2025 Toyota 4Runner vs the Competition

The Bronco began in 1966 as a dedicated compact two-door off-road model primarily to compete with the Jeep CJ-5. It evolved to the Ford full-size pickup truck platform in model year 1978 and remained as such until it was discontinued in 1996.

Ford reintroduced the Bronco for the 2021 model year. Its mid-sized platform bridges its two earlier iterations, and all models are 4x4s. While still available as a two-door, it now offers a four-door option for the first time (which will serve as the basis for this comparison). Like its direct competitors, the 4Runner and the Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco comes in several trim levels, most representing a distinct step in off-road capability. Engine choices include a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four, a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6, and a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, which is available only on the top trim level. The Bronco should not be confused with the Bronco Sport, which is a smaller crossover based on the same platform as the Ford Escape.

• The standard engines for the 4Runner and Bronco are closely matched. Similarly sized and turbocharged, the 4Runner has a slight edge in both horsepower (278 vs. 275 hp) and torque (317 vs. 315 lb-ft). However, the 4Runner’s torque peaks at half the rpm (1,700 vs. 3,400 rpm).
• When comparing standard engines equipped with automatic transmissions and 4×4 drivetrains, the 4Runner provides better overall fuel economy (19/25/21 vs. 20/21/20 mpg).
• When comparing the upgraded engines, the 4Runner hybrid drivetrain outperforms the Bronco’s 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 in both horsepower (326 vs. 315 hp) and torque (465 @ 1,700 vs. 410 lb-ft @ 3,250 rpm).
• Comparing the engine upgrades, the 4Runner has significantly better fuel economy (23/24/23 vs. 19/20/21 mpg).
• The Bronco with the base engine comes standard with a seven-speed manual transmission, while a ten-speed automatic is available as a $1,495 option. The 4Runner comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
• When comparing base engines, the 4Runner offers a significantly higher maximum towing capacity (6,000 vs. 3,500 pounds).
• The 4Runner also features a dedicated Tow/Haul drive mode, which the Bronco lacks.
• The 4Runner offers significantly more cargo capacity with all seats up (48.4 vs. 35.6 cubic feet) and with the rear seatbacks down (90.2 vs. 77.6 cubic feet).
• Although the Bronco is wider externally, it offers less space for second-row passengers, with less shoulder room (56.5 vs. 57.7 inches) and less hip room (54.8 vs. 56.1 inches).
• Several standard safety and driver assist features on the 4Runner are optional or require a trim upgrade on the Bronco, including:
  • Blind spot alert
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Driver attention alert
  • Lane deviation sensors
  • Lane keeping assist
  • Traffic sign recognition
  • Safety brake pedal system

The Wrangler is descended from the original SUV that gained fame for its service in World War II. Initially known as CJ (Civilian Jeep) models, the Wrangler name was introduced in 2007. Through multiple parent company owners, the model has retained its basic shape and off-road focus, although it has evolved and adapted to government regulations and consumer expectations. The four-door model also traces back to 2007 and serves as the basis for this comparison. The primary Wrangler engine is a 3.6-liter V6, and it is also available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and a plug-in hybrid version of the 2.0-liter powertrain. The Wrangler comes in eight trim levels with prices ranging from $31,995 to just under $100,000. The model of focus for this comparison is the four-door Sport, as its $40,295 MSRP most closely aligns with the $42,770 4Runner SR5 4×4.

• The Wrangler’s 3.6-liter V6 generates slightly more horsepower than the 4Runner SR5 (285 vs. 278 hp), but the 4Runner offers greater torque (317 vs. 260 lb-ft).
• The Wrangler’s 2.0-liter turbo inline-four has slightly lower horsepower than the 4Runner SR5 (270 vs. 278 hp) and also less torque (295 vs. 317 lb-ft) than the 4Runner.
• With a standard six-speed manual transmission, the Wrangler’s eight-speed automatic transmission is a $2,500 option for the 2.0L engine and $4,500 for the V6. The 4Runner comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
• The 4Runner’s city/highway/combined mileage of 19/25/21 mpg is somewhat better than the Wrangler 2.0-liter’s 20/22/21 and even better than the 3.6-liter V6’s 18/23/20. Both Wrangler figures are with the automatic transmission, while the manual figures are slightly lower.
• The 4Runner’s towing capacity of 6,000 pounds is significantly higher than that of the Wrangler, which has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
• The 4Runner’s increased width provides more front and rear shoulder room (58.0/57.8 vs. 55.8/55.8 inches).
• The 4Runner offers significantly greater cargo capacity, both with the rear seatbacks up (48.4 vs. 31.7 cubic feet) and with them down (90.2 vs. 72.4 cubic feet).
• According to Motor Trend, the 4Runner brakes significantly more effectively than the Wrangler. In its tests, a 4Runner TRD Off-Road came to a stop from 60 mph in 127 feet, while the Wrangler Unlimited 4XE required 149 feet for the same test.
• Any reviewer will confirm that the 4Runner is quieter, smoother, and easier to handle on the highway than the Wrangler.
• While both the 4Runner and Wrangler can be upgraded for increased off-road ability, or achieve the same goal with aftermarket parts, the 4Runner’s advantages in cargo capacity, rear seat space, and on-road manners will remain consistent.

The 1984 Jeep Cherokee XJ can be credited with having a major influence on the rise of the SUV genre. The Grand Cherokee was originally planned to replace it. After Chrysler’s purchase of AMC, which included Jeep, they decided that the Grand Cherokee would accompany the Cherokee in Jeep showrooms, debuting as a 1993 model. Now in its fifth generation, the Grand Cherokee is arguably Jeep’s most mainstream model, combining both off-road capability and on-road functionality. The Grand Cherokee is available in rear- or four-wheel drive, and there are three 4×4 systems across the model line. Like the Wrangler, the Grand Cherokee’s core engine is a 3.6-liter V6. There is a 4xe hybrid variant featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four plus an electric motor. The closest price-competitive model to the 4Runner SR5 is the Grand Cherokee Altitude.

• The Grand Cherokee’s 3.6-liter V6 generates more horsepower than the 4Runner SR5 (293 vs. 278 hp), while the 4Runner provides greater torque (317 vs. 260 lb-ft).
• When comparing the Grand Cherokee 4xe Plug-in Hybrid to the 4Runner Hybrid drivetrain, the Jeep offers more horsepower (375 vs. 326 hp), while the differences in torque are minimal (470 vs. 465 lb-ft).
• The Grand Cherokee 4xe Plug-in Hybrid offers about 26 EV-only miles per charge. Additionally, both it and the 4Runner with the hybrid drivetrain achieve a combined 23 mpg.
• While the Grand Cherokee accommodates five passengers, the 4Runner offers an optional third-row seat for occasional seating for seven.
• The 4Runner provides substantially more cargo capacity with the rear seatbacks upright (48.4 vs. 31.7 cubic feet).
• The 4Runner also has a notably greater cargo capacity when all seats are down (90.2 vs. 70.8 cubic feet).
• Driver assistance and safety technologies that are standard on the 4Runner SR5 but not on the similarly priced Grand Cherokee Altitude include:
  • Lane Centering
  • Driver attention alert system
  • Safety brake pedal system
  • Traffic sign recognition
  • Rear seatbelt pre-tensioners (both have front pretensioners)
  • Active front head restraints