Do You Really Need A 4Runner? 2020 Toyota Highlander Mud, Snow, & Rocks Off-Road Review!

[@WQQKIE]

I bought my wife the Highlander Platinum AWD last month, we are extremely satisfied with it.

[@JamesRussoMillas]

You guys should bring back the slip test. It was something that made the channel unique.

[@tipit0086]

I agree !! I don't care about it's bad approach angle, that's a given, but what about it's supposed torque vectoring ??? How effective is it and is it any better than last gen's ??? Now THAT is the question I'd want answered !! What about a good slip test ???!!!

[@triggerhappyreviews]

I have a 2020 platinum. Very happy with it so far. We've owned several 4runners but the luxury in the highlander is amazing.

[@connordurham8216]

The Highlander is more meant for trails and a good road trip suv not climbing a mountain

[@acemoore7204]

Who climbs mountains anyway? LOL

[@coolsquad7428]

@@acemoore7204 people who want to explore and camp

[@BONESnCMA]

@@coolsquad7428 In the US and Canada you can do this in any 2wd front driven car, their national parks rock. The fast majority camps like this, and these cars are for that fast majority.

[@rikkihodgins3613]

@@BONESnCMAnah if you live in Montana I can say majority of people don’t camp at national parks that is 99% tourists, we all have mountain spots and lakes

[@rikkihodgins3613]

Also this highlander is more capable than what they made it seem you just need a 3inch lift and better and bigger tires

[@kchiker]

I wonder how much more capable the Highlander could be if it had a 2 inch lift and better tires.

[@paulbonaventura4969]

IT would bet a 4-lander!

[@KarriemFleming]

The arugment of "for $51k you can get a 4 wheel drive Sequoia" is not valid for most people. Who cares if you can get a Sequoia… it’s a huge vehicle that’s much less efficient. Just because it’s bigger doesn’t make it a better value if it doesn’t meet your needs.

[@michaelxu7132]

Sequoia interior like a shit,beside fuel efficiency is also like shit

[@bradhaines3142]

thats like saying why get a rav4 when a 4runner is basically the same size. because they're entirely different types of vehicles with equally different uses.

[@daniellaracuente2923]

That's the platinum That's why is 51K but LE is around 36k

[@JeffSh00ts]

But its a sequoia dude

[@jimmyssnowremoval1075]

Sequoias are also a lot more or at least around me it’s almost double

[@Toyota4Life]

The looks are really growing on me. That interior is A+

[@DevavratOka]

I drove my 2017 highlander up to the grays and torreys trailhead parking lot at the base in Colorado and it sure felt I could use higher ground clearance. Returned with no scrapes so yeah, it’ll get you there.

[@zubastik2992]

Of course it should look like Lexus inside after all they’re charging Lexus price for it

[@knight24757]

You're absolutely right.

[@jeffk464]

Yeah, that was kind of the point of having a premium brand and a mass market brand.

[@Toyota4Life]

A Lexus like this is still more expensive

[@zubastik2992]

Toyota4Life with current price for Highlander the gap is just marginal

[@dino-luck]

@@zubastik2992 Well again, that's kind of a point.

[@jonathanroybacchus3423]

Just for the fun of it 😂: “Tommy, why are you comparing a Silverado to a Highlander?” 🍎 < 🍊

[@Anomize23]

The Highlander is more family friendly if you want a crossover as well as a little better driving dynamics. The 4runner is mostly for those who want a sturdier vehicle and A vehicle that drives more like a truck. As a guy myself who doesn’t have a family, the 4runner is basically a lifestyle vehicle. Used for camping, Offroading and other great adventures. There’s just tons of 4runner owners who post videos of themselves and their lifestyle vehicle that goes anywhere.

[@voodooblue6162]

Most people are better off with a highlander since the vehicle is their daily driver and even for the majority of the 4runner owners,the 4runner is an overkill for their needs and I’m one of them,but I just like the ruggedness,simplicity and tough appearance of the 4runner,that’s why I went with the 4runner.

