles. The Highlander is much more car like, better handling, more fuel efficient, more space inside, etc. The 4Runner on the other hand, its more truck like, less bells and whistles, geared differently, etc. Of course, I'm modified mine for a light overlanding rig so have add probably 600lbs of armor (skids, sliders), bumpers , winch, drawer system, fridge, etc. I love it. Both are two of Toyota's most reliable vehicles which makes them some of the most reliable vehicles sold.


Made in Texas, in the good ole' U.S. of A.
 
Posts: 245 | Location: Western North Carolina | Registered: May 11, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Raised Hands Surround Us
Three Nails To Protect Us
Picture of Black92LX
posted Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by redlickranch:
quote:
Originally posted by mod29:
If you want a real SUV, 4-Runner all day long. Get one while they still have the 4.0 V6.
Made in Japan, body-on-frame, rock-solid reliability and unbelievable resale value.
Some models still have a manual lever for the transfer case. When's the last time you saw that on a new SUV or truck?



The above reasons I am temped to overlook the mileage with 4R. But, I don't really pull anything and I have a CanAm Defender and Kodiak ATV for off road stuff. I don't want a Lexus since their is only One dealer in town vs Toyota has 3. One of the reasons I moved off my Acura and now Infiniti is the dealer. Thanks for all the feedback I don't think I can go wrong with either. I like the 4R for the power, made in Japan and it sits up a bit higher, but I did notice the ride. The Highlander has a softer ride, but the 4 cyl turbo motor has me a bit hesitant for long term reliability. I may see if I can find a Certified Highlander with the V6.

Thanks for the feedback....


I would highly suggest getting the Hybrid. Toyota has nearly perfected their hybrid motors and the one in the hybrid has been around for awhile.
All hybrid components including battery are covered by a 150k warranty so you are good for 7.5 years at 20k a year.
Depending upon what you drive currently you will likely make up the added hybrid motor initial cost rather quickly.
If we replaced our Suburban with one we would make it up in just over 2 years in fuel savings.

The battery replacement scares a lot of people. In the Highlander it’s a breeze to do yourself as all you really have to do is remove the rear seat which is not difficult. Just a little time consuming.
A refurbished or new battery will cost between $3000 and 6,000 based upon rebuilt, aftermarket, or OEM.
There are a couple of added maintenance steps for hybrid but nothing expensive or major.


————————————————
The world's not perfect, but it's not that bad.
If we got each other, and that's all we have.
I will be your brother, and I'll hold your hand.
You should know I'll be there for you!
 
Posts: 25906 | Registered: September 06, 2003Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Member
Picture of Redleg06
posted Hide Post
"Redleg, is that recall for a whistling noise that happens at lower (under 50 or so) mph.
We have that issue on our 2021."

No. It's...

"2020 to 2023 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid SUVs. The problem: Minor collision damage could cause a front bumper cover to detach from the vehicle, causing a road hazard for other drivers."

That, however, could be the source of your whistling. Another source could be from the factory roof rack, if you have one. I've specifically avoided those because of the noise issues as well as their general uselessness.


"Cedat Fortuna Peritis"
 
Posts: 2028 | Location: Central Texas | Registered: June 12, 2004Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Lawyers, Guns
and Money
Picture of chellim1
posted Hide Post
quote:
Looking at trading in my QX60 for a new ride. I have narrowed it down to two options. Highlander vs 4Runner.

Of the two, the Highlander is the closer replacement for the QX60.
I love the 4Runner, but you have to decide what your needs are. The Highlander would be more practical.



"Some things are apparent. Where government moves in, community retreats, civil society disintegrates and our ability to control our own destiny atrophies. The result is: families under siege; war in the streets; unapologetic expropriation of property; the precipitous decline of the rule of law; the rapid rise of corruption; the loss of civility and the triumph of deceit. The result is a debased, debauched culture which finds moral depravity entertaining and virtue contemptible."
-- Justice Janice Rogers Brown

"The United States government is the largest criminal enterprise on earth."
-rduckwor
 
Posts: 24961 | Location: St. Louis, MO | Registered: April 03, 2009Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Member
posted Hide Post
We talking new? 4R has an old powertrain that is probably the best Toyota has made in the last 30 years. It’ll run forever. But it is thirsty and a bit more crude than a Highlander is. I know a few folks with older ones that love theirs but the new one has an unproven turbo 4 and new Toyota stuff has had some teething issues as of late.
 
