2022 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander: Which is Best?

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner and Toyota Highlander are outstanding options for consumers who are in the market for a bold, capable SUV. Not only do both these vehicles offer generous amounts of standard features, but they’ll give you the confidence you need while driving on the road with their reliability and long list of safety features. For any shopper, such shared characteristics can make choosing between these capable SUVs difficult.

To help, we’ve compared both models below to enable you to understand their differences and similarities so you can make a more informed decision. Read on to learn how the 2022 Toyota 4Runner matches up to the 2022 Toyota Highlander, then schedule a test drive at Group 1 Toyota West Bank in Harvey, LA.

Tried & True Powertrains

4Runner: The 2022 Toyota 4Runner is equipped with a proven 4.0-liter V6 engine making 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. A rear-wheel-drive system and five-speed automatic transmission are standard. All-wheel-drive is available.

Highlander: The 2022 Highlander is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain links to an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is optional.

The 2022 Highlander is also available with a hybridized engine consisting of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors making 243 total horsepower. The engine connects to a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available.

Spacious, Well-Equipped Interior

4Runner: Being a capable midsize SUV, the 2022 4Runner provides comfortable accommodation with ample headroom and legroom for all occupants. Seating for five is standard, while an optional third-row raises the seating capacity to seven.

There’s enough space for your gear, too. In its two-row guise, the 4Runner provides 47.2 cubic feet behind its rear seats and 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. When equipped with an optional third row, the 4Runner offers nine cubic feet of cargo volume behind the third row, 46.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a reasonable 88.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

Highlander: The 2022 Toyota Highlander has room for up to eight passengers in its interior and gives you an uncompromised choice between luggage or passenger room. It provides 16 cubes of cargo space behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet when you fold down the first row, and a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet with the third and second rows folded.

Technically Advanced SUVs

In terms of the equipped infotainment system, the 4Runner & Highlander are equipped almost identically, with both models offering a standard user-friendly infotainment interface with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capability, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Amazon Alexa, and USB ports. However, the 4Runner comes standard with an eight-speaker stereo, while the Highlander offers a six-speaker variant.

The Highlander’s options list is more advanced and extensive, as it includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless device charging, navigation, and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo. The 4Runner’s consists of a navigation system, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL audio system.

Advanced Safety Systems

4Runner: The 2022 4Runner has fewer standard safety amenities than the Highlander. These include a rearview camera, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. However, it is available with optional technologies like a surround-view parking camera system, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, as well as blind-spot monitoring.

Highlander: The Toyota Highlander features a wide array of standard driver assistance systems, including a rearview camera, rear-seat reminder, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane trace assist, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights. Optional safety features are blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view parking camera system, adaptive headlights, a head-up display, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a rearview mirror camera.

Test Drive Both Models at Group 1 Toyota West Bank

Are you interested in learning more about which midsize SUV is right for you between the 2022 Toyota 4Runner and Highlander? Consider booking a free test drive at Group 1 Toyota West Bank in Harvey, LA, to find out!

With our large selection of new and pre-owned Toyota vehicles, you don’t have to go through the stress before you can find the vehicle that fits the bill for you, and you can explore our cost-effective Toyota lease offers for additional savings. Our team will also be there with you every step of the way to ensure you get fantastic value and excellent service when you shop with us.