[@ddmau7995]

I have a 2021 XLE that I just installed a 2" lift kit on. It raised the front 2"s which made it easier to get in and out of .The kit is from TORQ INDUSTRIES and does not void Toyota highlander warranty ! My car now sits level like it should've from the factory . Next will be aftermarket wheels and larger tires ,one great auto with AWD . I have the turbo 6 cylinder that produces 305 hp and gives me 30+ MPG ! IN 2023 the highlander will( unfortunately) only be available with the hybrid mode or their turbo 4 cylinder pkg.Towing capacity with the 6 cylinder is a whopping 5,000 lbs . The 4 cylinder towing drops down to 3,000 lbs .

[@witchking6787]

A Highlander yanked my F-150 out of a snowdrift a couple weeks ago. I laughed and bought some chains and a come-along when I got back to town.

[@C6BlueDevil]

I literally spent the last few weeks driving and researching both the highlander and the 4runner before buying one. The highlander is literally better than the 4runner at everything except serious off road ability. Plan on going on trails that need serious articulation? Get a 4runner, but for 99% of people the highlander is the better pick. Its more spacious, faster, handles better, better mpg, more tech and a nicer interior. As far as unibody suvs go the higlander has even has some neat awd tech like a center locking diff button and down hill assist making it more than just a minivan like many people claim.

[@mct8888]

Most offroading a Highlander will do is driving on grass at a tailgate party.

[@NukePooch1]

...and on the grass at a kids' soccer match.

[@trailrunnah8886]

Same can be said of most 4Runners though. They're more capable, but doesn't mean most drivers actually USE that capability.

[@lazybedford3018]

And on da grass at da kids rugby game 🏉🏉🏉

[@westpalmdoc]

no way. grass wipes tire shine off. 🤣

[@redskins1120]

It does excellent on the beach.

[@NaijaBoiTellEm]

The Highlander is better at moving people around. The 4Runner is at moving things around. At least that's how I see it. I own a 4Runner and never considered a Highlander. Can't knock the Highlander though. It is excellent for what it does!

[@sugonmaballs]

Pretty sure they're both for moving people AND things around, just on different terrains and capactities. Just like most pickup trucks, most of the people I know with a 4-Runner only chose it for appearance over the Highlander, and not for its utility. Tried to talk my single-mom-with-3-kids neighbor into replacing her old Tahoe with a newer Highlander and she instantly scoffed at it and looked at 4-runners instead despite them having less seat room for kids and being considerably less practical and more expensive. Some people just can't get over image and buy what they need instead of what they want. She ended up just getting a newer Tahoe though, lol.

[@NaijaBoiTellEm]

@Darkivaz-AAA Relax haha? Who said I wasn't?

[@NaijaBoiTellEm]

@@sugonmaballs I hear what you're saying. I'm just coming off the fact that the 4Runner is a more rugged vehicle while the Highlander is a much more comfortable ride. But yes, you can do both with both vehicles.

[@You-All-Pokai]

sugonmaballs absolutely agreed

[@hunterf3]

I know someone with a stage 1 Highlander and it’s sick. Keep up the great work guys

[@ScottsReviews]

Nice review. You made a point that we all wonder but don’t try.

[@mikebell2750]

The Highlander is a good "ski mobile" with proper winter tires and definitely is a good family hauler, but an off-roader it will never be. Thanks for the video to point out the features and limitations of this vehicle, keep up the good work.👍

[@davechurch1661]

really like when you guys get into the difference between awd for roads and awd for off road.

[@jtr990]

That answers the question. You DO need a 4Runner to take on Iron Clad.

[@shawnking4210]

Thank you for not destroying that beautiful Highlander number one Toyota fan

[@mrbadmojoe]

Obviously a good car for snow and dirt roads.

[@nicholasbaker2904]

We took my wife's 2017 highlander to the family csmp for the weekend. Its 3.5 hrs of roads then 5mi of switchback logging roads with gravel on them to the cabin. Thats an accurate use of this vehicle i feel.

[@kenwingo4862]

Love the highlander. You are right. A side by side is best for that trail.

[@ronsmith7880]

Nice truck...don't see a lot of these here where I live...most people here buy the 4Runners..thanks Roman n Tommy.. Good job

[@trailrunnah8886]

I have a 5th gen 4Runner. Was at the dealer getting a recall done the other day and was looking to the new Highlander. They're not joking, the interior is beautiful. And big too! Much more room inside than the 4Runner. Honestly, with the two exceptions of off-roading and image, the Highland does literally everything better than the 4Runner. It even has the same towing capacity.

