2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

Adventurous drivers have long looked to the 2021 Toyota 4Runner and the 2021 Toyota Highlander for their long road trips. With their large cargo areas and All-Wheel Drive capabilities, it's no wonder why so many drivers count on them. You'll find an excellent companion in either of these SUVs for your rides around Leesville, Lake Charles, and DeRidder, LA.

 So, what are the individual strengths of these SUVS? What sets them apart? There's plenty to look at, and our team at Hixson Toyota is eager to give you a taste of what both the Toyota 4Runner and the Toyota Highlander are capable of.

Toyota 4Runner vs Toyota Highlander: Off-Road-Centric Design

SUVs are great when you need to drive through rain or even light dirt and mud. The Toyota 4Runner and the Toyota Highlander both excel in driving along difficult terrain with their All-Wheel Drive capabilities. This technology ensures that you'll send as much torque as possible to all four wheels for optimal handling on slippery surfaces.

The Toyota 4Runner really commands the trails, though, with the help of the available Crawl Control feature. This technology is designed to automatically manage throttle response so you'll keep a steady pace while crawling over rocky terrain. Just turn this on and pay attention to the trail ahead while your vehicle takes care of your speed.

Toyota 4Runner vs Toyota Highlander: Advanced Safety Suites

One of the main reasons Toyota vehicles are so advanced is because they offer well-equipped safety systems. The Toyota 4Runner gives drivers a standard Toyota Safety Sense™ P suite that includes features such as:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Alert
• Automatic High Beams
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

The Toyota Highlander gives you even more of a safety upgrade with its advanced Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ suite. This system gives you all the features found in the Toyota 4Runner along with some additional features, including:

• Road Sign Assist
• Steering Assist
• Lane Tracing Assist

While you're conquering new territory, you'll feel safe as you explore in either vehicle.

Toyota 4Runner vs Toyota Highlander: Performance and Fuel Economy

When you're after some advanced engine capabilities, you'll want to look to the Toyota 4Runner. This vehicle comes standard with a 4.0L V6 engine that produces up to 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. That larger engine also gives you an EPA-estimated 16 city/19 highway MPG.¹

As for the Toyota Highlander, it also provides some excellent engine power with its standard 3.5L V6 engine, giving you up to 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This vehicle even earns a standard EPA-estimated 21 city/29 highway MPG.²

Should I Choose the Toyota 4Runner or Toyota Highlander?

It's easy to tell these two vehicles both have unique strengths for specific situations. With the Toyota 4Runner, you'll be well equipped for off-road driving with higher torque and advanced off-road features. The Toyota Highlander excels in safety and fuel efficiency, though.

If you're eager to give these two SUVs a try in the Leesville, Lake Charles, and DeRidder areas, just schedule a test drive-or two-at Hixson Toyota. Whatever you need, Hixson has it: has a new culture, new attitude, and an easier way.