Posts: 2246 | Location: New Hampshire | Registered: February 25, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Jack of All Trades,
Master of Nothing
Picture of 2000Z-71
posted Hide Post
Have owned 2 4Runners in the past. They're a great, rugged, dependable vehicle. The downsides, they're slow and fuel economy is not great expect 17mpg. But they'll go anywhere, do anything and the dogs absolutely loved the rear window that rolls down.

If you go the 4Runner route my suggestion is to look for a TRD Off Road trim with the KDSS suspension. Not only does it give you better off road capability, but the on road handling is much better. The KDSS package includes adjusting swaybars, they soften up for off road use but are much stiffer and provide better on road handling than the base suspension. Another option to look for is the slide out cargo floor. It provides easier access, but is also provides some underfloor storage and makes for a completely flat rear cargo area with the seats folded.

They're a great vehicle and I'd almost rather have one than my Jeep Gladiator. But the downside of living in Alaska, Kendall is the only dealer, they own the dealerships in Anchorage and Fairbanks and they absolutely suck. Very limited inventory, waiting lists on 4Runners and all sell with overpriced dealer add ons and, "Adjusted Market Value" of 5-10k over sticker.




My daughter can deflate your daughter's soccer ball.
 
Posts: 11956 | Location: Eagle River, AK | Registered: September 12, 2006Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Never miss an opportunity
to be Batman!
Picture of jsbcody
posted Hide Post
So last year I was looking for a new vehicle and ended up with a 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road. Transaction was easy, vehicle was en route when I put deposit on it. I was looking at a 4Runner but none in either the TRD Off Road or Pro were in stock or due for a couple months.

I am extremely happy with Tacoma......but at my work parking garage there is a 2023 4Runner TRD Off Road Pro that parks next to me, so I have a little bit of remorse. I like the truck for hauling things but I miss the SUV cabin where I could have my dogs in the cargo area and people in the backseat.
 
Posts: 4119 | Location: St.Louis County MO | Registered: October 13, 2006Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Lawyers, Guns
and Money
Picture of chellim1
posted Hide Post
quote:
2023 4Runner TRD Off Road Pro

https://www.holzhauerschrysler...ZEAQYBSABEgK2pvD_BwE



"Some things are apparent. Where government moves in, community retreats, civil society disintegrates and our ability to control our own destiny atrophies. The result is: families under siege; war in the streets; unapologetic expropriation of property; the precipitous decline of the rule of law; the rapid rise of corruption; the loss of civility and the triumph of deceit. The result is a debased, debauched culture which finds moral depravity entertaining and virtue contemptible."
-- Justice Janice Rogers Brown

"The United States government is the largest criminal enterprise on earth."
-rduckwor
 
Posts: 24961 | Location: St. Louis, MO | Registered: April 03, 2009Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Member
posted Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by old rugged cross:
Redleg, is that recall for a whistling noise that happens at lower (under 50 or so) mph.
We have that issue on our 2021.

Thanks.


Whistling supposedly is in the mirrors - no recall. Latest recall is to prevent bump from falling off.
 
Posts: 200 | Location: chicagoland | Registered: March 22, 2010Reply With QuoteReport This Post
in the end karma
always catches up
posted Hide Post
I had two 4Runners and loved them never had any major issues, but they are a truck and while the rode ok they are no where near as comfortable as a Highlander. Toyota is also launching a new one next year I think or 26 that will not be body on frame like the current model. The new one is supposedly coming with a hybrid option as well. If you off road and do those things the 4Runner is very capable but there is a price(mileage, comfort, dates interior).


" The people shall have a right to bear arms, for the defense of themselves and the State" Art 1 Sec 32 Indiana State Constitution

YAT-YAS
 
Posts: 3758 | Location: Northwest, In | Registered: December 03, 2004Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Too clever by half
Picture of jigray3
posted Hide Post
Because you drive 20K miles a year, yes, the fuel economy is likely a consideration. In my experience, nobody actually sits down and does the math. At $3/gal getting combined city/highway EPA est 17 mpg for the 4R vs a combined 24 mpg for the 4cyl Turbo Highlander you'll spend $1029/yr or $85.75/mo more for the 4R in fuel, recognizing that future gas prices are a big assumption.

