Highlander VS 4runner - Which one is better offroad?

We take the highlander and 4runner out to compare the capabilities! The 4runner is known for its capabilities offroad even in stock form. Will the Highlander be able to keep up? We were surprised by the results.

[@artistnyc123]

Actually I think a 1st GEN Highlander would've been even better but never ever say that you can pick up a Highlander dirt cheap. Cheaper than a 4runner? Sure but never dirt cheap.

[@ThisWeeksWander]

I have recently seen a few 2nd gens locally go for 5-8k. Prices are going down. To me that is dirt cheap for a low mileage Toyota. I've seen 1st gens as cheap as 2.5k here recently. You can get them pretty dirt cheap especially if they need some body work or something. for what you get that price point is pretty dang good.

[@2GRFExv20]

Keep it up with the comparison videos. I have a lifted Lexus rx300.

[@davidjohnson519]

Great content! I was surprised by how you were able to overcome the open diff slippage by changing the line. i definitely want to take my stock 2012 Highlander out and see what it can do now.

[@ThisWeeksWander]

Yeah, picking the right line is everything! getting up ledges with both tires contacting at the same time will help keep the power to both tires.

[@tipit0086]

Another video shows these same types of "open diff" problems with the second gen Highlander, but it seems the "snow" button helps redirect torque left to right to the wheel without slippage.

[@ThisWeeksWander]

Yes! I didn't think to use it in this video but tried it out and it does work well!

[@stevescramo592]

Who offers skid plates for the Highlander? Which lift kit do you use?

[@enzoman1987]

Well done, nice vid! I was wondering if you’d consider wrapping your highlander. Army green (olive drab) to match your tire setup and roof rack. Would look badass

[@ThisWeeksWander]

I have thought about it! Not sure what color to do, but I also want to add some This Week's Wander branding to it also..we will see! Olive drab would look good!

[@sonderblazer951]

Maybe there’s a diff locker for the Highlander??

[@ThisWeeksWander]

There is!

[@Dcdc956]

@@ThisWeeksWanderthere is a center locking diff. Not an actual diff lock. And it automatically shuts off after a certain mph which is wack.

[@ThisWeeksWander]

@@Dcdc956 there are aftermarket rear lockers you can install on these

[@Lastbadie]

​@@ThisWeeksWanderis that what u have on this highlander here?

[@ThisWeeksWander]

@@Lastbadie no this doesn’t have a rear diff lock.

[@ipodtouchhack1]

I always forget how little clearance these tires have. We really max them out on these, lol

[@MilkyTiger6]

I just picked one up with 60k on it. Super excited. I want to build it out a bit in the future, but wondering how your MPGs were affected with the lift and tires? I have the V6 btw.

[@ThisWeeksWander]

Mpg was affected with the roof top tent, but wheels and tires alone did not affect it. My wheel and tire setup now is actually lighter than the 22" wheels the previous owner had on before haha.

[@MilkyTiger6]

@@ThisWeeksWander Well that's good to hear. I look forward to seeing some more of road adventures with your highlander.

[@TroquiJr02]

What year and Model? Looking for family weekend vehicle wife's work cars during the week

[@iaanlol]

De que año son?

[@ThisWeeksWander]

4runner is 2004 and Highlander is 2013

[@Stryckerrr]

4Runner > Highlanders any day

[@CarsKadi-uy5ql]

Obviously 4 runners are bullet proof and perfect, it’s based of the HILUX surf but the 4 runner gets the mgp of a 18 wheeler

[@Pickle_Panther]

Sure, but the 4Runners are more expensive, worse on gas, and have less room inside. The highlander is what you buy if you have kids or are on a budget. The 4Runner is what you buy if you have extra cash lying around. I have a lifted highlander and it’s better than my old Subaru. It won’t do the things a 4Runner can but I’m not an extreme off roader. I overland to cool places to camp and my highlander has never let me down. And I payed 1/3 the price of a used highlander of the same year.

[@Stryckerrr]

@Pickle_Panther Gaylanding is good for the Highlander, 4Runner is better offroader hands down, if u are actually wanna have fun. Honestly, I seen a group of Prius going to the camp sites I been. U can get any SUV to go anywhere lol but if u got balls to go offroading or nice fishing spots a 4Runner is the best

[@ThisWeeksWander]

These videos aren't to say that the Highlander is better than 4runner because the facts are the HL wont out perform except maybe in comfort and mpg. I actually just got a 5th gen Trail Premium 4Runner because I wanted a body on frame, rear locker, crawl control.. all the offroad doodads that I cant get for the HL. Owning both now, they each have their place, but an HL can be a great compromise if 4R is out of the question. With these videos I just wanted to build awareness of this platform as its actually very capable especially compared to other AWD platforms. I also think it could hang with the 4runners in the mild/intermediate trails just fine with the right driver

[@crazyadventuresandreviews]

I e been using a highlander for last year as a work truck pulling a 14ft trailer for mower, thinking of buying another one cause it’s impressed me so much