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2026 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2027 Toyota Highlander Comparison

See how the 2026 Toyota 4Runner and 2027 Toyota Highlander performed in our rigorous, independent road tests. Our experts evaluate hundreds of vehicles annually at our 327-acre testing facility, putting each model through over 50 data-driven assessments—including braking, emergency handling, fuel economy, and cabin noise. Review our side-by-side comparison of tested specifications, real-world fuel efficiency, and crash-test safety ratings to see which is the best for reliability, performance, and more.

Comparing 2 Models

4Runner 2026

Off-road focused SUVs

2026 Toyota 4Runner

$42,070 - $68,400

All Test Results
CR's Take
Highlander 2027

Electric SUVs 3-row

2027 Toyota Highlander

$45,570 - $54,975

All Test Results
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About
About
True to its roots, the redesigned 4Runner is an off-road-capable SUV, sharing a platform with the Tacoma pickup and Land Cruiser SUV. Lower trims come with a 278-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder, while higher trims get a 326-hp, turbo four-cylinder hyb...
 
The Highlander has been reinvented as a three-row electric SUV for the 2027 model year. It will be offered in front- and all-wheel drive versions, with varying electric range and power outputs spanning up to 320 miles and 338 hp. Like most new EVs, i...
Highs
Highs
Green Checkmark Icon Straightforward controls
Green Checkmark Icon Off-road ability
Green Checkmark Icon Excellent reliability
 

NA

Lows
Lows
Red 'X' Icon Uncomfortable ride
Red 'X' Icon Clumsy handling
Red 'X' Icon Bumpy shifts
Red 'X' Icon Rough-sounding engine
Red 'X' Icon Loud cabin
Red 'X' Icon Dismal interior furnishings
 

NA

Road Test Score
Road Test Score
/ 100
 
NA
Reliability
Reliability
/ 100
 
NA
Owner Satisfaction
Owner Satisfaction
/ 100
 
/ 100

Overview

Body Styles
Body Styles

4-door SUV

 

4-door SUV

Trim Lines
Trim Lines

SR5, TRD Pro, Platinum, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, TRD Off-Road, TRD Sport Premium, Trailhunter

 

XLE, Limited

Base Price Range
Base Price Range

$42,070 - $68,400

 

$45,570 - $54,975

Drive Wheels
Drive Wheels

4WD, RWD

 

AWD, FWD

Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity

2 Front, 3 Rear, 2 Third

 

2 Front, 3 Rear, 2 Third

Engines/Motors
Engines/Motors

2.4-liter 4 turbo (278 hp); 2.4-liter 4 hybrid (326 hp)

 

electric (221 hp); electric (338 hp)

Transmissions Available
Transmissions Available

8-speed Automatic

 

1-speed Direct

Performance

Comfort & Convenience

Fuel Economy & Range

Vehicle Safety

Specification

Warranty

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Auto Test Center

Precision testing comes standard at our 327-acre auto test center.

TESTING LIKE NOBODY ELSE

50+

tests are conducted on every car we buy.

PERFORMANCE TESTING

6

miles of track for testing acceleration, ride, handling, braking, and advanced driver assist systems.

TIRE TESTING

400

tires tested a year for all-weather grip and rolling resistance.