4Runner vs Highlander

I don't do off road driving much anymore. My '07 4Runner has 110000 miles and I'm thinking of selling it and getting an Highlander AWD. Does anybody own one and if you do do you tow with it? I'm concern that it won't tow my travel trailer (4800 lbs loaded) as well as my old Runner!

 

I own both... 18' 4runner limited and an 18' Highlander limited. Love them both but if I had to choose one for MY NEEDS it would be the Highlander. Yours however sounds more suitable for the 4runner... I couldn't imagine hooking up 2.5 t to my Highlander, but then I wouldn't like doing it to the 4runner either... I've always tried to stay very conservative when towing.

 

4runner for what you plan on towing

 

isn't the tow limit like 5,000 pounds on the 5th gen 4runner? If it is I would not want to tow at 96% the capacity of the vehicle for any real distance, I would look at a truck at that point.

 

This is what I was getting at. Personally I hate towing right up against the limit like that... I did it with my frontier before and swore to never do it again lol. It's not so much about moving power as it is stopping for me.

But it is still technically legal I suppose

 

I wouldn't feel comfortable towing that close to the vehicle's limit. Even if it can legally do it, better to have some headroom IMHO. Heaviest I towed in my 5th gen was a fully loaded medium sized U-Haul from Utah to Texas and even though it wasn't as heavy as your trailer (I think) I decided that if I ever wanted to tow a travel trailer I'd get a truck. The 4Runner did it, but didn't do it easily or economically.

 

looking quickly both the 4runner and highlander were rated for 5,000 lbs (just searching 2018 and not specifying trim or engines), I would look at something bigger to pull with, kinda scary pulling something that weighs the same as the 4runner does

 

Thanks for your input. I actually keep the trailer under 4300 lbs which allows me to carry 500 lbs in the Runner. 300 lbs. for me and my two Vizslas plus 200 lbs for incidentals. My towing is limited to not more than 200/300 miles at the time for fishing and hunting and have a load equalizer hitch on the trailer. The Runner does very well with it as longs as I keep it under 65 MPH.

 

Thanks for your input. I tow a light weigh trailer and I actually keep it under 4300 lbs with about 500 (me, 2 dogs + extras) in the Runner (4800 max). The trailer has electric brakes on both axles and a load equalizer hitch. The 4R has a Tekonsha proportional brake controller. The combo does very well within reasonable speeds and distances.

 

Thanks for your thoughts. The Highlander actually has a little more HP and torque and an 8 sp Trans. vs 5..... What I'm concerned is that the Highlander does not have a factory towing package like the Runner.

 

That a lot less concerning knowing that.
Personally if down to the 2, knowing how you tow I'd opt for the 4runner over the Highlander. Something about body on frame just seems more suitable to me than unibody... Maybe I'm just making stuff up though lol.

 

That's correct, my Highlander doesn't have a hitch. Maybe someone else can weigh in on this but I'd think the 4r comes with a heavier duty trans cooler.

One other thing I'd imagine if I threw 4k+ trailer on the Highlander I'd think it would squat a ton. Does your 4r squat a lot now?

 

I wouldn't dare tow anything with the Highlander.

My wife has a 2015 and I don't feel it is capable. The suspension is real soft even my getting into the back makes is sag plenty. Not to mention I think the 4R handles 10x better. No factory tow package either. I think it it really was meant to tow something it would have the option.

 

I stick to the 80 percent of capacity rule when towing anything. So 80 percent of 5000 equals 4000...you need a better tow vehicle than the 4 or Highlander IMO. GM Colorado? 2.7 ecoboost F150? etc...many better choices for what you need than the 4 and Highlander.

 

Sequoia or get a smaller trailer and keep your 4R

 

Thanks. I just found out that the Highlander can't tow a trailer with electric brakes unless you do a lot of work. The factory kit (no package) has just a 4 pin wiring/connector.

 

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR VALUABLE INPUT. Looking at all the alternatives/cost/safety (so many I made a spread sheet) I think I'm going to sell my 4R and go with an F150 XLT 4WD with the 3.5 EB, 36 gl. tank, etc. I can get an '19 for $40K OTD.

 

Don't get a highlander. My Wife was looking for an SUV and we decided on a 4 runner as a first choice when arriving at the dealership. We looked at the highlander. My wife told me no way as she hates Van's and feels like this would be a Sienna with a 3" lift. 4runner was parked next to it. We bought it after the first test drive. It's been an amazing vehicle ever since.

 

Highlander is no where a van with a 3" lift. Covers completely different needs.

 

You mean aside from the fact that it lacks the most important key features that make a minivan as versatile as it is which is the overall length thus providing a much larger seating/cargo area with all 3 rows up... And the fact that it has sliding rear doors so kids (and some adults) don't bash the car next to you and it makes it easier for loading in an out... And a significantly larger hatch opening so you can fit plywood in. Aside from those points id say maybe it rides like one and is the same unibody front wheel drive based independent front design... But then so is a Corolla.

 

don't bash the highlander, it's a very useful tall sedan. it's obviously no minivan, but it has its benefits.

 

Sarcasm I assume right? Lol.
The Highlander will receive no bashing from me good sir

 

I responded to the OP's first post which is the only post i bothered reading. I did not address anyone except the OP. So from my perspective this is a non issue.

 

highlander is a incredible vehicle. have 17 HL limited and it is light years ahead of the 04limited. 3 friends have brought one and love it. Ive never heard anyone trash it. That said, I drive an 18 t4r premium and it is likewise an incredible vehicle, although. different from the HL. If I do anything I may trade it for a t4r trd pro at some point. love them both. incidentially most of the running around we go in my t4r.

 

The Highlander is definitely a good SUV but people need to be aware that even tough is rated to tow 5000 lbs it can't tow anything with electric brakes. If you get someone to install a 7 pin connector (need to hard wire all the way up to the brake connection under the hood) you may void the factory warranty. I could not get Toyota to answer the warranty issue.