2025 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander: Which SUV Fits Your Lifestyle?

Toyota was founded in 1937, which means that they have been involved in the automotive industry for 80 years. As of 2016, they were the largest automotive manufacturer in the world. In other words, the team at Toyota is clearly well versed when it comes to producing quality vehicles, and the 2018 Toyota Highlander is no exception. If you are in the market to purchase or lease a midsize crossover SUV that can seat up to eight passengers, then the 2018 Highlander should definitely be at the top of your list. This newest model of the Highlander comes with some unique new features that will make any cross-country family road trip that much more enjoyable. more Power For All If you have ever had the pleasure of being in the car with your young teenagers for an extended period of time, then you will know just how crucial it is that they keep their smart phones charged and easily accessible for all the tweeting, snap chatting, and texting that they can possibly muster. In the 2018 Highlander, running out of charge is a fear of the past. Each model comes standard with five USB ports, three up front and two in the rear, so you’ll never have to worry about any of your electronic devices dying on you ever again. The plentiful USB ports are not the only feature that sets the 2018 Highlander apart from the rest. Innovation at It’s Finest This midsize crossover comes equipped with some of the most innovative technology that Toyota has to offer. The Highlanders that have a gas-powered V6 under the hood also have the Stop and Start Engine System (S&S), which allows the engine to turn off when your vehicle is at rest. This feature will save you more fuel by shutting the engine off when you find yourself idling at a stoplight. When the light turns green, simply release your foot from the brake pedal, and the engine will restart so you can continue forward. The 2018 Highlander also comes with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). Using a camera mounted on the front grille and an in-vehicle camera, your Highlander will be able to adjust your speed when you are using cruise control based on how fast cars in front of you are moving. The DRCC feature will automatically reduce your speed if it detects that a car in front of you is traveling at a slower pace. These additions along with a slew of other safety features make the 2018 Highlander an incredibly safe option for those of you looking for a family vehicle. Keep All of Your Precious Cargo Safe In fact the inside of the 2018 Highlander is just as safe as the outside. This Highlander comes with an Advanced Airbag System that is comprised of a whopping eight airbags in order to ensure that all precious cargo is safe. The 2018 Highlander also comes with an additional safety measure called LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren). This feature provides additional ways to secure those members of your family that must sit in a car seat. These anchors and tethers are located on all of the second row seats and also on the middle seat of the third row. All in all, the 2018 Highlander is a great midsized crossover for all families. The features covered in this blog are only a few of the many reasons that you should come check out the 2018 Highlander at Greenville Toyota for yourself. Our team here at Greenville Toyota has been serving the community for over 25 years, and we are proud to be part of a company that consistently creates top-selling vehicles. Once you go for a test drive in the we are certain that you will want to take it home and show it off to your friends. So come on down to Greenville Toyota located at 3615 South Memorial Drive in North Carolina and we will be happy to take you out for a spin. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Finding the right SUV for your family is one of those decisions that feels bigger the closer you get to it. Toyota makes it easier, with three family-focused SUVs that cover every stage of family life, from a household of four to a road-tripping crew of eight. The 2026 Toyota lineup gives North Carolina families more to work with than ever, including an all-hybrid RAV4, a three-row Highlander with AWD standard, and a Grand Highlander with enough third-row legroom to actually seat adults. For North Carolina families, the best Toyota SUVs are the RAV4 (5 seats, up to an estimated 44 mpg combined), the Highlander (up to 8 seats, three rows, AWD standard), and the Grand Highlander (up to 8 seats, 33.5 inches of third-row legroom). All three include Toyota Safety Sense standard. All three are available at Greenville Toyota in Greenville, NC. At Greenville Toyota, our team has helped families across Greenville, Kinston, Washington, and Winterville find the right Toyota SUV for their lives, their budgets, and the roads they actually drive every day. This guide breaks down the RAV4, Highlander, and Grand Highlander side by side so you can walk into our showroom knowing exactly which one fits your family best. Key Points: Best Toyota SUVs for North Carolina Families The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is now fully hybrid across the entire lineup, delivering up to an estimated 44 mpg combined — real, measurable fuel savings for Eastern NC families driving daily. The Grand Highlander's third row has 33.5 inches of legroom, making it the only Toyota SUV in this group where adults ride comfortably in the back seat. All three SUVs include Toyota Safety Sense standard, so the collision warning, lane departure alert, and automatic emergency braking your family depends on are built in, not bolted on. Why North Carolina Families Choose Toyota SUVs