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

Trail Runnah 5k towing is very conservative with the 4Runner. 5k towing is going to push the heck out of the Highlander. The Highlander isn’t much different than the RAV4. It’s rides on the same un and has the same transmission. If a trailer is too much for a RAV4 you definitely don’t want to tow it with a Highlander.

[@trailrunnah8886]

@@user-tb7rn1il3q the 5th gen 4Runner is factory rated at 5,000lbs tow capacity. I can't imagine towing that with mine, it's gutless enough as it is unloaded. Just yesterday I couldn't keep up with an Amazon van while trying to merge on the highway.

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

Trail Runnah My 2018 SR5 4x4 squeals the tires up to 40 mph. It runs great. The gas pedal is a little weird. You have to hammer it down real fast to tap into the power. I have no issues pulling into fast traffic.

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

Trail Runnah The 4Runner was actually faster than the hemi V8 powered Jeep Grand Cherokee before it received the 8 speed auto. Some of the “Amazon” vans have the 3.5 Ecoboost engine which would make it even faster than the 4R.

[@markjacobson1285]

Just bought a 2021 Limited AWD after two new Pilots Toyota Highlander has changed our minds.

[@Nostromo_1]

I just returned my 2018 highlander SE lease, and got a 2021 4runner limited. Highlander is a great SUV for paved road and maybe dirt roads but that's it. It had no skid plates, and although it is AWD., it is basically a front wheel drive crossover. The engine is in sideways like a front wheel drive car. I am not mocking the Highlander, I loved mine and hated to give it up, almost got another one (XSE). But I need to tow a boat now and would not want to do that with a highlander.

[@bradhaines3142]

even a 4runner isnt that great for towing, i hope its a small boat

[@itsmyshoe7391]

Amazing! Please do an off-road test on a 2020 Explorer! Would love to see how the RWD biased AWD does!

[@wolverine350r]

Problem is, it doesn't really matter if it can barely clear a speed bump and the test stops. They need a rough dirt road to test these CARS on, not a light off-road trail.

[@JRs-guitars]

The explorer has pretty much the same ground clearance....too bad.

[@toyotabrony]

Yes because 4Runner is still a true off-roader SUV. 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@toyotabrony]

@The Real VR I agree. Much better. But it’s always the catch. U prefer 4Runner for what it already has, or the land cruiser?

[@noctilucent7396]

@The Real VR the 4Runner is the Land Cruiser Prado. Their both on the 120 platform.

[@willba4]

"not going to let us do that if we destroy this car" almost like how subaru dont loan you cars anymore? haha

[@redskins1120]

Subaru vehicle wasn’t even able to make it as far as the Highlander. They were exposed and they got mad.

[@nathankestin1922]

Are you serious?! Comparing a Highlander to a Silverado! Just for you Tommy😉 Honestly though awesome video. Keep doing what you guys are doing. I love your videos!

[@bighands69]

There are people that will complain. And claim their honda civic could make it up there.

[@ddmau7995]

Silverado 16 mpg,Highlander 24 -30 mpg .

[@adeelpaki]

i don't know why you bring this red reddish but i love it what you did thumbs up for you ... thanks for the efforts

[@captnebulace]

I’ve got a highlander. It’s an awesome car. Before this I had a Subaru Outback 2.5. I like the highlander more. I’m no rock crawler, I don’t take on extreme trails. I hike, mountain bike, camp, and road trip. And my highlander does it better than my outback (not something I thought I’d ever say). It’s a great car. I don’t need a 4Runner and I like that I’ve got more space inside than a RAV4. It’s not the best midsized SUV, but it’s very good and one of the better ones you can get for a reasonable price in this wild car market

[@Neighborly_Content]

10 minute video of Highlander off road, FF to 7:30 for actual driving to skip the overview of the car. Would love to see an XLE as that’s the most popular model, plus it has a different system than the Limited & Platinum trims.

[@ericbergman2320]

Thanks for the video, I was wondering about the Highlander's offroad capability. You guys have an awesome channel. Thanks again for all the great content.

[@lordadams5762]

I'm more impressed with the microphone lol no wind noise!

