Toyota 4Runner VS. Jeep Wrangler

The Toyota 4Runner vs the Jeep Wrangler may be on your mind if you are looking for a good everyday car. But, if you are considering a car for off-roading, you may be looking at the two a little differently. While these are both great cars, we will be breaking them down so you will be able to figure out which one seems like it will fit your needs the best.

If you are looking for the cheaper of the two options, then believe it or not, that would actually be the Jeep Wrangler.  Both base models of the Jeep Wrangler, the two-door and four-door options, are actually well over $4,000 less than the starting price of the Toyota 4Runner. While the 4Runner reigns the most expensive in all trim levels (by quite a bit), do not let that scare you away from Toyota. As we break down the two cars you will see what they both offer, and hopefully while the Toyota has a higher price tag. 

Toyotas are known for their reliability, while Jeep typically is not, however, this year Jeep out performed the 4Runner in J.D. Power’s reliability score. The 4Runner received a reliability score of 79/100 from J.D Power, while the Wrangler received a 81/100. This is surprising for Jeep since their 2020 Jeep Wrangler was one of the most unreliable cars of the year. 

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For overall comfort and size, the Toyota 4Runner would have to take the cake for a few reasons. The Toyota 4Runner is a little bigger and does offer more seating in some of the bigger models, however, the leather seat upgrades will definitely make a big difference in the overall comfort of either car. The 4Runner also has a decently larger trunk size, which even increases when the seats are folded down. While you can also fold down the seats to expand your trunk size on the Wrangler, it is still not nearly as big as the 4Runner. 

If you are a stickler for a nice looking interior, you will definitely want to go with the Jeep Wrangler because boy is the Toyota 4Runner interior outdated! This is one major negative for the 4Runner because it is significantly more expensive than the Jeep Wrangler, but you would never know it. However, the overall features of the 4Runner are actually superior to the Wrangler, which is honestly a bit odd due to how outdated it looks. The 4Runner has an eight inch touch screen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Android Auto. It also has a power moonroof, JBL audio system, and dual climate control. The Wrangler only has a 5 inch touch screen, which does not have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto until you upgrade.

The Wrangler’s base engine is a V6 with 285 horsepower, while the 4Runner only has one option and it is a 4.0 liter V6 with only 270 horsepower. The Wrangler also gets better fuel economy than the 4Runner which only gets 16 miles per gallon in the city and 19 miles per gallon on the highway, yikes! But, the 4Runner does have a bit of a smoother ride, better handling, and is much quieter. 

If you are interested in off-roading, the 4Runner might not the car for you. The Wrangler is significantly better at off-roading and has way more off-roading options, accessories, and capabilities. 

MUST READ: 12 Coolest Jeep Wrangler Upgrades & Accessories

If off-roading is of no interest to you, but safety happens to be important, then the Toyota 4Runner may be a better fit for you. With the higher price tag comes Toyota Safety Sense. Some of the safety features are forward collision avoidance, automatic high beams, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, steering assist, and even an addition of front and rear parking sensors. The Wrangler only has a rearview camera while all additional safety features are additional add-ons, which may drive the price up quite a bit. Some of the safety features Toyota offers however are not even options for the Wrangler, which is something to consider. 

While there are many key differences to both of these cars, there is no real winner unless you are strictly comparing them for daily driving or off-roading. Although the 4Runner does have a higher price tag, it does also have significantly more safety features, technology, trunk space, and is pretty reliable. Once you start adding on the Wrangler add ons to match, the price difference may not be so different after all.

Whether you end up getting a Toyota 4Runner or Jeep Wrangler, we hope you enjoy the adventure! Rhino USA is the gold standard in tie-downs, recovery gear and off-road accessories, make sure you head over to our store to have all the necessary gear for your off-road vehicle!

4Runner vs Wrangler FAQ's

Which is more reliable Jeep or Toyota?

The reliability of a Jeep Wrangler versus a Toyota 4Runner can vary depending on the model year, maintenance, and individual use. However, historically, Toyota vehicles, including the 4Runner, have built a reputation for excellent reliability. Toyota often ranks high in reliability studies, and the 4Runner is known for its durability and longevity.

Jeep Wranglers are popular for their off-road capabilities, but opinions on their reliability can vary. Some Jeep enthusiasts appreciate the rugged design and off-road performance, while others mention occasional issues. If reliability is the most important factor in making your decision, we would recommend the 4runner over the Jeep Wrangler.

Which has the higher resale value?

Historically, Toyota vehicles, including the 4Runner, tend to have strong resale values. Toyota has built a reputation for producing reliable and durable vehicles, which contributes to their appeal in the used car market. Jeep Wranglers also hold their value reasonably well, especially certain models with high demand in the used car market. The Wrangler's iconic design and off-road capabilities contribute to its resale value.

The Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner were the top two vehicles on MotorTrends best resale value SUV's list, however, according to the data, the Jeep Wrangler beat out the 4Runner by a small margin.