Toyota SUVs earn their reputation the old-fashioned way: by showing up every day without drama. For Eastern NC families who log miles between Greenville and the coast, across Pitt County back roads, and on long weekend runs to the Outer Banks, that reliability matters. Toyota Safety Sense comes standard on all three models, meaning forward collision warning, lane departure alert, and automatic emergency braking are included regardless of trim level. Strong resale values and long-term dependability make any Toyota a practical investment, not just for the next few years, but for the road ahead. Comparing the Toyota RAV4, Highlander, and Grand Highlander: At a Glance Every family is different, and so is every Toyota. Here's a quick side-by-side look at the three models before we go deeper on each one. Model Seating Cargo (Behind 3rd Row) Starting MSRP 2026 Toyota RAV4 5 passengers 37.8 cu ft $33,350 2026 Toyota Highlander Up to 8 passengers 16.0 cu ft ~$45,870 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Up to 8 passengers 20.6 cu ft $41,360 All cargo figures are approximate. Prices are manufacturer's suggested retail and exclude taxes, fees, and dealer charges. Contact Greenville Toyota at 252-321-3000 for current availability and pricing. A few things stand out when you look at this side by side. The Grand Highlander actually starts at a lower MSRP than the Highlander, which surprises most shoppers. Part of that gap comes from the Highlander now including AWD standard, while the Grand Highlander's base trim is front-wheel drive. With comparable AWD configurations on both, the price difference shrinks to under $500. That makes the Grand Highlander's extra third-row space and cargo room a genuinely strong value for what you're paying. The 2026 Toyota RAV4: Efficient, Versatile, and Now Fully Hybrid Here's something worth knowing before you start shopping: every 2026 Toyota RAV4 is now a hybrid. Toyota dropped the gas-only option entirely. That means every new RAV4 delivers up to an estimated 44 mpg combined, a number that adds up quickly for Greenville families making daily runs, school pickups in Winterville, or weekend drives down to the Crystal Coast. The RAV4 seats five and offers 37.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 70.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. It starts at $33,350 MSRP and includes Toyota Safety Sense standard. For smaller families or drivers who want to keep fuel costs low without compromising on utility, the RAV4 delivers the best fuel economy of the three models and the most accessible price point. The 2026 Toyota Highlander: Three Rows of Family-Ready Space The 2026 Toyota Highlander is the right move when your family has outgrown the five-seater but you want a three-row SUV that still handles like a midsize. It seats up to eight passengers and comes with a 265-horsepower turbocharged engine and AWD standard across the lineup. The Highlander Hybrid version delivers up to an estimated 35 mpg combined for families who want three-row space with stronger fuel efficiency. Cargo comes in at 16.0 cubic feet behind the third row and 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row. The third row works well for children and is manageable for adults on shorter trips. The Highlander is the right fit for families who need three-row flexibility in a refined, road-ready package. Starting MSRP is approximately $45,870. The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander: More Room for the Whole Family The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is built for families who need every seat to actually work. Its third row delivers 33.5 inches of legroom, 5.8 inches more than the standard Highlander, which means adults ride back there comfortably on long trips, not just tolerate it. Cargo capacity is 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.9 cubic feet with the third row folded and up to 97.5 cubic feet fully flat. The Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX produces 362 horsepower, and the Grand Highlander tows up to 5,000 pounds, enough for a boat or camper trailer on Eastern NC weekends. It starts at $41,360 MSRP, and like every model in this comparison, includes Toyota Safety Sense standard. Which Toyota SUV Is Right for Your Family? The best way to choose is to match the vehicle to how your family actually lives. Here's a straightforward guide: Family of four to five, focused on fuel savings and daily value: The RAV4 Hybrid is your answer. Up to an estimated 44 mpg combined, room for the whole crew, and the most accessible starting price. Growing family that needs three rows in a manageable size: The Highlander gives you AWD, a refined interior, and seating for up to eight, ideal when the minivan simply is not an option. Large family or frequent road-trippers who need real third-row comfort: The Grand Highlander. More legroom, more cargo room, and a lower starting price than most people expect. Families who tow: The Grand Highlander, with up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity for boats, trailers, or weekend gear. Still not sure? Our team is happy to walk you through all three models in person. Shop Toyota Family SUVs at Greenville Toyota in Greenville, NC The Toyota RAV4, Toyota Highlander, and Toyota Grand Highlander are all available to explore at Greenville Toyota, located at 3615 S. Memorial Dr. in Greenville, NC. We serve families across Kinston, Washington, Winterville, Wilson, Goldsboro, and communities throughout Eastern North Carolina.Browse our current new Toyota SUV inventory online, or call us to talk through your options. The best way to find your family's next Toyota is behind the wheel, and we're ready to make that happen.

