At Toyota of Orange, the leading among car dealerships serving Garden Grove Ca, they have two very interesting SUVs, both of which are Toyotas. One of the two is a Toyota Highlander and the other is the Toyota 4Runner. Buyers who visit car showrooms serving Garden Grove car dealers can tell you themselves that the Highlander and 4Runner are the most reliable vehicles you can purchase. Both vehicles are enchanting and alluring, but the car dealerships serving Garden Grove Ca wants to set the record straight when it comes to the differences between the Toyota Highlander and 4Runner.
What Are The Similarities?
If you go to car dealerships serving Garden Grove Ca and purchase a used Highlander or a used 4Runner, you are not going to be disappointed. This is because Consumer Reports have always given these two Toyota vehicles above-average predicted reliability ratings since the early 2000s. Both the Highlander and the 4Runner go up against each other in the midsize SUV class, and both can handle large families.
When we take a look at the 2020 models, the Highlander and 4Runner are two good options if you are looking for vehicles with excellent in-car tech features. These Toyotas are equipped with modern infotainment systems that are fully stocked with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Nevertheless, these two SUVs offer completely different driving experiences.
The Toyota Highlander Is A Smooth Driver
Throughout the years, the Highlander has built a strong reputation with its smooth ride quality and swank style. Car critics particularly consider the 2020 Highlander for its calm disposition and lavish cabin. However, if you are looking for a sporty SUV, the Highlander isn’t the right vehicle for you when it comes to midsize SUV class options, but it is still a great choice just the same.
The 2020 Highlander is equipped with a 3.5-liter engine that produces 295 horsepower and it is linked to an eight-speed automatic. The Highlander has a satisfying driving experience that you will appreciate during everyday commutes. Also, it has a stable fuel economy rating of 23 mpg combined. Nonetheless, if fuel efficiency is your top priority, you will probably want to consider the hybridized version, which receives a combined 36 mpg.
When you take a look at the inside, the Highlander has an eye-pleasing and handsome design as well as nice in-car tech. Depending on the configuration you go for, the Toyota Highlander can seat up to eight passengers. Also, it can be as luxurious as you want it to be. So, that means you can replace the standard cloth seats with faux leather or even genuine leather. Other conveniences include heated and cooled seats. In general, the Highlander is a pleasure to ride in but beware of the third row because it is kind of tight.
What About The Other Highlander Models?
The 2020 Toyota Highlander is a three-row crossover that can seat up to eight passengers. There are five trim levels to choose from which are L, LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum. All models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263-pound feet of torque and it is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. Also, there is a Highlander hybrid if you want even better fuel economy.
Here are more details about what each trim offers.
Although the L trim is the base trim you get a lot for your money. You receive Toyota’s bundle of advanced driver safety aids (Safety Sense 2.0) plus LED headlights, tri-zone automatic climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The LE is just like the L trim but it has upgrades such as blind-spot monitoring, a power liftgate and LED foglights. Also, it has some extra multimedia functions and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.
Going up to the XLE gives you a variety of amenities, such as a sunroof, roof rails, second-row captain’s chairs, heated front seats with more adjustability, simulated leather upholstery, and a bigger driver information display.
If you want even more than the Limited is the best option for you with its 20-inch wheels, integrated navigation, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a premium JBL audio system among other features. The top of the notch Highlander Platinum’s upgrades include a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a surround-view camera system, a digital rearview mirror, and a driver’s head-up display.
The Toyota 4Runner Is An Off-Roading Beast
Many consider the 4Runner as a serious off-roader and not for anything else. Although Toyota has made a lot of changes to the Highlander over the years, the 4Runner is still the same. As a matter of fact, the 4Runner is one of the few remaining truck-based SUVs which distinguishes it from other car-based options such as the Highlander.
The 4Runner has a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and is matched to a five-speed automatic. The 4 Runner’s fuel economy isn’t as good as the Highlander’s with a combined 17 mpg. Also, its ride is a lot bumpier as well.
Although this is the case, the 4Runner attracts drivers who are looking for a dependable off-roader. This SUV has nine inches of ground clearance and comes standard with rear-wheel-drive while two four-wheel-drive options are also available. For a more enhanced off-roading experience, there’s the TRD Pro trim.
If you want that combination of performance and features then the TRD Off-Road Premium is the way to go. However, it isn’t as capable as the TRD Pro, but it still consists of features such as a locking rear differential and a specialized suspension to help you out on the trail. It is recommended to get the optional Premium package for its set of features that improve the vehicle for everyday use.
Overall, the 4Runner is as rugged as it is inside as it is outside. The standard models have five seats and the available third-row configuration has seating up to seven. Similar to the Highlander, the 4Runner also has luxurious conveniences, such as leather upholstery.