Gecko
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As my Rav4 has now crossed 60k miles, I’ve been planning to get a new car in early 2017 and eagerly watching the refreshed 2017 Highlander as well as waiting to see if Toyota would make any changes to the 2017 4Runner.
While Toyota has yet to make the formal announcement for the refreshed Highlander, we now know the 4Runner is a carryover with no major equipment or feature changes, and it looks like it will be the last production year for the 5th gen, stretching production until November 2017.
The Highlander should use the same version of the 2GR-FKS as the Sienna, with 296hp and 263lb-ft of torque, an 8AT and stop-start tech. This is in combination with a minor exterior update and the Toyota Safety Sense - P package.
I’ve owned a few 4Runners before and was wanting to hold out for one, but it’s hard to ignore the technology and performance edge that the Highlander has. If I was to buy a 4Runner, I could do so and happily keep it 10+ years which I just don’t see myself doing with a Highlander. As such, I think about buying a 2017 Highlander, keeping it 3-4 years and maybe switching to a 4Runner at the 6th gen 4Runner refresh. I sat down and thought about it, and it netted out like this:
2017 Highlander Limited AWD
Pros: 4-5 better MPG, 8AT, 26 more horsepower, Toyota Safety Sense – P package (BSM with RCTA, LDA, PCS with pedestrian detection, auto high beams), more nimble in city traffic, LED exterior lighting, safer crash test scores, second row captains chairs, 8” infotainment screen, considerably faster on-road
Cons: Mom image, can’t get it without a third row, 15 less lb-ft torque, 12-speaker JBL system isn’t quite as good as 4Runner’s, less usable cargo area because of third row
2017 4Runner Limited 4X4
Pros: BOF/Off road image, can get two rows only, it’s the one I’d want if the world ends, 15-speaker JBL system is a little better IMO, more usable cargo area
Cons: 4-5 MPG worse, outdated 5AT, 26 less horsepower, 15 more lb-ft torue, no TSS-P nor any common safety tech features, halogen lighting, less forgiving to drive in city traffic, less safe crash test scores, 6.1” infotainment screen, considerably slower
Disclaimers: I have no kids and two dogs. I live and commute in the city. I only ever go into minor off road situations and don't think the 4Runner's off road advantage would make much difference in my life. Resale is actually about even between the two, surprisingly.
Curious to hear the thoughts and opinions of others. Have I missed or not considered anything?
Thanks in advance
While Toyota has yet to make the formal announcement for the refreshed Highlander, we now know the 4Runner is a carryover with no major equipment or feature changes, and it looks like it will be the last production year for the 5th gen, stretching production until November 2017.
The Highlander should use the same version of the 2GR-FKS as the Sienna, with 296hp and 263lb-ft of torque, an 8AT and stop-start tech. This is in combination with a minor exterior update and the Toyota Safety Sense - P package.
I’ve owned a few 4Runners before and was wanting to hold out for one, but it’s hard to ignore the technology and performance edge that the Highlander has. If I was to buy a 4Runner, I could do so and happily keep it 10+ years which I just don’t see myself doing with a Highlander. As such, I think about buying a 2017 Highlander, keeping it 3-4 years and maybe switching to a 4Runner at the 6th gen 4Runner refresh. I sat down and thought about it, and it netted out like this:
2017 Highlander Limited AWD
Pros: 4-5 better MPG, 8AT, 26 more horsepower, Toyota Safety Sense – P package (BSM with RCTA, LDA, PCS with pedestrian detection, auto high beams), more nimble in city traffic, LED exterior lighting, safer crash test scores, second row captains chairs, 8” infotainment screen, considerably faster on-road
Cons: Mom image, can’t get it without a third row, 15 less lb-ft torque, 12-speaker JBL system isn’t quite as good as 4Runner’s, less usable cargo area because of third row
2017 4Runner Limited 4X4
Pros: BOF/Off road image, can get two rows only, it’s the one I’d want if the world ends, 15-speaker JBL system is a little better IMO, more usable cargo area
Cons: 4-5 MPG worse, outdated 5AT, 26 less horsepower, 15 more lb-ft torue, no TSS-P nor any common safety tech features, halogen lighting, less forgiving to drive in city traffic, less safe crash test scores, 6.1” infotainment screen, considerably slower
Disclaimers: I have no kids and two dogs. I live and commute in the city. I only ever go into minor off road situations and don't think the 4Runner's off road advantage would make much difference in my life. Resale is actually about even between the two, surprisingly.
Curious to hear the thoughts and opinions of others. Have I missed or not considered anything?
Thanks in advance
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