The 2026 Toyota Tundra continues to represent a compelling option in the full-size pickup truck segment, offering a combination of modern technology, capable powertrains, and thoughtful design. Whether you're considering this truck for work, recreation, or daily driving, understanding its features and capabilities can help inform your decision. At Greenville Toyota, we're here to provide you with comprehensive information about what makes the Tundra a noteworthy contender in its class. What's New for 2026 The 2026 model year brings several updates to the Tundra lineup. The Capstone grade now features a revamped interior with Shale Premium Textured leather-trimmed seats, while the Limited grade transitions to leather-trimmed seats in both black and grey with distinctive stitching patterns. The TRD Pro can now be ordered with optional ISO Dynamic seats for enhanced comfort during off-road adventures. All double cab models now include air vents on the rear center console, and models with single-zone climate control receive the smartflow management system. Additionally, all Tundra models come equipped with a larger 32.2-gallon fuel tank, and a tow hitch with 7/4 pin connector is now standard across all trims, including the SR grade. The TRD Pro grade also introduces an exclusive new color called Wave Maker for 2026. Powertrain Options The 2026 Tundra offers two distinct powertrain configurations, each designed to meet different performance needs. i-FORCE Twin-Turbo V6 The standard engine is a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6. In the SR trim, it produces 358 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. In higher trims, the engine generates 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Both configurations are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. i-FORCE MAX Hybrid The i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain produces 437 combined horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 583 pound-feet of torque at 2,400 rpm. This system combines the twin-turbo V6 with a motor generator that provides additional power through the transmission. The hybrid powertrain is not available on the entry-level SR and SR5 trims, and hybrid buyers are restricted to the larger CrewMax cab configuration. Powertrain Comparison Feature i-FORCE V6 (SR) i-FORCE V6 (Higher Trims) i-FORCE MAX Hybrid Engine 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 + Electric Motor Horsepower 358 hp 389 hp 437 hp Torque 406 lb-ft 479 lb-ft 583 lb-ft Transmission 10-Speed Automatic 10-Speed Automatic 10-Speed Automatic Available Trims SR only SR5 and up Limited and up (CrewMax only) Fuel Economy The 2026 Toyota Tundra with the standard engine is rated at up to 22 mpg combined (20 mpg city and 24 mpg highway) with rear-wheel drive. With four-wheel drive, the ratings are up to 20 mpg combined (19 mpg city and 22 mpg highway). Fuel economy varies depending on configuration. The hybrid version earned EPA ratings as high as 20 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined for the 2025 model year. The city rating represents the primary improvement over the non-hybrid version, indicating the electric system adds output rather than significantly boosting overall efficiency. Towing and Payload Capacity When properly equipped, the 2026 Toyota Tundra can tow up to 12,000 pounds and has a payload capacity of up to 1,940 pounds. These capabilities make the Tundra suitable for a variety of hauling and towing needs, from recreational trailers to work equipment. The hybrid powertrain's added weight reduces payload only slightly compared to the gas-only version, with the Limited hybrid's payload maxing out at 1,680 pounds compared to the gas-only Limited's 1,700-pound rating. Available Trim Levels The 2026 Tundra offers a range of trim levels to suit different preferences and budgets: SR – The base work-oriented trim SR5 – A step up with enhanced features and the higher-output V6 Limited – Available with leather seating and premium amenities Platinum – Features luxury touches including massaging seats 1794 Edition – Distinctive styling with unique badging and wood-grain interior trim Capstone – The premium luxury-focused trim TRD Pro – Off-road focused with specialized suspension and equipment The Platinum trim includes 20-inch dark gray wheels, premium LED headlights and taillights, dark chrome exterior trim, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a digital rearview mirror, a panoramic roof, contrast stitching, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, massaging front seats, and heated and ventilated rear seats. Cab and Bed Configurations The Tundra is available with three bed lengths: 5.5 feet (65.6 inches), 6.5 feet (77.6 inches), and 8.1 feet (96.5 inches). The longest bed is exclusive to the lowest trims, while the TRD Pro and Capstone models come solely with the 5.5-foot bed. All beds are 20.9 inches deep and 58.7 inches wide, with 48.7 inches between the wheelwells. Cab configurations include a "Double Cab" extended cab body with smaller rear doors and a more compact back seat, and the larger "CrewMax" crew cab, which offers 41.6 inches of rear legroom. The Double Cab is only available on the Limited trim and below. The overall length of the Tundra ranges from 233 inches for the CrewMax model with the 5.5-foot bed to 252 inches for the Double Cab model with the 8.1-foot bed. Technology and Infotainment The 2026 Tundra offers a range of technology features designed to enhance convenience and connectivity. Standard Technology Standard tech features include a 4.2-inch display in the instrument cluster, an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and six audio speakers. Available Upgrades