Will a Toyota 4 runner pull a 18-19 glass bass boat better than a Toyota Highlander and all the other similar sport utility vehicles?

Anyone use either?

A 4 runner will do it. Just not real good. No way I would try it with a highlander. The 4 runner would fishtail pulling my old 18 foot skeeter over 60 mph on the highway. Also was bad about skidding down the boat ramp while backing. Down right scary trying to stop on wet roads.

4Runner should be fine as long as you understand that you're at the limit of what it can tow and you need to drive safely and defensively at all times. I wouldn't pull a 19' glass boat with a Highlander. 18' would be questionable. I would feel ok towing my 17' glass boat.

The 4Runner is RWD and has 2,000+ lbs more towing capacity than the Highlander, so those are the main differences I'm looking at. My wife has a V6 Highlander and loves it, but I wouldn't tow a 19' boat with it.

You will be fine with the 4runner. I have pulled my boat with numerous F150s, a Sporttrac, and 2 different Tacomas. My Tacoma pulls fine. I have not noticed much difference towing with any of them.

I have pulled my 21' bass boat with my wife's 4runner many times. No issues at all. No problems stopping or towing at high speed and pulled out of the ramps without a problem. I would not think the Highlander would be much of a towing machine.

The time I spent in a v-6 4-runner left me with the impression that it was pretty gutless empty... I wouldn't want one for a tow vehicle.

i drove both

highlander drives like a car and 4runner like a truck.

the highlander is built with the Camry chassis. if i were you i will be more comfortable towing with 4runner

Looks like an old post but the only thing I would add is it would be advisable to have trailer brakes. The 4Runner has a 6 pin harness and will accommodate brakes. The main thing is to check the weight of the boat/trailer combo. My 4Runner can tow 5K pounds, but I would definitely want trailer brakes if I was on the upper end of that range.

Have 01 and 2012 4 runners. Have pulled several hundred miles with both. Older one does not do as well (3.4L) as the newer one(4.0L). Neither one is happy running above 70, as a result spend most of my time running about 65. The more hills, and you know the answer to that.
As long as you watch your speed I think you will be ok with a 4 runner.

I have a 2010 4runner and I don't have issues pulling my ranger 19 footer on my dual axle with surge brakes. It's much less power than my 08 tundra, but what do you do. That being said they both have king 2.5s and new rear springs so I don't know if that helps or hurts. It is nice to a have 4wd on the 4runner when the ramp is slick and steep. Also, I don't run over 65 on either of them when I'm towing.

Ryan

I have a highlander, It will pull a 14 foot aluminum boat,
but not real good, and I never pulled it very far