The Toyota 4Runner and Toyota Highlander are two entries in the massive, midsize SUV segment but have very different personalities. The Highlander is a 3-row crossover SUV designed for families. It is most at home on suburban lanes ferrying kids to school or softball practice. Buyers can also get a 4Runner with three rows of seats, but most often, it is a 2-row 5-passenger vehicle equipped for off-road use. While the 4Runner has its place on pavement, its traditional body-on-frame truck architecture and rear-wheel-drive (RWD) bias give it all-terrain chops but also limit its comfort on asphalt.
There is a bit of yin and yang to the relationship between the 4Runner and the Highlander. The base Highlander is a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle, while the base 4Runner uses RWD. The Highlander offers all-wheel-drive (AWD) options, while the 4Runner has 4-wheel-drive (4WD) variants. The Highlander has a new turbocharged 4-cylinder base engine, while a normally aspirated V6 powers the 4Runner. The Highlander offers the option of an advanced hybrid powertrain, while a gas-only V6 powers the 4Runner.
Of course, the two Toyota SUVs have some similarities, like fraternal twins. Their elevated seating positions offer excellent views of the road ahead. Their 4WD and AWD variants give buyers good poor-weather traction. And with the ability to transport several adults and a load of gear, the 4Runner and Highlander deliver significant versatility.
In addition to the Highlander's significant change under the hood for 2023 (a new base engine), Toyota also re-did the instrument panel and infotainment screen to bring the SUV in line with the competition. The brand was less active in revamping the 4Runner for 2023. It soldiers on with the Tacoma pickup-based body-on-frame construction it has used for decades. This type of construction was once the norm for midsize SUVs, but the current trend is to use a FWD, car-like chassis (aka, crossover). The 4Runner's truck-based RWD platform offers advantages in towing and gives it more robust all-terrain capabilities.
Since these two SUVs are so different, it makes sense that Toyota offers both. Though the 4Runner and the Highlander are midsize utilities, they serve different audiences with different needs.
2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
Toyota offers the 2023 4Runner in eight trim levels: SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, 40th Anniversary Edition, Limited, and TRD Pro. The SR5, Limited, and TRD Sport trims are available with RWD or 4WD. The TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and 40th Anniversary are 4WD-only.
The rear-drive SR5 is the least expensive trim in the 2023 Toyota 4Runner lineup, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $40,890, including the $1,335 destination charge. The SR5 Premium adds additional equipment and about $3,000 to the price. A 4WD version of the TRD Off-Road commands a starting price of $44,735. The Limited trims add 20-inch wheels, leather seats, a moonroof, and dual-zone climate control. With the 4WD system, it has a base MSRP of $52,160.
Toyota tunes the TRD Sport for on-road performance. With standard RWD, it has a suggested list price of $43,750. Adding the 4WD system ups the ante by $1,875. The TRD Pro is the most capable of the off-road 4Runners. It bases at $55,355. The 40th Anniversary model with unique exterior and interior treatments has a starting price of $48,455.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander comes to market with a significant number of variations. Toyota sells the conventional Highlander in six grades: L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. Buyers can purchase all six with FWD or AWD. For those seeking a hybrid powertrain, the 2023 Highlander Hybrid comes in five trim levels: LE, XLE, Limited, Platinum, and Bronze Edition. They, too, are available in FWD or AWD versions.
The front-drive L trim is the least expensive 2023 Highlander. The MSRP is 37,755, including the $1,335 destination charge. The high-volume LE trim starts at $40,155, and the well-equipped XLE trim has a base price of $43,155. The luxurious Platinum trim with AWD starts at $52,360.
The least expensive Highlander Hybrid is the LE trim at $41,555. The heavily equipped AWD Platinum Hybrid trim starts at $53,760. The hybrid-only Bronze Edition has a suggested base price of $47,115 in FWD form and $48,715 with AWD.
Advantage: Toyota Highlander
2023 Toyota Highlander XSE
The Toyota 4Runner ranks third among Upper Midsize SUVs in the JD Power 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which assesses owner-reported problems during the third year of ownership. Additionally, the 4Runner ranks highest in its segment in the JD Power 2022 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), which tracks problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days.
