2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic status with a design that had remained largely unchanged over the years. Its distinctive features, such as circular headlights, a seven-slat grille, and exposed bolts and hinges, made it instantly recognizable. The Wrangler's rugged appearance, reminiscent of a toy truck for adults, appealed to those seeking a unique and adventurous vehicle. Depending on the trim level, the Wrangler could take on different looks, but it always retained its core elements. Inside, the Wrangler prioritized function over comfort, with an upright seating position, limited legroom, and manual seat adjustments. For the right driver, these characteristics added to its charm.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner had not seen a redesign in over a decade, yet its design had aged gracefully. While not conventionally attractive, the 4Runner's two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches exuded timeless styling and utility. It was like a reliable tool that didn't require frequent updates. The 4Runner's interior offered comfort and practicality, with supportive seats, ample legroom, and good visibility. The available sliding cargo deck and roof rack added to its versatility, making it suitable for various adventures.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a diverse powertrain lineup, including gas, diesel, mild-hybrid, and the powerful Hemi V8. Most buyers opted for the standard 3.6-liter V6, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were enhanced by three 4WD systems: Command-Trac, Select-Trac, and Rock-Trac, with features like front-and-rear locking differentials and a disconnectable front sway bar. The Rubicon 392, with its 6.4-liter V8 engine generating 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, transformed the Wrangler into an off-road powerhouse, offering impressive acceleration and trail performance.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. While it felt slow and heavy on pavement, the 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to its A-Trac traction control system and optional features like a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control. The 4Runner's maximum tow rating was 5,000 pounds, and its fuel efficiency was rated at 17 mpg combined. Despite its age, the 4Runner's truck-like driving characteristics added to its charm, making it a reliable choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered various top options, including the zipper-less Sunrider soft-top and the Freedom hardtop with removable panels. The Rubicon 392 featured the Sky one-touch power top, providing a convenient open-air experience. The Wrangler's cabin was functional, with limited storage space but effective cargo nets and drain plugs for easy cleaning. It provided 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner sat high off the ground, offering comfortable seating with ample legroom and good visibility. The available sliding cargo deck could hold up to 440 pounds, adding versatility to the interior. Cargo space measured up to 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 89.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The 4Runner's back bumper served as a convenient seating area, and the Trail Special Edition's roof rack provided additional storage options.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler's technology offerings varied by trim level. The base Sport trim featured a basic 5-inch screen, while higher trims offered a 7-inch or 8.4-inch Uconnect screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Rubicon 392 included a color TFT screen in the instrument panel and an off-road camera nestled in the front grille. The intuitive radio toggles on the steering wheel added to the user-friendly experience.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation, voice recognition, and a subscription to Destination Assist concierge services. The system's physical shortcut buttons and knobs made it easy to use, even with gloves on, and the software powering the infotainment system was sophisticated and effective.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered optional modern driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring. However, lane-departure warning was not available. The Wrangler included a backup camera with dynamic guidelines and a live tire-pressure monitoring system, useful for off-roading.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning were not available. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" roof crush strength rating from the IIHS, but its protection in frontal-impact collisions was rated as Marginal.