2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to many. Its design, unchanged for over a decade, still resonated with buyers who appreciated its timeless styling and utility. The SUV's two-box body, flared fenders, and trapezoidal wheel arches gave it a balanced and purposeful look. While the 4Runner's interior was dominated by hard plastics, it was practical and easy to clean, aligning with its utilitarian mission. The dashboard featured large knobs and buttons, offering a straightforward, old-school experience. The 4Runner's appeal lay in its simplicity and durability, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a long-lasting vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a more customizable and adventurous experience. Buyers could choose between two-door and four-door body styles and a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, and a plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler's design was iconic, with removable doors and roof, providing an open-air driving experience. The interior, while basic, was functional, with durable materials and a unique driving position. The Wrangler's charm lay in its ability to deliver a raw and immersive driving experience, appealing to those seeking adventure and freedom.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4WD system. The 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to its A-Trac traction control system, which helped it navigate challenging terrains. With additional packages, it offered features like a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control, enhancing its off-road capabilities. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt slow and clunky, with heavy steering and brakes. Its fuel consumption was high, averaging 14.0 L/100 km, making frequent stops at gas stations necessary.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, came with a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, delivering 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The Wrangler's fuel consumption was slightly better, averaging 13.4 L/100 km. However, the Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with loud cabin noise, vague steering, and a rough ride. Despite these traits, the Wrangler's off-road prowess and open-air driving experience made it a favourite among enthusiasts.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample legroom and supportive seats. The rear seat provided good visibility, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. The 4Runner's cargo space was generous, with up to 2,540 litres available with the rear seats folded down. The SUV's high ground clearance made entry challenging for shorter individuals, but once inside, the 4Runner provided a comfortable and practical environment.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, with its raised suspension, posed entry challenges, especially for shorter individuals. The interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and plastic materials. The driving position was unique, requiring some acclimation. Visibility was a mixed bag, with some areas offering excellent views and others being compromised. The Wrangler's cargo space was smaller, with 898 litres behind the rear seat and 2,050 litres with the seats folded. Despite these challenges, the Wrangler's interior was functional and suited for adventure.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While the system was not the most advanced, it was functional and easy to use, with physical buttons and knobs. The 4Runner also offered a windshield wiper de-icer and a 120-volt AC power outlet in the cargo area.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, based on the Sport S trim, had a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While it lacked the larger Uconnect system, it provided essential connectivity features. The Wrangler also offered remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a passive keyless entry system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort during colder months.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision from the IIHS.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Wrangler's safety ratings were not impressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings in IIHS crash tests. The Wrangler's safety features were optional, and its design required careful driving.