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner has the following warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance coverage:
The Toyota Highlander ranks highest in the Upper Midsize SUV segment in the 2023 VDS. The Highlander does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the 2022 IQS.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander has the following warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance coverage:
Advantage: Toyota 4Runner
2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary
For the 2023 model year, Toyota continues to offer 4Runner customers a single engine. The venerable 4.0-liter V6 delivers 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. A 5-speed automatic transmission backs the engine. The base configuration is RWD. The 2023 Toyota 4Runner also offers customers the option of part-time or full-time 4WD. The 4x4 systems in the SR5 and TRD Off-Road use a 2-speed transfer case.
The fuel economy of the 2023 Toyota 4Runner is a direct result of its off-road emphasis and truck-like construction. Equipped with RWD or 4WD, it earns the identical Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gas mileage figure of 17 mpg combined.
Toyota has changed the Highlander's base engine for 2023. It installed a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine to replace the normally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 from the previous year. The new 4-cylinder delivers 265 hp and 310 pound-feet of torque. According to Toyota, the 17-percent torque increase and the width of the torque curve aids all-around drivability and response. Toyota engineers match the new 4-cylinder engine to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder gas engine with two electric motor-generators. Motive power comes from the gasoline engine supplemented by one of the motor-generators. The other motor-generator works with the first to charge the onboard battery. The hybrids use an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT) with a sequential shift mode. As with the conventional powertrain, both FWD and AWD configurations are available. But the AWD systems are different. The hybrids' system uses a separate rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels. All Highlanders feature hill-start assist and trailer sway control.
The hybrid models provide the top fuel economy in the 2023 Highlander lineup. The EPA rated the FWD hybrid versions at 36 mpg combined. With AWD, the hybrid figure drops slightly to 35 mpg combined. The turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine doesn't match that, but it does get a better rating than the previously used 3.5-liter V6. With FWD, the Highlander equipped with the new 2.5-liter turbo gets a 25-mpg combined rating. With AWD, the Highlander records a 24-mpg combined figure.
Advantage: Toyota Highlander
2023 Toyota Highlander Turbo Limited
Toyota offers several electronic driver-assistance and safety systems as standard equipment across the 2023 4Runner lineup. Many reside in the Toyota Safety Sense-P roster, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, collision-avoidance assist with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and adaptive cruise control. For the 2023 model year, Toyota adds blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning.
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner also features several all-terrain-oriented safety and assistive technologies. Standard hill-start assist helps to hold the SUV stationary while the driver transitions from the brake pedal to the accelerator. Toyota equips 4Runner Limited and SR5 4WD models with standard downhill-assist control that helps to maintain a constant slow speed and prevents wheel lockup on descents. The TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims add an electronic-locking rear differential and Toyota's Crawl Control feature. Hill-descent control is standard on 4WD 4Runners. And all 4Runners get post-collision braking, side-wind stabilization, trailer sway control, and a reverse sensing system.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 4 stars overall in its 5-star safety rating program. Meanwhile, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2023 4Runner the highest-possible Good ratings in four of the Institute's five crashworthiness categories. It received a Marginal score for driver-side protection in the small overlap front crash test.
Toyota equips all 2023 Highlanders with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+. The array of advanced driver assistance systems includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with steering assist, lane-keeping assistance, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high-beam headlights, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings are standard on the LE and higher trims. The Limited and Platinum versions offer front and rear parking assist with automatic braking. The Highlander's adaptive cruise control is easy to deploy and does an excellent job of enabling the crossover to maintain its set speed and following distance. The automatic high-beam headlights also work flawlessly.
Toyota's Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) is a safety and control system that provides integrated control of the anti-lock braking system, brake assist, electronic traction control, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and electric power steering. All this helps the vehicle remain stable on slippery road surfaces where direction changes could cause swerving or loss of control. It is only available on Highlander Hybrid models.
The NHTSA gave the 2023 Toyota Highlander a 5-star overall safety rating—the highest score possible. The IIHS named the 2023 Toyota Highlander a Top Safety Pick+ for the 2023 calendar year—the highest safety accolade the Institute gives out.
Advantage: Toyota Highlander
2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary
Toyota equips the base 2023 4Runner SR5 with an 8-inch touchscreen display, a USB media port, and four USB charge ports. The system includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, hands-free phone capability, voice recognition, and Bluetooth streaming tech. The automaker offers a free three-month trial of SiriusXM satellite radio.
