Your Complete Guide to Toyota’s Midsize SUVs

Toyota’s midsize SUV lineup offers something for everyone with options that blend practicality, performance, and everyday comfort. Whether you’re commuting through Lynchburg, hauling the family to Peaks View Park, or packing up for a weekend at Smith Mountain Lake, there’s a Toyota midsize SUV built to handle it. From the dependable Toyota Highlander to the off-road-ready 4Runner and the spacious Grand Highlander, our team at Berglund Toyota has broken down specs, features, seating, and cargo capacity so you can find the right midsize SUV for your lifestyle.

Toyota Highlander: Balanced for Families and Daily Life

The 2026 Toyota Highlander offers a refined driving experience with three rows of seating, a modern cabin, and plenty of cargo space, all powered by a turbocharged engine for responsive performance.

Vehicle Specs

• Engine: 2.4-Liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder with 265 Horsepower and 310 lb-ft of Torque
• Fuel Efficiency: Up to Manufacturer-Estimated 24 mpg Combined (AWD)
• Max Towing: 5,000 pounds
• Cargo Capacity: 84.3 cubic feet (behind the first row)
• Seating: Seven or Eight Passengers (depending on configuration)

Inside, the Highlander provides soft-touch materials, available leather-trimmed seating, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and up to five USB ports. Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ comes standard across all trims.

Toyota Grand Highlander: Extra Space and Comfort

If you want the comfort of the Highlander but need more room for passengers and gear, the 2026 Grand Highlander delivers. It’s wider, longer, and offers more third-row space without sacrificing style or drivability.

Vehicle Specs

• Engine: 2.4-Liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Engine
• Fuel Efficiency: Manufacturer-Estimated 24 mpg Combined
• Max Towing: 5,000 pounds
• Cargo Space: Up to 97.5 cubic feet
• Seating: Standard for Seven or Eight Passengers

The Grand Highlander is ideal for larger families or anyone who needs extra cargo room without jumping to a full-size SUV. It also includes Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0, available 20-inch wheels, and up to 13 cup holders.

Toyota 4Runner: Rugged Road Capability with Everyday Comfort

The Toyota 4Runner is built for drivers who need genuine off-road capability but still want a comfortable SUV for daily use. Its body-on-frame construction, high ground clearance, and available part-time 4WD make it a standout for adventurous lifestyles.

Vehicle Specs

• Engine: 4.0-Liter V6 with 270 Horsepower and 278 lb-ft of Torque
• Fuel Economy: 17 Manufacturer-Estimated mpg Combined
• Max Towing: 5,000 pounds
• Ground Clearance: 9.6 inches
• Seating: Available Two- or Three-Row Models

Perfect for those who frequent the Blue Ridge Parkway or need something dependable for rough terrain, the 4Runner combines rugged capability with Toyota reliability.

Why Gas-Powered Midsize SUVs Still Make Sense

While Toyota’s hybrid lineup is expanding fast, gas-powered Toyota SUV models continue to offer value, simplicity, and performance that many drivers still prefer. Whether it’s the low-maintenance 4Runner V6 or the powerful turbocharged Highlander, these vehicles offer the proven durability that Toyota is known for.

Benefits of Toyota SUV Models

• Strong Towing Numbers without Hybrid Complexity
• Easier Maintenance with Familiar Powertrains
• Excellent Long-Haul Comfort for Road Trips
• Room for Passengers and Cargo Across Multiple Rows
• Confident AWD and 4WD Systems for Year-Round Driving

How Toyota’s Midsize SUVs Compare to the Competition

When shopping for a midsize SUV, you’ll likely come across alternatives from Honda, Ford, Hyundai, and Subaru. While these brands offer competitive features, Toyota continues to stand out in several key areas that matter to Virginia drivers.

Reliability and Resale Value

Toyota’s reputation for long-term reliability is well-earned. Models like the Highlander and 4Runner consistently rank among the most dependable vehicles on the road, and they hold their value better than many competitors. While other midsize SUVs may offer similar performance or features, few match Toyota’s track record for durability and strong resale.

Safety as Standard

Every Toyota midsize SUV comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense™, a suite of advanced driver-assist technologies included at no extra cost. Brands like Honda or Ford may require you to move up to a higher trim level to get comparable safety features, making Toyota a smarter choice for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to sacrifice peace of mind.

Versatility and Capability

From the family-focused Grand Highlander to the trail-ready 4Runner, Toyota offers midsize SUVs that fit a wide range of lifestyles. Unlike many crossover-based competitors, the 4Runner delivers genuine off-road performance thanks to its body-on-frame construction and available four-wheel drive. Meanwhile, both Highlander models offer strong towing capacity and spacious third-row seating, features that are hit-or-miss in other brands’ midsize offerings.

Powertrain Variety and Efficiency

Toyota gives you multiple powertrain options, including fuel-efficient turbocharged engines and available hybrid models for drivers who want better mpg without compromising capability. Some rivals offer hybrids, but Toyota’s long-standing experience in hybrid technology gives it the edge in performance, reliability, and fuel economy.

In short, while the competition is strong, Toyota continues to set the standard with midsize SUVs that are safer, more versatile, and built to last. At Berglund Toyota in Lynchburg, we’re proud to help you find the right Toyota SUV that delivers more where it counts.

Search Toyota Vehicles at Berglund Toyota in Lynchburg

If you’re comparing Toyota SUVs and want help narrowing it down to the right SUV for your needs, the team at Berglund Toyota in Lynchburg, VA, is ready to assist. Whether you’re upgrading from a Toyota Camry or looking to size up from a compact SUV like the Corolla Cross, we’ll help you find the perfect SUV for your life.

Visit us today to search vehicles, compare trims, and test drive any of our gas-powered Toyota midsize SUVs, including the 2026 Toyota Highlander, Grand Highlander, and 4Runner. With expert Toyota service and a full lineup of vehicles, Berglund Toyota is your trusted local dealership for all things Toyota.

Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.

*All fuel economy mpg listings in the content above are manufacturer estimates. Actual mileage will vary.