DRIVER EYE / SEAT HEIGHT: 4Runner vs. RAV4

[malibu99]

I’m considering buying the 4Runner because, when I test drove both the 4Runner and RAV4, I felt like I sat up much higher in the 4Runner.

Sitting higher makes it easier to avoid the glare of bright oncoming headlights at night and improves my overall visibility.

However, I noticed the 4Runner has a ground clearance of 9.2 inches, while the RAV4 Hybrid has 8.1 inches—only about a one-inch difference.

If the ground clearance is so close, I’m wondering how much higher the driver eye height actually is in the 4Runner compared to the RAV4.

For context, I’m 5’1”, so this difference really matters to me.

Thanks!

 

[visually oriented]

Note that the amount of ground clearance differs from model to model. Here are the numbers from a earlier post:

Approach Angle / Departure Angle / Breakover / Ground Clearance

	SR5	Sport, Limited, Platinum	Off-Road	TRD Pro / Trailhutner
Approach Angle	18 degrees	18 degrees	19 degrees	33 degrees
Departure Angle	22 degrees	22 degrees	24 degrees	24 degrees
Breakover Angle	23 degrees	24 degrees	24 degrees	24 degrees
Ground Clearance	8.1 inches	8.8 inches	9.1 inches	10.1 inches

https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/thr...ance-approach-departure-breakover-angle.1295/

As far as eye height that is a harder question... it's not a spec typically given by manufacturers. I think you will have to physically compare the vehicles. You can measure the height of the seat in its highest position.

 

[BG1]

I’m considering buying the 4Runner because, when I test drove both the 4Runner and RAV4, I felt like I sat up much higher in the 4Runner.

Sitting higher makes it easier to avoid the glare of bright oncoming headlights at night and improves my overall visibility.

However, I noticed the 4Runner has a ground clearance of 9.2 inches, while the RAV4 Hybrid has 8.1 inches—only about a one-inch difference.

If the ground clearance is so close, I’m wondering how much higher the driver eye height actually is in the 4Runner compared to the RAV4.

For context, I’m 5’1”, so this difference really matters to me.

Thanks!

It's not a matter of ground clearance, it's the internal floor height and seat position. We have a Rav4 (non hybrid) and 2022 4Runner TRD Sport. You sit down to get in the in the RAV and must step up to get in the 4Runner, can't measure directly, (daughter is using the RAV) but I would say your eye height would be 10-12" higher in the 4Runner.

I'm 5.11 with a long body and have the RAV seat low because the sunroof lowers the headroom, my wife with long legs and 5.9 sits higher than I like - we totally agree the 4Runner (no sunroof) allows you to position so the traffic glare is reduced.

If you like to sit high get the 4Runner to avoid glare avoid the sunroof. That means no package Limited and above.

 

[malibu99]

I’m considering buying the 4Runner because, when I test drove both the 4Runner and RAV4, I felt like I sat up much higher in the 4Runner.

Sitting higher makes it easier to avoid the glare of bright oncoming headlights at night and improves my overall visibility.

However, I noticed the 4Runner has a ground clearance of 9.2 inches, while the RAV4 Hybrid has 8.1 inches—only about a one-inch difference.

If the ground clearance is so close, I’m wondering how much higher the driver eye height actually is in the 4Runner compared to the RAV4.

For context, I’m 5’1”, so this difference really matters to me.

Thanks!

Thank you so much for your very thoughtful response!

This is so incredibly helpful!!

 

[Dead Horse]

Questions like this are why I come to forums instead of Facebook.

I live rurally, and there are no street lights for the most part. Road glare is awful and I'm very light sensitive, so I understand this concern. Also, people with mobility issues in the family need to know how high the damn seats are.

I'm just under 6', and have a leveled 4x4 Tundra on 35's. It's much higher than any 4Runner has any business being. I've also got big old lifted Jeep YJ.

I don't think there's an appreciable difference in road glare when driving either of them vs driving my wife's relatively low Murano. That said...I'm not 5'1", and we don't have the same eyes or sensitivities...So it may make a difference to you.

I'd put money on a 4Runner seat height being a solid foot higher than a Rav4's.

 

[Ike582]

If you like to sit high get the 4Runner to avoid glare avoid the sunroof.

Sunroof glare drives me nuts as well, but I am looking at buying a Limited. I assumed, maybe incorrectly, that there was a plastic or fabric cover that would allow me to enclose the space beneath the sunroof. Any idea if the old or new 4R has this? Thanks

 

[TN Vols]

Sunroof glare drives me nuts as well, but I am looking at buying a Limited. I assumed, maybe incorrectly, that there was a plastic or fabric cover that would allow me to enclose the space beneath the sunroof. Any idea if the old or new 4R has this? Thanks

The moonroof has an interior cover that's solid and matches the headliner. Here's pics of the cover open and closed - on a 2024 Tacoma Limited model.

 

[BG1]

Sunroof glare drives me nuts as well, but I am looking at buying a Limited. I assumed, maybe incorrectly, that there was a plastic or fabric cover that would allow me to enclose the space beneath the sunroof. Any idea if the old or new 4R has this? Thanks

My understanding is that old and new it will be the same concept, i.e. there is a screen that can be pulled across.
It seems that many folk don't want a sunroof, but do want a limited, IMHO it should be an option.
Apart from the glare, you would be surprised at the extra headroom inside that results from having no sunroof.

 

[kzrman]

I'm still waiting to hear what the front seat head room is going to be on the 4Runner. Being 6' 2" it's a concern.