[speicte]

I have a 2003 4Runner that I love. We test drove the new Highlander for my mother because she was also looking at an SUV. The new highlander is bigger than the old one. It drives totally different from the 4Runner. It drives like a car that is lifted slightly. The steering is so light, it feels like a video game. I personally did not like the back seat in the Highlander as it is made for people-hauling with the third row standard in the rear.

The 4Runner is still built like a truck but has an incredibly smooth ride. The 4Runner can also take a beating offroad. I wouldn't think of taking the Highlander off pavement or for towing anything heavy. I think the 4Runner is sportier/more durable/ and built for offroad. The Highlander is strictly for onroad highway/family car/ people mover. Both have excellent track records mechanically.

They are for very different markets in my opinion. In my opinion, the 4Runner has more personality while the Highlander is a more generic family car. I also prefer the earlier 4Runners with the straight fenders over the newer rounded fenders. The new rounded fenders make it look more generic, in my opinion.

I love my 4Runner and didn't even consider a Highlander. I wanted a vehicle I can take anywhere and occasionally offroad. It is perfect for me and my family.