[@Dwill29s]

Live the Orange with the black trim on that Silverado looking beautiful and beasty

[@stithis]

I'm more amazed on how I didnt hear 1 decible of wind...

[@TwinTurboToyota]

I bought a 22 xse it’s awesome in bad weather and super comfortable with 27 mpg

[@ronstermonster7008]

I own a 2017 Highlander. Great vehicles.

[@hereigoagain5050]

Tommy and I have something in common: we both crunch our glasses into our faces :) Girls go wild when they see that!

[@billwang88]

I remember the first gen Highlander was based on the Camry. Does the current generation use the Camry platform?

[@bwarren228]

I can’t believe you guys are comparing a Highlander to a Trail Boss! There, I said it!

[@ubaurbanus1243]

LMAO 🤣

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

bwarren228 4Runner>Silverado>RAV4>Highlander>Sienna; off road

[@jayar202]

I love you guys for leaving the headrest blooper in 😂

[@redskins1120]

It’s very capable, especially on the beach.

[@larry-notthecableguy]

Great vid. Great job Tommy!

[@vvt2257]

You guys could’ve steered left and kind of climb and go around it

[@PVo-1111]

To be honest that was an equal and fair comparison of the two lol

[@rhydynamic8306]

Please do the same with the Explorer 4WD 2020.

[@DonJulio510]

I honestly want to own both the 4runner and highlander.

[@ST-wi9eq]

just because of 9:10, I just have to ask, why in the world are you comparing a Highlander against a Silverado? that makes no sense 😂😂

[@AE-ix2iz]

This should be a best seller in Hawaii. There are tons of 4Runners yet most people rarely, if ever, take them off road. One issue, which isn’t one actually, is packaging. When I was shopping for a Highlander more than a handful of friends asked me why would I want a small vehicle. Because of how they are designed, the proportions make them look small than a 4Runner. Most people think these are compact crossovers

[@bj052088meyers]

No comparison the Highlander will still be on the road in 12 years!

[@armyofoz216]

Thanks for this video. I work in the factory that makes those and always wanted to see one offroad.

[@andrewmeekens1778]

May buy it in 4yrs wow nice family auto !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@andrewenglish3810]

@The Fast Lane Car your driving my Highlander!! I ordered one of those about a month ago, just waiting for it arrive...if it ever gets here.

[@hardeepsidhu5446]

do you have any idea how long total waited. Thx

[@andrewenglish3810]

@@hardeepsidhu5446 I waited 5 months, you are best to check the status of the Toyota Indiana plant in the US because that's where they make the Highlander.

[@jjgates6351]

This is so dumb. Even the Silverado barely made it with that "good approaching angle" and you're expecting the Highlander to do it

[@jskndeol]

Highlander is a family highway (comfort GT) SUV. 4Runner is meant for hard core off roading stuff.

[@Cammyy2k]

I love every generation of highlanderrrrrrr

[@marcsee4072]

Very capable just that fancy bumpers. Could be still fancy if little w more approach angle. Great video

[@brucehawk09]

TFL, the guys who compare a crossover to an offroader.

[@d.e.a.7040]

Side by Sides 👍. You nail it bro.

[@braalo07]

Toyota has done a great job with their family SUVs, hopefully this is a sign of things to come with their trucks and related SUVs

[@dragorocky]

I don’t know why you even made this video, but it was fkn hilarious. 10/10 (not the crossover-You guys)

[@bighands69]

They showed it could handle some off road but not the hardest stuff. If they demonstrated it on trails and mud people will claim that is not real off roading.

[@huntertodd7915]

What actual trail is that ? I would like to attempt it in my basically stock 1990 Chevy 2500HD single cab. And only if your curious, truck has No aftermarket parts, other than replacement k&n filter. Running 285/75/16 1.25 turns up on torsion bars + sawzalled small corner of bumper near tires to fit the bigger tires. And I removed the torsion bar. Truck has 4:10 gears and 3 spd th400, so it’s never going all that fast considering gearing and only have 200hp with 6,000lb of weight

[@-------------------DD]

Great review

[@AFRO_KEEN]

The only thing I dont like is being that the vehicle does not come with offroad tires. They can recieve an inside wall bulge from a sharp rock which can blowout on the highway.