That said, I'm still not a fan of turbochargers. I put 344K miles over 13 years on my first Tundra and sold it for 30% of what I paid for it. I currently have 265K on my 2013 Tundra, and costs have been limited to maintenance and normal sacrificial wear components. I'm skeptical that I would get the same reliability out of the new turbo Toyotas, or even a hybrid for that matter. Also unknown is the future resale value of very high mileage Toyota turbo's, especially against the retained value of the 4R, historically one of the best in the industry.




"We have a system that increasingly taxes work, and increasingly subsidizes non-work" - Milton Friedman
 
Posts: 10377 | Location: Richmond, VA | Registered: December 11, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Shall Not Be Infringed
Picture of nhracecraft
posted Hide Post
What does everyone have against turbochargers? It seems that many (most?) that don't actually have one are those that say they'll never have one, or that they are skeptical of their reliability. I've been driving turbocharged Volvos for 20 years and NEVER had a 'turbocharger problem'. The newer turbocharged cars I've driven (service loaners - Audi, Mercedes, and Volvo) have very impressive performance, and I've got no reason to question their reliability. The new(er) turbocharged engines have improved reliability, drive-ability, and performance over the previous generation(s), and certainly don't deserve the reputation that they often had in the 90's...Just sayin' Wink


____________________________________________________________

If Some is Good, and More is Better.....then Too Much, is Just Enough !!
Trump 2024....Make America Great Again!
"May Almighty God bless the United States of America" - parabellum 7/26/20
Live Free or Die!
 
Posts: 9699 | Location: New Hampshire | Registered: October 29, 2011Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Member
posted Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by nhracecraft:
What does everyone have against turbochargers? It seems that many (most?) that don't actually have one are those that say they'll never have one, or that they are skeptical of their reliability. I've been driving turbocharged Volvos for 20 years and NEVER had a 'turbocharger problem'. The newer turbocharged cars I've driven (service loaners - Audi, Mercedes, and Volvo) have very impressive performance, and I've got no reason to question their reliability. The new(er) turbocharged engines have improved reliability, drive-ability, and performance over the previous generation(s), and certainly don't deserve the reputation that they often had in the 90's...Just sayin' Wink


Nothing against them in general but the rollout at Toyota has been a bit disastrous. Lots of engine failures on the new Tundra.
 
Posts: 2246 | Location: New Hampshire | Registered: February 25, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Green grass and
high tides
Picture of old rugged cross
posted Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by stuffgeek:
quote:
Originally posted by old rugged cross:
Redleg, is that recall for a whistling noise that happens at lower (under 50 or so) mph.
We have that issue on our 2021.

Thanks.


Whistling supposedly is in the mirrors - no recall. Latest recall is to prevent bump from falling off.


Thank you. Will have to look into that. Appreciate it.



"Practice like you want to play in the game"
 
Posts: 20015 | Registered: September 21, 2005Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Member
posted Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by nhracecraft:
What does everyone have against turbochargers? It seems that many (most?) that don't actually have one are those that say they'll never have one, or that they are skeptical of their reliability. I've been driving turbocharged Volvos for 20 years and NEVER had a 'turbocharger problem'. The newer turbocharged cars I've driven (service loaners - Audi, Mercedes, and Volvo) have very impressive performance, and I've got no reason to question their reliability. The new(er) turbocharged engines have improved reliability, drive-ability, and performance over the previous generation(s), and certainly don't deserve the reputation that they often had in the 90's...Just sayin' Wink


Scott Kilmer (mechanic / youtuber) has discussed how both Ford and Toyota are building trucks with smaller engines and pushing them with turbochargers to get the government required mileage and power needed. He's warned the long term reliability beyond 100K miles is at risk because the smaller engines are being pushed so hard.
 
Posts: 2385 | Registered: October 24, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Green grass and
high tides
Picture of old rugged cross
posted Hide Post
There is no doubt. Add to that the 10-12 speed transmission's to boot.



"Practice like you want to play in the game"
 
Posts: 20015 | Registered: September 21, 2005Reply With QuoteReport This Post
  Powered by Social Strata Page 1 2 3  
 

SIGforum.com    Main Page  Hop To Forum Categories  The Lounge    Looking for a new ride. Toyota Highlander vs 4Runner?

© SIGforum 2024