2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner had not seen a major redesign in 12 years, making it a familiar sight on the road. Despite updates over the years, a used 4Runner was nearly identical to a new one, minus some modern infotainment and safety tech. Its design, characterized by a two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches, aged well, offering balanced proportions and timeless styling. The 4Runner was available in various trims, including SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro, with special editions like the Trail Special Edition, which featured black cloth upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a custom-made cooler.

Inside, the 4Runner's hard plastic materials were easy to clean and suited its rugged mission. The dashboard was old-school, with large knobs and buttons, and a traditional key start. These features endeared the 4Runner to its owners, representing a simple, durable vehicle that could last for decades. The Trail Special Edition, priced at $43,729 with options, was one of the more affordable models, offering a Yakima RoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket and a sliding rear cargo tray.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler required buyers to choose between a two-door or four-door model and various powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions. Our test vehicle, the High Tide special edition, featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD. The High Tide also included the Xtreme Recon package, adding a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 35-inch tires, and other off-road enhancements.

The Wrangler High Tide's interior was basic, with cloth upholstery and plastic and rubber materials. The driving position was close to the steering wheel and windshield, requiring some acclimation. Visibility was mixed, with good views in some areas and obstructions in others. Rear-seat passengers faced entry and exit difficulties but found comfortable accommodations once inside. Cargo space was 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seat folded down. The Wrangler's unique character and capabilities made it a memorable and immersive driving experience, despite its rough ride and frequent fuel stops.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's 4.0-liter V6 engine produced 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The Trail Special Edition excelled off-road, thanks to its A-Trac traction control system, which helped navigate challenging terrain. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt slow, heavy, and clunky, with cumbersome steering and brakes. Its truck-like driving characteristics were part of its charm, but it required frequent fuel stops, averaging 16.8 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system enhanced its performance in various conditions. The Wrangler averaged 16.8 mpg during testing, similar to the 4Runner. Driving the Wrangler was a unique experience, with a rough ride, loud cabin, and frequent fuel stops. However, its off-road capabilities and immersive driving experience made it a favorite among enthusiasts.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's high ground clearance made entry and exit challenging for shorter individuals. However, once inside, the 4Runner offered comfortable seating with ample legroom and good visibility. The sliding cargo deck, holding up to 440 pounds, was a notable feature, though it reduced cargo volume. The 4Runner provided up to 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 89.7 cubic feet with the seat folded down.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit difficult, especially for shorter individuals. The manual height adjuster for the driver's seat required frequent readjustment. The Wrangler's seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery. Visibility was mixed, with some obstructions and helpful features like a reversing camera and rear cross-traffic alert. Rear-seat passengers faced entry and exit challenges but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Cargo space was 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seat folded down.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation, voice recognition, and a one-year subscription to Destination Assist. The system's physical buttons and knobs were easy to use, even with gloves.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide had a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system offered satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with an air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), including 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 warning. The 4Runner received 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 High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings for small overlap crash-test protection and side-impact protection from the IIHS. Headlight performance was rated Poor for standard lights and Marginal for LED upgrades.