The Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner are two of the most popular off-road SUVs on the market. Both vehicles are known for their rugged durability, go-anywhere capability, and loyal followings. But which one is the better choice for you?
Jeep Wrangler vs. Toyota 4Runner
Off-Road Capability
When it comes to off-road capability, the Jeep Wrangler is the clear winner. It’s designed from the ground up to tackle the toughest terrain, with features like solid front and rear axles, disconnecting sway bars, and a variety of four-wheel drive systems to choose from.
The Toyota 4Runner is also a very capable off-roader, but it’s not quite as extreme as the Wrangler. It uses an independent front suspension, which gives it a smoother ride on-road, but it also limits its articulation and wheel travel off-road.
On-Road Performance
On-road, the Toyota 4Runner has the edge over the Jeep Wrangler. Its independent front suspension gives it a smoother ride and better handling. The 4Runner is also quieter on the highway than the Wrangler.
The Wrangler is not as comfortable on-road as the 4Runner, but it’s still not terrible. It’s been refined over the years to make it more livable on a daily basis.
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Interior and Cargo Space
The Toyota 4Runner has a more spacious interior and cargo area than the Jeep Wrangler. It seats up to five adults comfortably, and it has a maximum cargo capacity of 89.7 cubic feet.
The Wrangler can only seat four adults comfortably, and its maximum cargo capacity is 72.4 cubic feet. However, the Wrangler does offer a removable roof and doors, which can be a major advantage for outdoor enthusiasts.
Technology and Features
Both the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner offer a variety of technology and convenience features. However, the 4Runner has a slight edge in this area.
The 4Runner comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It also offers a variety of available features, such as a JBL premium sound system, a wireless charging pad, and a panoramic sunroof.
The Wrangler also comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but it doesn’t offer as many available features as the 4Runner. For example, the Wrangler doesn’t offer a wireless charging pad or a panoramic sunroof.
Pricing and Value
The Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner are both relatively expensive vehicles. However, the 4Runner is typically slightly more expensive than the Wrangler.
The base price of the 2023 Jeep Wrangler is $28,375. The base price of the 2023 Toyota 4Runner is $37,305.
However, it’s important to note that the 4Runner comes standard with more features than the Wrangler. So, when you compare similarly equipped models, the price difference between the two vehicles is narrower.
Reliability and Safety
Both the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner are known for their reliability. However, the 4Runner has a slight edge in this area.
The 4Runner received a reliability score of 79/100 from J.D. Power, while the Wrangler received a score of 81/100.
Both the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner have good safety ratings. However, the 4Runner has a slight edge in this area.
The 4Runner received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Wrangler received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
The 4Runner also has a higher rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 4Runner received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, while the Wrangler received a Top Safety Pick rating.
Which Off-Road SUV Is Better?
So, which off-road SUV is better? The Jeep Wrangler or the Toyota 4Runner?
It depends on your needs and priorities. If you’re looking for the most capable off-roader, the Wrangler is the clear choice. However, if you’re looking for a more comfortable and spacious vehicle that’s also very capable off-road, the 4Runner is a better option.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of which vehicle is better for different buyers:
For the Off-Road Enthusiast: The Jeep Wrangler is the clear choice for the off-road enthusiast. It’s designed from the ground up to tackle the toughest terrain, and it offers a variety of features that make it ideal for off-roading.
For the Daily Driver: The Toyota 4Runner is a better choice for the daily driver. It’s more comfortable on-road than the Wrangler, and it offers more interior space and cargo capacity.
For the Family: The Toyota 4Runner is a better choice for the family. It has a more spacious interior and cargo area, and it has a better safety rating than the Wrangler.
For the Value Seeker: The Jeep Wrangler is a better value than the Toyota 4Runner. It’s less expensive than the 4Runner, and it offers a lot of capability for the money.
For the Long Haul: The Toyota 4Runner is a better choice for the long haul. It has a better reliability rating than the Wrangler, and it’s likely to last longer.
Conclusion
The Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner are both excellent off-road SUVs. However, they have different strengths and weaknesses. The Wrangler is the better choice for the off-road enthusiast, while the 4Runner is the better choice for the daily driver, the family, and the value seeker.
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FAQs
Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
The Toyota 4Runner has a better fuel economy than the Jeep Wrangler. The 4Runner gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The Wrangler gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
Which vehicle has a higher towing capacity?
The Toyota 4Runner has a higher towing capacity than the Jeep Wrangler. The 4Runner can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Wrangler can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Which vehicle has a better warranty?
Both the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner come with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, the 4Runner also comes with a three-year/36,000-mile roadside assistance warranty, while the Wrangler doesn’t.
Which vehicle is more customizable?
The Jeep Wrangler is more customizable than the Toyota 4Runner. There are a wide variety of aftermarket parts and accessories available for the Wrangler, which makes it easy to personalize the vehicle to your liking.
Which vehicle is more fun to drive?
The Jeep Wrangler is more fun to drive than the Toyota 4Runner. It’s more agile and responsive, and it has a more open-air feel. However, the 4Runner is more comfortable on-road than the Wrangler.
