2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2023 Jeep Wrangler

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler was a testament to rugged design, with its fourth-generation JL model showcasing a boxy, no-nonsense aesthetic. Available in both two-door and four-door Unlimited versions, the Wrangler allowed for a customizable open-air experience with removable doors and a foldable windshield. Its iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and wide fenders maintained the classic Jeep look, while the tailgate and rear glass design facilitated easy cargo access. The introduction of the limited-edition "Reign" purple paint added a splash of vibrancy to its otherwise utilitarian appearance. Inside, the Wrangler continued its practical theme with easy-to-clean surfaces and a straightforward dashboard, though it lacked luxury features like ambient lighting or massaging seats.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner retained its classic, albeit dated, design from its last major update in 2010. Its boxy shape and flared fenders gave it a stable, rugged stance, ideal for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model enhanced this with skid plates and all-terrain tires. Inside, the 4Runner's old-school styling was evident, with analog instruments and a small eight-inch touchscreen. While the interior featured hard plastics, it offered cushioned panels for comfort. The 4Runner's design leaned heavily on nostalgia, lacking the modern touches seen in competitors like the Bronco and Wrangler, but it provided a spacious and functional cabin for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of engine options tailored for off-road enthusiasts. The standard Pentastar V6 engine delivered 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder provided 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more torque, the 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 offered 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Rubicon 392 model boasted a 6.4-litre V8 engine with 470 horsepower and torque, capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid added an eco-friendly option with a 35-kilometre all-electric range. However, the 392's on-road performance was marred by inadequate brakes and vague steering, issues less pronounced in other trims.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. While its powertrain specs were comparable to the Bronco and Wrangler, the 4Runner's transmission limited its responsiveness and fuel efficiency. Off-road, the 4Runner excelled with its 4WD and two-speed transfer case, but on-road performance suffered from slow acceleration and excessive noise. The soft suspension, while beneficial for off-roading, resulted in body roll and nosedive during braking. Despite these drawbacks, the 4Runner remained a capable off-road vehicle, though it lagged behind in on-road refinement compared to its competitors.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's interior offered comfort in the front seats, with heated options available in select trims. The rear seats were cramped, especially in the four-door models, and storage for small items was limited. The Wrangler's cargo space measured 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded, slightly less than the Bronco. The hard top was removable, and the Sky One-Touch power soft top provided a quick open-air experience. The Wrangler excelled in providing charging options, with multiple USB ports and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior, though dated, was functional with easy-to-use controls and excellent visibility. The front seats offered ample space, but the steering wheel's limited adjustment could be an issue for taller drivers. The second row provided generous legroom, though headroom was restricted. The 4Runner's cargo capacity reached 2,540 litres with the rear seats stowed, and the sliding glass rear window added convenience. However, the lack of remote seat releases and a powered liftgate were notable omissions. The 4Runner's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, suitable for small trailers.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler featured a Uconnect infotainment system with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to 8.4 inches. While initially complex, the system was intuitive, offering off-road pages with detailed vehicle information. Connectivity options included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Wrangler's tech was practical, with a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories, but lacked advanced features like a digital key.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its small eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model's JBL audio system delivered quality sound, though road noise often overshadowed it. The 4Runner's terrain controls were located in the headliner console, requiring familiarity with the owner's manual. The Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select systems enhanced off-road capability, but the lack of off-road-specific apps was a drawback.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were limited, with standard components including a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were only standard on higher trims. The Wrangler received mixed safety ratings, with the IIHS noting some Marginal and Poor scores, and the NHTSA awarding four stars for frontal crash protection.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received four out of five stars from the NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection, and five stars for side impacts. The IIHS provided mixed ratings, with Good scores for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests, but Marginal and Poor results in newer tests. The 4Runner included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning, though some alerts were overly sensitive.