2023 Ford Bronco vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained a rugged, old-school charm that harked back to the SUV craze of the 1980s. Its design carried an indomitable spirit of adventure, manifested through a high ride height, boxy proportions, and a front bumper keenly angled for off-road obstacles. This SUV never deviated from its kinship with the Toyota Tacoma pickup, encapsulating a robust and utilitarian aesthetic. However, the interior betrayed its age, with a dashboard layout stuck in the late-2000s era, reminding occupants of its last major redesign in 2009. Nevertheless, the 4Runner's focus remained on functionality, offering ample standard features across various trims. SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited trims each brought their unique touches, from off-road prowess to slightly more creature comforts for daily driving.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Bronco revived its heritage with a modern twist, showcasing nine distinct trim levels that combined retro-cool styling with contemporary engineering. The Bronco's unmistakable exterior featured a blocky upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and large round headlights, channels its storied past. The Base trim adopted a bare-bones look with steel wheels and minimal frills, while the Raptor trim flaunted its dominance with a broader stance and massive tires. The Heritage trim tapped into nostalgia with a white grille, roof, and wheels, alongside plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's aesthetic was not merely superficial; functional elements such as headlight cleats for securing cargo and raised fins for corner visibility were practical for adventure seekers. The rugged interior continued this theme, utilizing durable materials designed to withstand the elements.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner housed a single powertrain—a 4.0-liter V6 engine generating 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, though dated, was prized for its reliability. Paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, the 4Runner offered either rear-wheel drive or available four-wheel drive with a low range. While not particularly agile on pavement—exhibiting significant body roll and a somewhat harsh ride—the 4Runner shone off-road. Its suspension and Crawl Control system (available on TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models) absorbed rough terrain with aplomb. However, its towing capacity maxed out at 5,000 pounds, which was modest compared to some vehicles in its class.

Conversely, the 2023 Ford Bronco offered more variety under the hood. The base engine was a 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, available with either a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. For more power, an optional twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 produced 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with the automatic. The range-topping Bronco Raptor boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, churning out 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All Broncos came standard with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. The Bronco delivered not just power but also an on-road comportment superior to direct competitors like the Jeep Wrangler. It tracked straight and displayed impressive ride quality for its class, though its high-riding nature necessitated cautious handling on curving roads.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered considerable cargo space, with the two-row model providing up to 89.7 cubic feet and 47.2 cubic feet with the second-row seats in use. Opting for the three-row version reduced these values to 88.8 cubic feet and 46.3 cubic feet, respectively, and just 9 cubic feet behind the third-row seats. Though the 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate, it compensated with a power-operated rear window that added versatility. The interior design was practical, though not as spacious or efficient as newer models. Still, it had ample room for gear and personal items.

In comparison, the 2023 Ford Bronco leveraged its boxy design for maximum interior space. While the two-door Bronco offered 22.4 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats, expanding to 52.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, the four-door model eclipsed these numbers with 35.6 cubic feet and 77.6 cubic feet, respectively. However, its rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step that limited easy cargo sliding and comfortable sleeping space. Yet, unique features like easily removable fenders and doors and clever storage solutions like netted door pockets and accessory rails reinforced the Bronco's functional design.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner's technology suite was straightforward. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration, supported by physical buttons and dials. Standard Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports bolstered its usability. While not bleeding-edge, optional upgrades like navigation and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system enhanced the experience. The analog nature of this system was well-suited to the 4Runner's overall character, though it lacked advanced features like a head-up display.

The 2023 Ford Bronco, however, utilized technology to bolster its off-road capability. The G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) drive modes simplified tackling diverse terrains by automatically adjusting engine and suspension settings. Numerous camera views, including predictive lines, helped drivers navigate challenging conditions. The Trail Turn Assist feature, which braked the inside rear wheel to facilitate tight turns, exemplified this tech-savvy approach. In terms of infotainment, the Bronco featured standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Ford's SYNC 4 system, and an optional 12-inch touchscreen display, along with a wireless charging pad.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, remained relevant in safety thanks to the Toyota Safety Sense suite. Standard features included forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Upgrades like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system were available. It received mixed safety scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with four stars for frontal and side-impact testing but only three stars for rollover testing.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's safety, evaluated partially by NHTSA, garnered four stars for frontal crash protection and three for rollover protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the four-door Bronco its highest score in most categories except for head restraints, which were rated "Acceptable". Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, hill-start assist, and hill-descent control. Higher trims could add blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system.