Available technology includes a 12.3-inch driver display and 14.0-inch touchscreen, as well as a wireless phone charger. The available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster provides access to safety and convenience features, navigation, audio controls, off-road features, towing functions and more. The available 14-inch audio multimedia touchscreen offers an enhanced view of your surroundings. The available Panoramic View Monitor uses cameras on the front, sides and rear of the truck to provide a 360-degree view of the surroundings. The Trailer Backup Guide with Straight Path Assist uses sensors and cameras to help keep your trailer in a straight line while backing up. Safety Features All Tundra models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which includes pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, automatic high-beam assist, and road sign recognition. The SR5 trim can be equipped with blind spot monitoring and front and rear parking sensors through available packages. These features become standard starting with the Limited trim. Additional available safety features include: Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert Digital rearview mirror Surround-view camera system Off-Road Capability For those seeking adventure beyond paved roads, the Tundra offers specialized off-road equipment. Standard on Tundra TRD Pro models and trucks equipped with the TRD Off-Road package are several off-road upgrades. Multi-Terrain Select offers adjustable settings to help control wheel spin on various terrain. Crawl Control functions as a low-speed, off-road cruise control that allows the driver to focus on steering while maintaining one of five selectable speeds. Downhill Assist Control helps navigate tricky slopes by limiting vehicle speed during descents. TRD Pro and Tundras equipped with the TRD Off-Road package include an electronically locking rear differential to provide added traction in 4WD Low applications. Multi-Terrain Monitor allows the driver to check immediate surroundings for potential obstacles through front, rear and side-camera views on the center display. Interior Features and Bed Construction The Tundra's interior offers a blend of functionality and comfort. Premium features include available leather-trimmed soft-touch materials and massage seats, with plenty of room for passengers and gear. The Tundra's bed is constructed with lightweight and strong sheet-molded compound (SMC) material with aluminum reinforcing cross members. The SMC bed offers added protection against dents, impact dings and rust compared to traditional steel decks. All Tundras feature a power release tailgate and have an available power close tailgate with knee-lift assist. The deck rail system helps secure cargo, and an available bed camera provides a view of your gear from inside the cabin. Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between the i-FORCE and i-FORCE MAX powertrains? The i-FORCE is a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 gasoline engine, while the i-FORCE MAX adds an electric motor to create a hybrid system. The hybrid produces more power (437 hp vs. 389 hp in higher trims) and more torque (583 lb-ft vs. 479 lb-ft), with modest improvements in fuel economy primarily in city driving. Can I get the hybrid powertrain in all trim levels? No, the i-FORCE MAX hybrid is only available starting with the Limited trim and above, and is restricted to the CrewMax cab configuration. The SR and SR5 trims are not available with the hybrid powertrain. What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2026 Tundra? When properly equipped, the 2026 Tundra can tow up to 12,000 pounds. Actual towing capacity depends on the specific configuration, including engine choice, drivetrain, and trim level. Does the 2026 Tundra come standard with four-wheel drive? No, rear-wheel drive is standard across all trims. Four-wheel drive is available as an option on most configurations. What bed lengths are available? The Tundra offers three bed lengths: 5.5 feet, 6.5 feet, and 8.1 feet. Bed availability varies by trim level and cab configuration, with the longest bed exclusive to lower trims and the shortest bed standard on TRD Pro and Capstone models. What safety features come standard? All 2026 Tundra models include Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 as standard equipment, which encompasses pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, automatic high-beam assist, and road sign recognition. Are there any new colors for 2026? Yes, the TRD Pro grade introduces an exclusive new color called Wave Maker for the 2026 model year. What is the fuel tank capacity? All 2026 Tundra models now come equipped with a 32.2-gallon fuel tank, eliminating the smaller tank option from previous years. Visit Greenville Toyota The 2026 Toyota Tundra offers a comprehensive package of capability, technology, and versatility in the full-size truck segment. Whether you prioritize towing capacity, off-road performance, fuel efficiency, or interior comfort, the Tundra lineup provides options to meet diverse needs. At Greenville Toyota, our team is ready to help you explore the 2026 Tundra and answer any questions you may have. We encourage you to visit our dealership to see the available configurations in person, take a test drive, and experience firsthand what the Tundra has to offer. Our knowledgeable staff can provide detailed information about current inventory, available packages, and financing options to help you find the right truck for your needs.We invite you to contact Greenville Toyota or stop by our showroom to learn more about the 2026 Toyota Tundra and discover how this full-size pickup can fit into your lifestyle.