Other similar systems, available by trim level, add Amazon Alexa capability, HD Radio, and integrated navigation. The top system on the 2023 Toyota 4Runner—available on the Limited and TRD Pro trims—includes all those features plus 15 JBL speakers, including a subwoofer. In terms of connected services, Toyota offers Wi-Fi with a three-month trial. Safety Connect, which gives owners access to an emergency assistance button and roadside assistance, comes with a one-year trial. And Service Connect, which lets drivers keep up with their vehicle's mechanical condition, has a 10-year trial.
Texas-based Connected Technologies created the Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system in the 2023 Toyota Highlander. It features an 8-inch standard touchscreen in base form, while a 12.3-inch touchscreen is widely available. The system supports SiriusXM, HD Radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. The available Wi-Fi Connect subscription offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices.
The Toyota Audio Multimedia system enables integrated streaming, allowing Highlander owners to link their Apple Music and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle. Dual Bluetooth enables vehicle occupants to connect two smartphones simultaneously.
The standard audio system across all but the top trims employs six speakers. A 1,200-watt 11-speaker JBL premium audio system is optional on the XSE and standard on Limited and Platinum trims.
Safety Connect and Service Connect are both available with 10-year trial subscriptions. The one-year trial of Remote Connect enables owners to activate headlights, lock and unlock the doors, and start the vehicle remotely.
Compared to the Highlander's infotainment system, the 4Runner's is less intuitive and somewhat more challenging to use. The 4Runner also lacks the Highlander's larger 12.3-inch touchscreen option.
Advantage: Toyota Highlander
2023 Toyota Highlander Limited
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner can seat up to seven with an optional third row, but the classic 4Runner is a 5-passenger vehicle. The third row is best suited for children. The 4Runner is shorter than the Highlander in overall length, and it delivers less interior space. Its legroom, hip room, and headroom dimensions are tighter than the Highlander's.
The base SR5 trims use cloth-covered seats. The SR5 Premium offers occupants faux leather seating and an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Higher trims also employ synthetic leather seat upholstery, most with unique trim, such as bronze stitching of the 40th Anniversary Edition. The Limited trim features dual-zone automatic climate control.
Compared to the Highlander, the 4Runner is beginning to show its age. Plus, its off-road orientation and body-on-frame construction give it a different personality than the suburban-oriented Highlander. The 4Runner provides just 9.0 cubic feet of cargo area behind the optional third row, and with the third row folded, it offers 46.3 cubic feet of space. In two-row form, it provides 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 89.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row folded. It also offers the availability of a "slide deck" that facilitates loading and unloading.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander offers both 7- and 8-passenger versions. Toyota equips the L and LE with 3-person second- and third-row bench seating with the driver and a single passenger up front. The Hybrid Bronze Edition, XSE, Limited Hybrid, XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims seat seven due to standard second-row captain's chairs. Buyers can have a second-row bench or captain's chairs in the XLE, XLE Hybrid, and Limited. The middle grades cover their seats in synthetic leather, while the Platinum trim features embossed, perforated leather seating. The comfort of first- and second-row seats is excellent. The third-row headroom and legroom are confined.
The Highlander's dash is well-designed, and the larger 12.3-inch touchscreen gives the interior a modern feel. The Highlander's cabin offers occupants five USB ports—two Type-C plus one Type-A easily accessible at the bottom of the dash—and two Type-C ports at the back of the center console for use by second-row passengers.
The Highlander delivers plenty of passenger and cargo space. It has 16.0 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row. Folding the third-row seatbacks expands the space to 48.4 cubic feet. With both rows folded, the Highlander has 84.3 cubic feet of space. Toyota designers went to extra lengths to make the cargo area usable with side surfaces shaped for maximum space utilization.
Advantage: Toyota Highlander
If you'd like to learn more about these Upper Midsize SUVs, be sure to read our expert reviews of the Toyota 4Runner and the 2023 Toyota Highlander. To find out how people like you rate models in this segment, check out our ratings from verified vehicle owners.
Also, please keep in mind that while the information in this article was accurate and valid on February 24, 2023, it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and sport utilities for over three decades. He managed the editorial efforts of Motor Trend magazine and Kelley Blue Book and is currently the host of the SportsMap Radio Network program America on the Road, available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Stitcher, and other outlets.
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