The Jeep Wrangler and the Toyota 4Runner are two of the most iconic SUVs on the market, offering impressive off-road capabilities and rugged design. But which one is better for your needs and preferences? In this article, we will compare and contrast the 2023 Jeep Wrangler and the 2023 Toyota 4Runner, based on their price, mpg, reliability, off-road capability, features, styling, interior and cargo space, and powertrain and driving feel.
Jeep Wrangler vs. Toyota 4Runner: PRICE
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler has a lower starting price than the 2023 Toyota 4Runner, making it more affordable for budget-conscious buyers. The base two-door Wrangler Sport has a MSRP of $28,295, while the base four-door Wrangler Unlimited Sport starts at $31,795. Both models come standard with four-wheel drive, which is an extra cost option on the 4Runner.
The base 4Runner SR5 has a MSRP of $36,340 with rear-wheel drive, and $38,215 with four-wheel drive. The prices for both SUVs can increase significantly with higher trims and options. The most expensive Wrangler is the Unlimited Rubicon, starting at $42,195, while the most expensive 4Runner is the TRD Pro, starting at $50,470. Related Articles: The 2024 Toyota 4Runner: Everything You Need To Know
Jeep Wrangler vs. Toyota 4Runner: MPG
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler has a slight edge over the 2023 Toyota 4Runner in terms of fuel economy, thanks to its smaller and more efficient engine options. The Wrangler offers a choice of four engines: a 3.6-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 with 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.4-liter V8 with 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.
The 4Runner has only one engine option: a 4.0-liter V6 with 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. According to the EPA, the most fuel-efficient Wrangler is the diesel-powered model, which gets 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The least fuel-efficient Wrangler is the V8-powered model, which gets 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway. The 4Runner gets 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, regardless of the drivetrain.
Jeep Wrangler vs. Toyota 4Runner: RELIABILITY
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner has a higher predicted reliability rating than the 2023 Jeep Wrangler, according to Consumer Reports. The 4Runner earns a four out of five score, while the Wrangler gets a two out of five score. The 4Runner is also known for its durability and longevity, with many owners reporting high mileage and few major problems. The Wrangler, on the other hand, has a history of recalls and quality issues, especially with its electronics and powertrain. Both SUVs have the same warranty coverage: a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Jeep Wrangler vs. Toyota 4Runner: OFF-ROAD CAPABILITY
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler and the 2023 Toyota 4Runner are both excellent off-road vehicles, but the Wrangler has a slight advantage in terms of performance and versatility. The Wrangler has more ground clearance, steeper approach and departure angles, and better articulation than the 4Runner, allowing it to tackle more challenging obstacles and terrains. The Wrangler also has more 4x4 systems to choose from, including the Command-Trac, Selec-Trac, and Rock-Trac systems, each with different features and capabilities. The Wrangler also has an electronically locking rear differential, a sway bar disconnect system, and a crawl control system, which enhance its traction and stability. The 4Runner has only one 4x4 system, which is either part-time or full-time depending on the trim. The 4Runner also has a locking rear differential, a multi-terrain select system, and a crawl control system, but they are not as advanced or refined as the Wrangler's. The 4Runner does have some advantages over the Wrangler, such as a larger fuel tank, a higher towing capacity, and a more comfortable ride on paved roads.
Jeep Wrangler vs. Toyota 4Runner: FEATURES
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler and the 2023 Toyota 4Runner both offer a range of features and options to suit different tastes and needs. The Wrangler has more customization options, such as removable doors, roof, and windshield, as well as various special editions and packages.
The Wrangler also has more modern and user-friendly technology features, such as a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital gauge cluster, and a wireless charging pad. The 4Runner has more standard safety features, such as blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning, as well as a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Amazon Alexa. The 4Runner also has more luxury features, such as leather seats, a power moonroof, and a JBL sound system.
