2023 Toyota 4Runner vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, or 40 ASE, was based on the SR5 trim level and added a nostalgic flair with retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, and bronze accents. This special edition was limited to 4,040 units, with 400 allocated for Canada, and was available in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior. The 4Runner lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $51,050 to $66,220, plus a $1,930 destination charge. The 40 ASE had a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $54,380. The 4Runner's design harkened back to truck-based SUVs of the past, offering a solid and quality feel with easy-to-use controls, even when wearing gloves.

The 2023 Ford Bronco was offered in nine distinct trim levels, each showcasing a blend of retro-cool styling and modern engineering. Its blocky shape, wide grille, and round headlights were unmistakable. The Base trim had a primitive look, while the Raptor stood out with its wide stance and massive tires. The Heritage Edition added nostalgic elements like a white grille and plaid upholstery. The Bronco's rugged theme extended to the interior, with sealed switches and waterproof materials, making it easy to clean after off-road adventures. The interior was designed for durability, with replaceable handholds and a grid-like mesh for attaching accessories.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and had a fuel economy rating of 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The 4Runner featured two 4WD systems, with the Limited trim offering a full-time 4WD system. Off-road capabilities were enhanced with features like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. Despite its off-road prowess, the 4Runner's on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration and heavy steering.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices: a 2.3-litre four-cylinder with 300 horsepower, a 2.7-litre V6 with 330 horsepower, and a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 in the Raptor with 418 horsepower. All models came with 4WD and a two-speed transfer case. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than a typical SUV but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler. It handled off-road terrain with ease, thanks to features like G.O.A.T. drive modes and Trail Turn Assist. The Bronco's interior was quieter than a Wrangler, and it offered a confident driving experience on curving roads.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a power-down rear window, providing excellent ventilation. The interior offered comfortable seating, with dual-zone climate control and numerous storage locations. The second-row seating was spacious, but the optional third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without the third-row seat, the 4Runner offered 1,337 litres of cargo space. The tailgate doubled as a seat, and the cargo area included storage cubbies and a power outlet.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space. The four-door model offered easier access to the rear seats, while the two-door required some maneuvering. The interior featured netted door pockets, a rubberized tray, and accessory rails. The two-door Bronco had up to 634 litres of cargo space, while the four-door offered up to 1,008 litres. The rear seats didn't fold flat, but the roof could support an overlanding platform. The Bronco's fenders and doors were easily removable for off-road adventures.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The system was user-friendly, with real knobs and buttons. Upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The voice recognition performed well, though it couldn't control the manual climate system.

The 2023 Ford Bronco used technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, with G.O.A.T. drive modes and numerous camera views. The Trail Turn Assist feature allowed for sharp turns. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available 12-inch display. Ford’s SYNC 4 and FordPass Connect were standard, and a wireless charging pad was optional.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with lower scores for frontal-impact and rollover resistance. IIHS gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from NHTSA. IIHS awarded it a "Good" rating in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, hill-start assist, and Trail Turn Assist. The Mid package added features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist. The High package included front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system, while the Luxe package added adaptive cruise control.