2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2023 Jeep Wrangler

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler was a testament to rugged design, with its boxy, no-nonsense aesthetic that appealed to off-road enthusiasts. Available in both two-door and four-door configurations, the Wrangler allowed for a customizable experience with removable doors and a foldable windshield. Its iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and wide fenders, adorned with the American flag, added to its distinctive look. The Wrangler's interior was practical, featuring easy-to-clean materials and a straightforward design, though it lacked some of the luxury features found in more upscale SUVs.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner retained its classic, albeit somewhat outdated, design that harkened back to its 2010 roots. Its boxy shape and flared fenders gave it a robust appearance, suitable for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model added skid plates and all-terrain tires for a more aggressive look. Inside, the 4Runner's design showed its age with analog instruments and a small infotainment screen, but it offered a spacious cabin with ample legroom and practical storage solutions. Despite its dated appearance, the 4Runner provided excellent visibility and a functional layout for off-road excursions.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of engine options to suit various off-road needs. The standard V6 engine delivered 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder provided 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 offered 260 horsepower and a substantial 442 lb-ft of torque. The Rubicon 392 model boasted a 6.4-liter V8 with 470 horsepower and torque, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid combined two electric motors with a 17.3 kWh battery for 21 miles of electric range. However, the 392 model's brakes and steering were less refined, making on-road performance challenging.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. While its power output was comparable to the Wrangler, the 4Runner's transmission limited its responsiveness and fuel efficiency. The TRD Pro model came with standard four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, enhancing its off-road capabilities. On-road, the 4Runner felt sluggish, with noticeable rear-end squat during acceleration and a noisy engine. Its soft suspension provided excellent off-road articulation but resulted in significant body roll and floatiness on paved roads.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's interior offered comfortable front seats, though rear seating was cramped, especially in the two-door model. Storage space was limited, with a small glove box and center console, and a cargo capacity of 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Wrangler's removable tops provided various open-air options, with the Sky One-Touch power soft top being the most convenient. Charging points were plentiful, with USB-A and USB-C ports and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior, while dated, was spacious and practical. The front seats accommodated larger passengers, though the steering wheel's limited telescoping range could be an issue for taller drivers. The second row offered ample legroom, but headroom was restricted for taller passengers. The 4Runner's cargo space was generous, with up to 89.7 cubic feet available when the rear seats were stowed. The sliding glass rear window and party speakers added convenience, while the 5,000-pound towing capacity made it suitable for hauling small trailers.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler featured a Uconnect infotainment system with a 7-inch or optional 8.4-inch touchscreen. While initially complex, the system was intuitive once familiarized, offering off-road pages with detailed vehicle information. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the Wrangler lacked advanced tech features like a digital key or comprehensive over-the-air updates.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its small eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model's 15-speaker JBL audio system provided excellent sound quality, though road noise often interfered. Additional terrain controls were located in the headliner console, with Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select systems enhancing off-road performance.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were limited, with only a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control standard. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning were optional on most trims. The Wrangler received mixed safety ratings, with some trims earning Poor headlight scores and a 3 out of 5 rollover rating from NHTSA.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning. The TRD Pro and Limited trims added a surround-view camera system. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with a 4 out of 5 overall rating from NHTSA and some Marginal and Poor scores from IIHS.