[@LionRunner]

Well that was disappointing for not testing the 2020 Highlander AWD system properly like you did in 2016.

[@canadabear72]

This is such a nice improvement over the old model. But not quite as nice as Tommy suggested. That's not real aluminum on the dash. It's plastic. It doesn't even have Napan leather. It does not have 4 wheel independent suspension. It has struts up front like everyone else. And compared to others in this class, the Highlander is actually quite small inside. Even the KIa Sorento has more combined legroom than this. Still, Toyota is gonna sell a ton of these.

[@canadabear72]

@The Techxtremist Well, that's not true. But believe whatever you like. :)

[@coolmg7482]

Beautiful car Toyota highlander

[@mrpmj00]

I've just test driven the 2021 gas version and it stll accelerates well (I have a 2014 Toyota Highlander V6) but it also still has a lot of torque steer.

[@everydayfun9531]

I wish they made an off-roading version for the Highlander people like me Love to drive the highlander and wish it was also an offroading car.

[@mjv1967]

You should really check out used Highlanders vs 4Runners. Pricing is very attractive. And no frame to rust.

[@zero2sixtyr35]

I think you want to read this comment but WHY ARE YOU COMPARING HIGHLANDER TO A SILVERADO?! 🙃 lol keep it guys. Awesome father/son duo. Stay safe out there!

[@rd4501]

That means I could drive my Sienna AWD all the way up the since they share the same engine and same powertrain (A "bit less ground clearance than this of course".......)

[@typxxilps]

Highland's weather for a Highlander, what else did you expect ?

[@FlexSZN23]

The closest the Highlander will get to the “Highlands” is when it’s parked on the top of the mall’s parking garage

[@ismet_sxv]

*OFF ROAD A MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER VS TOYOTA HIGHLANDER VS HONDA CR-V*

[@derakbell8143]

The outlander swc system is tech carried over from the evo. Its very very good

[@njc113]

I know you guys do not get Subaru’s anymore but I would love to see if you guys can test the New Subaru’s with the dual xmode either on the forester sport or outback XT Onyx

[@daem3n]

what the hay?! did you just compare a Highlander to a Silverado?!?! LOL! Just kidding! Great video guys.

[@rynoopperman5010]

The Silverado just... just... made the step... 😂😂😂 That is definitely not a good approach angle...

[@ADVRaiderKTM]

I cant believe you would compare a Silverado to a Highlander! :)

[@cobrasvt347]

Definition of a trunk sure has changed over the past few years

[@LorneClarkeMusic]

Hows about you do an in-depth comparison that Highlander to the Hybrid model?

[@bennettfoley3018]

great video!

[@RichardsWorld]

@4:25 wow, it even comes with an action camera.

[@stephenhendricks103]

The Highlander is "super spacious"? The Highlander has 27.7" of legroom in the third row. That's less than ANY other 3 row crossover. It's even less than the infamously cramped CX-9 at 29.7". The KIA Sorento is 7" shorter than the HIghlander and has more than 4" more legroom! If Tommy has sat in "way worse" third rows, I'd like to know what they were. In fact the new Highlander's third row ranks at the very bottom of every mainstream midsize crossover.

[@davidwethington9320]

Highlander is just a minivan without the stigma.

[@cartersmrke6754]

They have basically been the same price since 2016 I don't know why everyone is complaining about it now

[@chrismartin972]

The fact that you had to use the trail boss shows the problem with the front fascia setup on all the current trucks. Only the lifted version could tackle this tiny obstacle.

[@learn001]

That is why you need to buy a 4Runner.

[@jackqshay4760]

Why don't u try off-roading with Ford Explorer 2020

[@TheOutdoorBeerReview]

As someone who works for Toyota... if you buy a Highlander to 'offroad' you're a complete fool. It's great on road, which is where they should really stay. Basically nothing about this vehicle is made for offroad travel

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Tommy, why are you comparing a Toyota Highlander to a Chevy Silverado 1500 Trail Boss?

[@OmarSpence]

The gnarliest off road conditions that would work in are the horrible roads in Queens NY

[@ricwestdoesitwork]

Nice people mover for smooth roads or bumpy roads but, it sure isn't an off-roader. Thanks Roman and Tommy very good review.