Toyota Highlander Vs Forerunner: Which Suv Offers The Best Bang For Your Buck?

When it comes to midsize SUVs, the Toyota Highlander and Forerunner stand tall as two of the most popular choices. Both vehicles offer a combination of comfort, versatility, and performance, making them ideal for families and adventure seekers alike. But which one is the better choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key aspects of the Toyota Highlander vs Forerunner to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Power: A Close Match

Under the hood, both the Highlander and Forerunner offer impressive powertrains. The Highlander comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The Forerunner, on the other hand, offers a choice of two engines: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder that produces 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, or a 4.0-liter V6 that delivers 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of performance, the Highlander has a slight edge over the Forerunner. Its V6 engine provides more power and torque, resulting in quicker acceleration and a smoother ride. However, the Forerunner’s four-cylinder engine is more fuel-efficient, delivering an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway compared to the Highlander’s 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

Interior Space and Comfort: Room for Everyone

Both the Highlander and Forerunner offer spacious and comfortable interiors. The Highlander has a seating capacity of up to eight passengers, while the Forerunner can accommodate up to seven. Both vehicles offer ample legroom and headroom in all rows, ensuring a comfortable ride for all occupants.

In terms of cargo space, the Highlander has a slight advantage over the Forerunner. Behind the third row, the Highlander offers 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded down and 84.3 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded down. The Forerunner, on the other hand, offers 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 40.8 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and 89.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded down.

Features and Technology: A Battle of Convenience

The Toyota Highlander and Forerunner come equipped with a range of features and technologies to enhance your driving experience. Both vehicles offer a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration. They also come with a suite of safety features, including lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

However, the Highlander offers a few additional features that give it an edge over the Forerunner. These include a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate, and a premium sound system. The Highlander also has a more advanced infotainment system with a larger touchscreen display and navigation capabilities.

Off-Road Capabilities: Forerunner Takes the Lead

If you’re looking for an SUV that can handle off-road adventures, the Forerunner is the clear choice. It comes with a standard four-wheel drive system and a variety of off-road features, including hill descent control, crawl control, and multi-terrain select. These features allow the Forerunner to tackle challenging terrains with ease, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

The Highlander, on the other hand, is more suited for on-road driving. It comes with a standard front-wheel drive system and an available all-wheel drive system. While the Highlander can handle light off-road conditions, it’s not as capable as the Forerunner in more challenging terrain.

Fuel Efficiency: Highlander Wins the Mileage Race

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Highlander has a slight edge over the Forerunner. The Highlander’s V6 engine delivers an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the Forerunner’s V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. The Forerunner’s four-cylinder engine is more fuel-efficient, delivering an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Overall, the Highlander offers better fuel efficiency than the Forerunner, especially in the city. However, the Forerunner’s four-cylinder engine is a good option for those who prioritize fuel economy over power and performance.

Price and Value: A Matter of Perspective

The Toyota Highlander and Forerunner are both priced competitively in the midsize SUV segment. The Highlander has a starting price of $36,420, while the Forerunner starts at $37,420. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels and options, allowing you to customize your SUV to your specific needs and budget.

In terms of value, the Highlander offers a more comprehensive package for the price. It comes with a more powerful engine, more interior space, and a wider range of features and technologies. The Forerunner, on the other hand, offers better off-road capabilities and slightly better fuel efficiency.

Ultimately, the better value depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you prioritize power, space, and features, the Highlander is the better choice. If you prioritize off-road capabilities and fuel efficiency, the Forerunner is a better fit.

The Verdict: A Tale of Two SUVs

The Toyota Highlander and Forerunner are both excellent midsize SUVs with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Highlander offers more power, space, and features, while the Forerunner excels in off-road capabilities and fuel efficiency.

Ultimately, the better choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a powerful and spacious SUV with a wide range of features, the Highlander is the way to go. If you prioritize off-road capabilities and fuel efficiency, the Forerunner is the better choice.

Frequently Discussed Topics

1. What is the difference between the Toyota Highlander and Forerunner?

The Toyota Highlander is a three-row midsize SUV with a focus on comfort, versatility, and family-friendly features. The Toyota Forerunner is a two-row midsize SUV with a focus on off-road capabilities and adventure.

2. Which one has more seating capacity, the Highlander or Forerunner?

The Toyota Highlander has a seating capacity of up to eight passengers, while the Toyota Forerunner can accommodate up to seven passengers.

3. Which one has a more powerful engine, the Highlander or Forerunner?

The Toyota Highlander comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The Toyota Forerunner offers a choice of two engines: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder that produces 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, or a 4.0-liter V6 that delivers 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque.

4. Which one has better fuel efficiency, the Highlander or Forerunner?

The Toyota Highlander has slightly better fuel efficiency than the Toyota Forerunner. The Highlander’s V6 engine delivers an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the Forerunner’s V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. The Forerunner’s four-cylinder engine is more fuel-efficient, delivering an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.