dunkee8

Hey guys, my dad plans on purchasing a new Toyota SUV within the next week or so, and I'm trying to help him do some research on both vehicles. Seems like the 4Runner is priced approx. $3,000 more than the Highlander with the same specs. The base SR5 4Runner is $27,280 MSRP with no options, and the Highlander is $24,880 for the base model. We're basically looking at a V6, 2wd with no extras (we don't need the nicer 17" alloys, sunroof, navigation, or digital climate control among the other options).

Interior wise, the highlander seems to seat just as many people as the 4Runner, even though the 4Runner is a larger vehicle. Also, the third row seating on the Highlander seems more practical as it folds down under the cargo area whereas on the 4Runner it is "hung" up on the sides.

Our main use of the vehicle would be for family outings. Also, I could use it for snowboarding trips and my dad could use it to go fishing once a week. No towing is needed, and 4wd seems a bit pricey for us.

Anyway, is there anything else that makes the 4Runner that much better than the Highlander other than being really cool looking? I can't really think of one. It may be better off-road, but that wouldn't be what we would use it for.

Any input is welcome, thanks!

YM13

Well you should buy what you would use the car for, so 4wd and a car that can go off-road would serve you no purpose. From what you said above I think you are leaning more towards the highlander but want something cool looking. I would say to stick with what is practical in your situation and go with the highlander. Campare the MPG also, i'm not sure but i think the highlander's is much better. Also if i'm correct, I think the highlander is built on a car chassis...(maybe wrong but thats what i heard once)

Rivalred

You can get a 4WD SR5 4Runner for like $27,000 with out tax and all those other charges. I highly recommend the 4WD as it will have a higher resale value and the mpg are basically the same comparin the 2WD and 4WD.

bob200587

The highlander is FWD, the 4runner is RWD. If you want a truck get the 4runner if you want a car get the highlander. I do believe the highlander has option of all wheel drive, which would I think would be something you'd definatley want. If you're going on ski trips up in the mountains 4wd or AWD would be something you'd appreciate.

Honestly, I'd get the 4runner in 4WD, I'd rather have it and never have to use it than need it up in the mountains. It's also gonna have more room for gear as well as people. Making such a large purchase like a car, you might as well get everything you need, instead of having to add it later.

khaug

You don't need 4WD or off-road capability. You don't tow. These, IMHO, would be the 4Runner's only advantages. If you've definitely eliminated anything else from consideration, it sure sounds like you'd be happiest with the Highlander.

But I have to wonder why you want an SUV at all. Have you considered the Sienna? It's a larger and more capacious vehicle, has modestly better EPA numbers and the base V6 model is actually priced a few hundred below the base Highlander.

dunkee8

Thanks for the input guys. The Highlander EPA estimated fuel economy rating is 18/22 for the 2WD V6 4Runner and 19/25 for the 2WD V6 Highlander, slight difference, but important enough to be a factor in our decision.

Rivalred, where can you get a 4WD SR5 for $27,000? Even the Toyota website shows the 4WD SR5 for $29,910.

cackalak han

That's the MSRP. Hopefully, that's not what you're expecting to pay.

I would also get a 4x4. Even on fishing or camping trips, I'd rather have the assurance of a 4WD. And especially in snowy conditions up the mountain, 4WD is a must. I'd rather get a 2005/2006 used 4Runner 4x4 than a brand new 4x2 Limited. Always opt for the 4x4 in trucks/SUV's. Otherwise, you're just buying a minivan. (Just kidding 2WD folks....mostly...)

Paul H.

If you plan to use it for snowboarding then get 4wd. And never pay MSRP and remember the base 4runner is a V6 while the base highlander is V4 which explains the price difference.

Knuckles

you mean 4 cylinder ?

cackalak han

Unless they started putting in Honda VFR engines in the Highlanders.

DealMaker

my 4Runner maxes out in cargo space when packed up for a trip with the family. I'd imagine a Highlander is smaller, i.e. less cargo capacity, etc.

