2025 Jeep Wrangler vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation, but with a more robust and industrial exterior. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases that seamlessly blended with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. Paying homage to its predecessors, the 4Runner included design elements like the slanted rearmost window, while the sliding rear window facilitated easier cargo access. Inside, the 4Runner mirrored the Tacoma pickup truck, with a beveled styling motif that was both attractive and functional. The cabin was designed to endure punishment, with hard plastics and light cushioning for comfort. The materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as refined as a Land Rover Defender.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, with its black-on-black-on-black colour scheme, was less than ideal for a tropical climate. However, once behind the wheel with the windows down and roof panels removed, the colour became irrelevant. The Wrangler was available in various trims, including Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, and Rubicon X, with the Rubicon 392 discontinued in Canada after 2024. The Sport S model came with a few options, including a black hardtop and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Despite its high sticker price, the Wrangler's interior was functional, with a grey fabric dashboard trim, metallic accents, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Designed for rugged use, the Wrangler's appeal lay in its military-inspired design and off-road capabilities, making it popular despite its lack of sophistication compared to newer vehicles.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The entry-level trims came with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup promised better acceleration and fuel economy than the previous five-speed unit. In Canada, part-time 4WD was standard, with full-time 4WD available in the Limited and Platinum packages. Toyota introduced a Hybrid i-Force Max powertrain, combining the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an electric motor, delivering 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid variant offered stronger power at lower speeds, beneficial for off-roading. The 4Runner was quieter inside, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys, and more composed on pavement, with improved handling and steering. It retained its off-road prowess, with eight distinct packages offering varying levels of off-road capabilities. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were the most capable, with approach angles between 18 and 33 degrees, departure angles between 22 and 24 degrees, and ground clearance between 20.5 and 25.6 centimetres.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's standard powertrain was a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission. Alternatively, a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission was available, producing 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged engine was more fuel-efficient, with a rating of 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. During testing, the four-cylinder Wrangler achieved an average fuel economy of 12.3 L/100 km. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it capable off-road. However, its three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA was concerning. The ride was rough, with slow steering and sloppy handling traits. Despite these drawbacks, the Wrangler's off-road capabilities were impressive, especially with the right version equipped with the Rock Trac transfer case and locking axles.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was nearly 13 centimetres longer than its predecessor, with a 6-centimetre increase between the axles. This longer wheelbase resulted in minimal passenger space gains. The front seats offered ample room for taller passengers, but the middle row was less accommodating, with adequate legroom and headroom. A third row was available on non-hybrid models, but space was limited, making it suitable only for short trips. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. Storage options included door pockets, a dashboard tray, cupholders, and a centre armrest bin. Cargo capacity was 1,371 litres behind the second row, reduced to 1,206 litres in the Hybrid due to the raised floor. A sturdy roof rack compensated for cargo deficits, supporting a static load of 360 kilograms.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler posed challenges for entry and exit due to its high ground clearance and narrow door openings. Step rails were available but could complicate access. Inside, the front seats were comfortable, with cloth upholstery and optional heated seats and steering wheel. The Wrangler seated five, but four passengers were more comfortable. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers risked knee contact with front seatback hooks. Storage was limited, with small items often ending up in cupholders. Cargo access required opening the tailgate and lifting the rear window, which could be inconvenient in tight spaces. The four-door model offered 897 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with an optional 14-inch touchscreen. Both were user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a charging pad. Hybrid variants included a digital instrument panel. Off-road models offered external camera views and automatic camera activation for trail navigation. A 14-speaker JBL audio system was available, along with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control were possible through a smartphone app, with a digital key function replacing the key fob.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio preparation. An eight-speaker stereo was standard, with an optional nine-speaker Alpine system. Jeep Connect offered adventure guides and GPS trail logs for off-road navigation. The touchscreen remained bright and easy to use, even with the roof panels removed. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display, passive entry, remote engine start, and rear parking sensors.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner's crash test results were unavailable, but the Tacoma pickup on which it was based was an IIHS Top Safety Pick. All 4Runner models included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Proactive Driving Assist was also included but could be disabled if intrusive. In Canada, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler added side curtain airbags for front and rear seats, a significant safety upgrade. Advanced driver assistance systems were optional, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on most trims. Forward collision warning with automatic braking was standard on the Sahara trim. Adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam headlights were also available. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated it Good for side-impact protection and moderate overlap frontal-impact, but Marginal for small overlap frontal-impact due to tipping onto its side.