4Runner Limited or Highlander Platinum… which is better for a family?

Hey everyone, my wife and I are deciding between a used 4Runner (Limited) and a Highlander (Platinum) and wondering if we’re missing any key factors that could help us choose. If you’ve had experience with either of these, what swayed you one way or the other? I’ve seen some older posts about this, but they often discuss other 4Runner trims. We’re looking at 2022-2024 models with under 40k miles.

A bit about us: we’re a family of four living in a northern Midwest state with some pretty tough winters. No plans to grow the family further. Appreciate any advice or thoughts you have!

I’m currently driving a 4Runner. One thing to note is that there aren’t any rear ceiling vents, which is why I’m considering switching to a Highlander or even a Grand Highlander.

Darin said:
I’m currently driving a 4Runner. One thing to note is that there aren’t any rear ceiling vents, which is why I’m considering switching to a Highlander or even a Grand Highlander.

Oh, I hadn’t realized the 4Runner didn’t have those! Are you looking for the ceiling vents specifically for your kids in the second row?

@Haven
Yep! We’ve got a 2018 SR5 Premium with a third row, and there’s no separate control for the rear AC. I even had to put a fan behind my headrest to help circulate air during the hot Texas summers. My kids tend to run warm, so that might not be an issue for everyone, but it’s definitely something to consider.

@Darin
That’s really helpful to know! Texas heat is no joke. Thanks for the insight!

@Haven
If the Highlander Platinum has captain’s chairs, the second-row seats are heated too.

The Highlander has a spacious second row. Car seats fit easily, and it comes with sun shades built into the doors. It’s got a smooth ride and decent fuel economy. I’ve never driven a 4Runner, but those features are why we love our 2016 Highlander XLE.

@Marlow
The sun shades sound like a great feature! Does your Highlander have a bench seat in the second row, or are they captain’s chairs? I think the Platinum trim only comes with captain’s chairs.

Haven said:
@Marlow
The sun shades sound like a great feature! Does your Highlander have a bench seat in the second row, or are they captain’s chairs? I think the Platinum trim only comes with captain’s chairs.

Ours has bench seats, and it’s spacious enough for three adults back there.

I’ve got two points for you. First, prices for used 4Runners are pretty high right now, but you might find a good deal if you look around. Interest rates were around 10% for used car loans when inflation was high, but things might be calming down now.

Second, expect any 4Runners with around 20,000 miles to be in the low to mid $40k range. You could even find some 2023 models with under 10,000 miles going for around $45k. The 2023 Limited was $56k MSRP.

And keep an eye on the subframe—especially with winters in northern states. Regular washes in winter help prevent long-term rust issues.

@Fane
Those price estimates match what I’ve seen too, so that’s good to hear. And I’ve definitely heard about the subframe issues with 4Runners if you don’t stay on top of washing them in winter. Thanks for the tip!

@Haven
You might also want to check out the Lexus GX…

You’re comparing two very different types of SUVs. The 4Runner is built like a truck, with a body-on-frame design, and it drives like one too. It’s rugged, reliable, and great for off-roading, but it guzzles gas.

The Highlander, on the other hand, is a more refined SUV. It’s built on a unibody frame, so it’s smoother, quieter, and better for everyday driving. It’s also more fuel-efficient and has lots of space inside, which makes it a good family car. It has AWD, but it’s more of a ‘when you need it’ system, not as hardcore as the 4Runner’s.

@Bright
I could be wrong, but I thought the Limited 4Runner comes with AWD, which is why I was looking at that trim only. We don’t plan to go off-roading, so AWD would cover our needs in winter.

Honestly, it feels like we’re deciding between the cool look of the 4Runner and the practicality of the Highlander.

The Highlander is a fantastic choice.

This was a while back, but in 2014, I had to pick between a 2004 4Runner and a 2008 Highlander. I chose the 4Runner because it felt more like a truck. Even though it was 2WD and the Highlander was AWD, the 4Runner offered better towing and cargo capacity. No regrets so far.

I have a Tacoma, and I honestly don’t get why people choose 4Runners as their daily drivers. I’ve rented one for long trips before, and it drives a lot like my Tacoma—very rough.

Where I live, there are tons of 4Runners doing school runs, grocery runs, and shuttling kids around. But they’re built for off-road, not comfort. The ride is rough, they’re not great for long drives, and the fuel economy is terrible.

I do love 4Runners, don’t get me wrong, but I would never use one as my main car. My husband drives our Tacoma to work (a 4-mile round trip) and we use it for hauling bikes when we go riding. That’s about it.

My wife is obsessed with her Highlander. It’s got plenty of space for two car seats in the middle row and still room for storage in the back.

How old are your kids? We loved our 4Runner, but it wasn’t the best for kids. Tight second row with car seats, no ceiling vents, and pretty bad fuel economy.

Micah said:
How old are your kids? We loved our 4Runner, but it wasn’t the best for kids. Tight second row with car seats, no ceiling vents, and pretty bad fuel economy.

Our kids are 1.5 years and 3 months old.

You bring up good points. We love the way the 4Runner Limited looks compared to the Highlander, but it does seem like the Highlander has a lot more going for it in terms of space and kid-friendly features.