Jeep Wrangler vs. Toyota 4Runner: STYLING
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler and the 2023 Toyota 4Runner both have distinctive and rugged styling that reflects their off-road heritage and capabilities. The Wrangler has a more classic and retro look, with its round headlights, seven-slot grille, and boxy shape. The Wrangler also has more color options, including bright and bold hues, as well as more accessories and decals. The 4Runner has a more modern and aggressive look, with its angular headlights, large grille, and muscular fenders. The 4Runner also has more chrome accents, LED lighting, and roof rails. Both SUVs have a sporty and functional appearance, with large wheels, skid plates, and tow hooks.
Jeep Wrangler vs. Toyota 4Runner: INTERIOR AND CARGO SPACE
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler and the 2023 Toyota 4Runner both have spacious and practical interiors, but the 4Runner has more room and comfort for passengers and cargo. The Wrangler has two body styles: a two-door model that seats four people, and a four-door model that seats five people. The two-door Wrangler has 12.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and 31.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The four-door Wrangler has 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and 72.4 cubic feet with the
versatility to the cargo area. The 4Runner has more headroom, legroom, and shoulder room than the Wrangler, especially in the rear seats. The 4Runner also has more soft-touch materials, cup holders, and storage spaces than the Wrangler. The Wrangler has a more rugged and simple interior, with durable and washable surfaces, exposed screws, and grab handles. The Wrangler also has more removable and foldable components, such as the doors, roof, windshield, and seats, which add fun and flexibility to the cabin. Both SUVs have a dashboard that is easy to use and read, with analog gauges and physical buttons and knobs. Both SUVs also have a touchscreen infotainment system that is responsive and intuitive, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a rearview camera and a navigation system.
Jeep Wrangler vs. Toyota 4Runner: POWERTRAIN AND DRIVING FEEL
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler and the 2023 Toyota 4Runner both have powerful and capable powertrains, but the Wrangler has more variety and performance than the 4Runner.
The Wrangler has four engine options, each with different characteristics and advantages. The 3.6-liter V6 is the standard engine, which offers a good balance of power and efficiency. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is the most fuel-efficient engine, which also delivers a lot of torque. The 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 is the most torquey engine, which also has a long range and a high towing capacity. The 6.4-liter V8 is the most powerful engine, which also provides a thrilling sound and acceleration. The 4Runner has only one engine option, which is the 4.0-liter V6. This engine is reliable and smooth, but it is also outdated and thirsty.
The Wrangler has three transmission options: a six-speed manual, an eight-speed automatic, and a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic. The 4Runner has only one transmission option, which is a five-speed automatic.
The Wrangler has more 4x4 systems to choose from, each with different features and capabilities. The 4Runner has only one 4x4 system, which is either part-time or full-time depending on the trim. The Wrangler has a better driving feel than the 4Runner, especially off-road.
The Wrangler has more ground clearance, steeper approach and departure angles, and better articulation than the 4Runner, allowing it to tackle more challenging obstacles and terrains. The Wrangler also has more 4x4 features, such as an electronically locking rear differential, a sway bar disconnect system, and a crawl control system, which enhance its traction and stability. The 4Runner has some 4x4 features, such as a locking rear differential, a multi-terrain select system, and a crawl control system, but they are not as advanced or refined as the Wrangler’s. The 4Runner has some advantages over the Wrangler, such as a larger fuel tank, a higher towing capacity, and a more comfortable ride on paved roads.
CONCLUSION
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler and the 2023 Toyota 4Runner are both great SUVs for off-road enthusiasts and adventure seekers, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The Wrangler has a lower price, a better mpg, more engine options, more customization options, more modern technology features, and more off-road performance and versatility than the 4Runner. The 4Runner has a higher reliability rating, more standard safety features, more luxury features, more room and comfort for passengers and cargo, and a smoother ride on paved roads than the Wrangler. Ultimately, the choice between the Wrangler and the 4Runner depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you value affordability, efficiency, variety, and fun, then the Wrangler might be the better option for you. If you value durability, safety, comfort, and practicality, then the 4Runner might be the better option for you. Either way, you can’t go wrong with either of these SUVs, as they both offer a lot of value and capability.