Toyota 4Runner vs Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was a standout in Toyota's lineup of crossovers and SUVs, offering a range of options from all-gas to hybrid-powered models. Built on the TNGA-K platform, it shared its underpinnings with the regular Highlander, RAV4, Sienna, and Camry, distinguishing itself from the body-on-frame Sequoia. With a length of 201.4 inches and a 116.1-inch wheelbase, it was larger than competitors like the Kia Telluride, providing a spacious interior. Its design, inspired by rugged vehicles, featured a conservative yet blocky style, reminiscent of the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot. The Grand Highlander was available in three trims: XLE, Limited, and Platinum, with interior options ranging from Softex synthetic leather to real leather in higher trims. It offered a comfortable and well-built interior, making it an excellent choice for road trips.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, retained its iconic design with a more industrial personality. It featured deep beveled creases and flared wheel arches, giving it a broad-shouldered stance. Paying homage to previous generations, it retained the sliding rear window for easier cargo access. Inside, the 4Runner shared similarities with the Toyota Tacoma, offering a purposeful and refined cabin with hard plastics for durability. While not as luxurious as the Land Rover Defender, it surpassed the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco in materials quality. The 4Runner's design was a blend of tradition and modernity, appealing to those seeking a rugged yet comfortable off-road SUV.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options, starting with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid option delivered 245 combined net horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. At the top, the Hybrid Max powertrain, a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid, produced 362 combined net horsepower and 400 combined net lb-ft of torque. The Grand Highlander was available with front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with the Hybrid Max exclusively AWD. While not a sports car, the Hybrid Max offered impressive acceleration with a zero-to-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The standard turbo gas-engine model was expected to account for 85% of sales, offering adequate power and solid brakes. The Grand Highlander featured three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal—with additional modes for AWD-equipped models.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner came with two engine choices. Entry-level trims featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) was standard on some trims, with four-wheel drive (4WD) available. The i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain, based on the same four-cylinder engine, delivered 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid was more of a power upgrade than a fuel-sipping option, offering strong power at lower speeds for off-roading. The 4Runner's new generation was quieter and more composed on pavement, with improved handling and reduced body roll. It retained its off-road prowess, with nine trims offering varying levels of capability. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were the most impressive, though the Trailhunter's snorkel added wind noise.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was larger than its primary rivals, measuring 201.4 inches long with a 116.1-inch wheelbase. This extra length translated to increased storage space, with a total cargo capacity of 97.5 cubic feet. Behind the second-row seats, it offered 57.9 cubic feet, and with all three rows up, there were 20.6 cubic feet available. The Grand Highlander provided ample head, leg, and shoulder room in every row, making it comfortable for passengers, even in the third row.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was five inches longer than its predecessor, with a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase. While this typically resulted in more passenger space, the gains were minimal. The front seats offered plenty of room for taller passengers, but the middle row was less accommodating. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models but was cramped, with limited thigh support. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and off-road controls for easy operation. Storage included slatted door pockets, a dashboard tray, and a center armrest bin. Cargo capacity was slightly smaller, with 44.8 cubic feet behind the second row, reduced to 42.6 cubic feet in the hybrid due to the raised floor. A sturdy roof rack compensated for cargo deficits.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous interfaces. An intelligent assistant, activated by saying "Hey Toyota," was available via a connected-services subscription, handling tasks like temperature adjustment and radio changes. The subscription also included cloud-based navigation and live agent assistance. Standard features included dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Limited and Platinum trims came with an 11-speaker JBL stereo, offering good sound quality. Streaming audio integration and Sirius XM satellite radio were available, with a three-month trial. Toyota's tech offerings had improved, but careful consideration of subscription options was recommended.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a larger 14-inch option available. Both were user-friendly, with logical menus and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad were offered. Hybrid variants included a digital instrument panel, available on other models. Off-road-focused models featured external camera views for precise tire placement, with automatic activation at low speeds. A 14-speaker JBL premium audio system was available, along with a portable center speaker. Remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app, and a digital key function, marked significant tech advancements for the 4Runner.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, it came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, road-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control was also standard, offering four following-distance settings.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the Tacoma pickup on which it was based received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. All 4Runner models included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign reader, and automatic high beams. Proactive Driving Assist, which slowed the vehicle on curves, was included but could be disabled. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional.