Toyota has one of the largest assortments of SUVs in the industry, from compact city cruisers to hulking off-road conquering machines. There’s one out there for just about everybody, but that can make picking the right model a bit complicated for shoppers near Alvarado, TX.
The 4Runner and Grand Highlander are two excellent examples of three-row SUVs that are designed to do very different things. Discover their specs, features, and more below, and discover just how versatile the Toyota lineup can be.
4Runner vs. Grand Highlander: Price
First, let’s do a head-to-head comparison of their MSRP by trim:
| 2025 Toyota 4Runner | 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander | ||
| SR5 | $40,770 | $40,860 | LE |
| TRD Sport | $47,250 | $43,630 | XLE |
| TRD Off-Road | $49,190 | $44,210 | Hybrid LE |
| TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX | $51,990 | $45,380 | Hybrid XLE |
| TRD Sport Premium | $52,610 | $48,360 | Limited |
| TRD Off-Road Premium | $54,970 | $51,710 | Hybrid Limited |
| Limited | $55,400 | $52,610 | Hybrid Nightshade |
| TRD Off-Road Premium i-FORCE MAX | $57,770 | $54,045 | Platinum |
| Limited i-FORCE MAX | $60,200 | $54,690 | Hybrid MAX Limited |
| Platinum | $62,860 | $58,775 | Hybrid MAX Platinum |
| TRD Pro | $66,900 | ||
| Trailhunter | $66,900 | ||
They start out at almost exactly the same price point, and continue to be similarly priced throughout the lineup, although the 4Runner costs an extra few grand on average. The 4Runner also has the most expensive MSRP with its top-spec TRD Pro and Trailhunter grades.
4Runner vs. Grand Highlander: Size
Both the 4Runner and Grand Highlander are sizeable SUVs with up to three rows of seating, but their exact dimensions differ significantly. Here’s a breakdown:
| 2025 4Runner | 2025 Grand Highlander | |
| Exterior dimensions | ||
| Length | 194.9 in | 201.4 in |
| Width | 78.0 in | 78.3 in |
| Height | 72.6 in (varies by trim) | 70.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 116.1 in |
| Interior dimensions | ||
| Max seating capacity | 5 to 7 | 7 to 8 |
| Head room (1st/2nd/3rd) | 39.7 / 37.8 / – | 41.5 in / 40.2 in / 37.2 in |
| Leg room (1st/2nd/3rd) | 41.8 / 34.8 / – | 41.7 in / 39.5 in / 33.5 in |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | 12.1 cu ft (w/ 3rd row) | 20.6 cu ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 44.8 cu ft (w/ 3rd row) 48.4 cu ft (w/o 3rd row) | 57.9 cu ft |
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 84.4 cu ft (w/ 3rd row) 90.2 cu ft (w/o 3rd row) | 97.5 cu ft |
The Grand Highlander is longer, but lower to the ground with a longer wheelbase for more stability. It also has significantly more space inside, and comes standard with three rows of seating, making it far better for road trips and families who do most of their driving on paved roads.
The 4Runner comes standard with two rows of seating, and a third row is available on some trims. However, the third row is smaller than the Grand Highlander’s, and the 4Runner has significantly less space for cargo in the back. It’s still far more spacious than most SUVs, but its dimensions are geared more toward drivers who like to spend more of their time off the beaten track.
4Runner vs. Grand Highlander: Interior
Aside from their cabin dimensions, they have some key differences when it comes to comfort features and infotainment.
The recently updated 4Runner got a wealth of new tech features for its newest generation. It can be optioned with either an 8.0-inch or a 14.0-inch center touch screen display, and it also has a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, dash-mounted portable Bluetooth speaker, and wireless charging pad as available upgrades. Despite the tech upgrades, it still retains that spartan, less-frills vibe that the 4Runner is known for, and it can also be optioned with a ton of off-road ready gear, including an onboard air compressor and pre-wired DC auxiliary switches.
The Grand Highlander, on the other hand, is designed to provide a borderline luxury driving experience. It comes standard with a 12.3-inch center touch screen display, and nearly all trims have the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless phone charging, and premium upholstery materials. It also has a wealth of other available amenities like multi-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic moonroof.
Both the 4Runner and Grand Highlander are also compatible with connectivity tech like wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Digital Key, and the full range of Toyota Connected Services, including in-vehicle Wi-Fi Connect.
4Runner vs. Grand Highlander: Fuel Economy
The Grand Highlander Hybrid gets excellent fuel economy, making it perfect for long commutes and errands—its four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors allows it to get up to 36 MPG combined. It also has an available Hybrid MAX powertrain, which delivers souped-up performance while still enabling up to 27 MPG combined.
The 4Runner’s available hybrid i-FORCE MAX powertrain is more fuel-efficient than the previous generation, but at the end of the day, saving money on gas takes second fiddle to maximum power output, and it gets about 23 MPG combined.
4Runner vs. Grand Highlander: Ride Quality
In terms of smoothness on the highway, the Grand Highlander takes the cake. Its longer wheelbase, combined with its suspension, sound deadening technology, and unibody construction make it a better choice for shoppers who want a quiet and comfortable ride on the open road.
On the other hand, the 4Runner is going to feel a bit rougher because of its larger all-terrain tires and body-on-frame build. Shoppers who spend most of their time on paved roads may want to consider shopping for more highway-oriented tires.
4Runner vs. Grand Highlander: Off-Road and Performance
The 4Runner is well-known as a champion of overlanding aficionados everywhere. Its i-FORCE MAX engine cranks out 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, and it has a cornucopia of available features that aid in off-roading, including:
- A choice between two-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, or full-time four-wheel drive
- Adaptive variable suspension
- Electronic locking rear differential
- Stabilizer disconnect mechanism
- Underbody protection and skid plates
- Front and rear recovery points
- Multi-Terrain Select
- Crawl Control
It also has multiple available grades, like the TRD Pro and Trailhunter, that have their own uniquely tuned suspensions and accessories for even more off-road fun.
The Grand Highlander may not be quite as capable as the 4Runner, but it still has more than enough moxie to do some backwoods camping and light trail running. It can also be optioned with all-wheel drive, as well as multiple available drive modes with Multi-Terrain Select.
Shop Three-Row Toyota SUVs for Sale Near Mansfield, TX
The Grand Highlander and 4Runner may excel at different things, but they both offer Toyota’s second-to-none standard of reliability, quality, and safety. So, which one will you choose?
If you’re still having trouble deciding, Family Toyota of Burleson is here to help you with expert advice and quality customer care. We also have a variety of new car specials and Toyota lease deals, so no matter which vehicle you fall in love with, you’re guaranteed to get it at the best price.
Contact us online or call us at 817-405-3122 to schedule a test drive today.
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