Knuckles

Stupid Answer, and it doesnt invole either the 4runner or highlander but why not a mini van like a sienna? wont that serve the purpose of a highlander equally? i just figure since your not into going offroad why even bother with buying an SUV? when there are better choices for family haulers. i know ill probaby get flamed for this.

AH64ID

The 4runner will be more comfortable on the fwy, around town, and with a rig full of people and ski gear. The highlander will shrink very fast when you try to take it boarding with 2 buddies...

Oh, get a 4wd. My 03 v6 4runner gets 18-21mpg city and 21-23 on the fwy out west with mountains. The 4wd will be VERY nice when you go snowboarding, and all of my good fishing spots require 4wd.... you wont be sorry. Resale is another reason, its very hard to sell a 2wd SUV.

As far as price find what you want on the toyota website then go to carpoint.com and build it with ONLY those options... Look at the invoice price, expect to pay between 500 and 1000 over that number, disreguard MSRP. If you are really lucky you will pay 100 over invoice. If you are a costco member you can buy thru the local costco toyota dealership for 500-800 over invoice.

LEADfoot

the build quality is also much better on the 4runner
it's a newer platform held to higher specs and standards
meaning you will still have something solid after 60mo of real use

the 08 highlanders will be out soon and they will be bigger(new camry=new highlander)..but will cost more as well

these two vehicles are QUITE different
soft-use-vehicle highlander car-based unibody key=comfort, saftey
sporting-use-vehicle 4runner unibody on frame key=durability, utility

and YES get either one with 4wd/awd
and DON'T get the 4 cylinder highlander...the car-ruck is too heavy
for a highstrung 4 cylinder to pull around all week long

and like already stated...NEVER PAY MSRP...negotiate only the OUT THE DOOR PRICE...and negotiate your trade-in, if any, seperate from agreed sale price

thats all i got for ya

dunkee8

That's some great advice, I will definitely look into everything said here, thanks guys

M1911

If you are going to use it when going skiing, I suggest either the FWD Highlander, AWD Highlander, or 4WD 4Runner.

Ryanmb21

If your getting 2wd, I would opt for the highlander....

but for the many reasons discussed above, I would recomend the 4x4 4runner.

Please do not pay anywhere close to MSRP. About a year ago, I bought a new 4runner 4x4 v6 sport with plenty of options MSRP was ~$35K, I paid $29,500. (Just including for reference) I also got 2.9% financing.

good luck!

TXST8tj

we have a V6 07 4runner and my parents have a 4cyl. 07 highlander...both 2wd. we had an 06 camry, which we traded for the 4runner. my parent's highlander rides just like the camry (built on the same chassis). as in, it's a small SUV, but feels like a tall car. the 4runner drives smooth like a car, but feels like a truck. the highlander can easily fit 5 average sized adults, the 4runner can fit 5 larger adults. they both have ample storage space. we looked at the highlander ourselves, but we needed the 4runner to fit a carseat better. my parents are happy with the highlander, we are happy with the 4runner.

we got our 07 SR5 for $24k. it was $30k, but had about $6k in rebates b/c it was a demo with 4500 miles on it. we couldn't find a better deal.

based on what you're saying, i would get the highlander. it has decent ground clearance for any off the road driving. if there is no need for 4wd, there would be no need for a 4runner.

...oh yeah, the 3rd row seating in the highlander is a waste of time. skip that option. the two extra seats back there may be functional up to an 8 year old. no adult would ever be able to use them.
keep in mind, the highlander is being redesigned for '08. it will be quite a bit bigger.

pius222

if you want some savings, the highlander will be good since the new ones are coming out soon and old ones must go.

P.S. 4x4s are so much fun and can do so much to it. To do anything to a 4x2 is kind of a waste of money in my opinion.

Born2BeAnIdiot

get a 4runner. its very nice smooth ride and so is a highlander... but on a 4Runner the rear window rolls down..... main reason why i bought a 4Runner... and also 4Runners more of a guy car... a highlander is sort of a mom car