The 2025 Toyota 4Runner and 2025 Toyota Highlander cater to different driving needs, yet both offer Toyota's legendary reliability, technology, and safety features. The 4Runner is designed for rugged adventures, boasting exceptional off-road capabilities and a body-on-frame construction that makes it ideal for trailblazing and towing. Meanwhile, the Highlander is a refined midsize SUV that prioritizes comfort, fuel efficiency, and advanced driver-assist features, making it perfect for families and long commutes. The Toyota 4Runner is built to handle tough terrains, with an aggressive design and rugged frame that allows for superior durability. It includes features like available Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select, and reinforced skid plates, making it one of the best options for those who frequently venture off-road. Additionally, its spacious cargo area and flexible seating arrangement allow it to accommodate outdoor gear and passengers comfortably. In contrast, the Toyota Highlander offers a refined and stylish design, appealing to those who prefer an upscale look while still needing a practical SUV. With its unibody construction, the Highlander provides a smoother, more comfortable ride, making it an excellent choice for families. The Highlander also offers impressive fuel efficiency with its hybrid model, reducing trips to the gas station and minimizing its environmental footprint. Whether you need an off-road-ready vehicle with rugged strength or a sophisticated family SUV with modern conveniences, this comparison highlights the key differences between these two models, helping you make an informed decision.
2025 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Toyota Highlander: Design & Exterior Features
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner maintains its rugged and boxy design, featuring high ground clearance, a bold front grille, and optional roof racks for added utility. Its sturdy construction is ideal for off-road enthusiasts, offering skid plates, aggressive all-terrain tires, and an available TRD Pro trim for extreme adventures. The 2025 Toyota Highlander, in contrast, exudes a modern, sleek appearance. With a sculpted body, slim LED headlights, and an aerodynamic profile, it offers a more refined aesthetic. Available with 18-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free power liftgate, the Highlander is designed for suburban sophistication and practicality.
2025 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Toyota Highlander: Comfort & Technology
Inside, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner features a functional, adventure-focused cabin with durable materials, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. While it offers spacious seating for five to seven passengers, its truck-based chassis results in a slightly firmer ride. The 2025 Toyota Highlander is built for comfort, offering plush seating, available leather upholstery, and a spacious three-row layout accommodating up to eight passengers. Its technology suite includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, and a premium JBL audio system. Additionally, features like a hands-free power liftgate and heated/ventilated front seats make it a superior choice for daily comfort.
2025 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Toyota Highlander: Performance
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is powered by a 4.0L V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. With an available part-time or full-time 4WD system and a multi-terrain select system, it excels in off-road conditions. Its maximum towing capacity reaches 5,000 lbs, making it ideal for hauling boats, trailers, or camping gear. The 2025 Toyota Highlander offers a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine generating 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it delivers a smooth and fuel-efficient ride. An available hybrid variant enhances efficiency even further, making the Highlander a great choice for city and highway driving.
2025 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Toyota Highlander: Safety
Both models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0, offering pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2025 Toyota Highlander has earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, while robust, has not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. However, it includes off-road-specific safety features like a multi-terrain monitor, crawl control, and downhill assist control, ensuring a secure ride in challenging environments.
2025 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Toyota Highlander: Overall Value
Choosing between the 2025 Toyota 4Runner and 2025 Toyota Highlander depends on your driving needs. The 4Runner is an excellent choice for those who require a rugged SUV with off-road prowess, strong towing capabilities, and a durable frame built for adventure. Meanwhile, the Highlander offers a well-balanced mix of comfort, efficiency, and advanced technology, making it the superior option for families and long-distance commuters. Both vehicles uphold Toyota's reputation for reliability, ensuring that whichever model you choose, you'll have a dependable SUV for years to come. Visit Capitol Toyota in Salem, OR, to explore both models and find the perfect Toyota SUV for your lifestyle.
 | 2025 Toyota 4Runner | 2025 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.4-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder | 2.4-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Standard Horsepower | 278 | 265 |
| Standard Torque (lb-ft) | 317 | 310 |
| Standard Fuel Economy (MPG) | 20 City/26 Highway | 22 City/29 Highway |
| 4-Wheel Drive | Available | Unavailable |
| Ground Clearance | 9.6 Inches | 8.0 Inches |
| Max Towing Capacity | 6,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Third-Row Seating | Available | Standard |
| Max Cargo Volume | 89.7 Cubic Feet | 84.3 Cubic Feet |
| Dynamic Radar Cruise Control | Standard | Standard |
