Toyota 4Runner vs Toyota Highlander
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Toyota Highlander
Overview
| Spec | Toyota 4RunnerSR5 | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | SR5 | XLE |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Toyota 4RunnerSR5 | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $42,270 (best) | $46,270 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Toyota 4RunnerSR5 | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 22 MPG | 24 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 20 MPG | 21 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 26 MPG | 28 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 19 gal (best) | 17.9 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Toyota 4RunnerSR5 | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 278 hp (best) | 265 hp |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft (best) | 310 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2.4 L | 2.4 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Toyota 4RunnerSR5 | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 7 seats (best) |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 90.2 cu ft (best) | 84.3 cu ft |
| Towing capacity | 6,000 lbs (best) | 5,000 lbs |
| Payload | — | 1,225 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 4,455 lbs | 4,376 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 8.1 in (best) | 8 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 112.2 in |
| Length | 194.9 in | 194.9 in |
| Width | 78 in (best) | 76 in |
| Height | 72.6 in (best) | 68.1 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Toyota 4RunnerSR5 | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 3 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 2 | None reported (best) |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Toyota 4Runner | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SR5 $42,270 MSRP(Currently comparing) | XLE $46,270 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | SR5 $44,270 MSRP | XLE $48,020 MSRP |
| 3 | TRD Sport $48,750 MSRP | XSE $48,340 MSRP |
| 4 | TRD Sport $50,750 MSRP | Limited $50,725 MSRP |
| 5 | TRD Off-Road $50,690 MSRP | Limited $52,475 MSRP |
| 6 | TRD Off-Road $53,490 MSRP | Platinum $53,925 MSRP |
| 7 | TRD Sport Premium $54,110 MSRP | Platinum $55,675 MSRP |
| 8 | TRD Sport Premium $56,110 MSRP | — |
| 9 | TRD Off-Road Premium $56,470 MSRP | — |
| 10 | TRD Off-Road Premium $59,270 MSRP | — |
| 11 | Limited $56,900 MSRP | — |
| 12 | Limited $58,900 MSRP | — |
| 13 | Limited $61,700 MSRP | — |
| 14 | Platinum $64,360 MSRP | — |
| 15 | Trailhunter $68,400 MSRP | — |
| 16 | TRD Pro $68,600 MSRP | — |
Toyota 4Runner vs Toyota Highlander FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Toyota 4Runner or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Toyota 4Runner vs 2026 Toyota Highlander on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Toyota 4Runner or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Toyota 4Runner starts lower at $42,270.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Toyota 4Runner or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota 4Runner leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (42,270).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Toyota 4Runner or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (35).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Toyota 4Runner or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota 4Runner leads on horsepower in this comparison (326).
- Which has better seats: 2026 Toyota 4Runner or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on seats in this comparison (7).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2026 Toyota 4Runner or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota 4Runner leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (6,000).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Toyota 4Runner vs 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Toyota 4Runner (4/5 NHTSA overall); Toyota Highlander (5/5 NHTSA overall).