The Jeep Wrangler and the Toyota 4Runner are body-on-frame SUVs which are affordable and ready to go off-road any time you want. Once you run out of pavement, there are no better vehicles than the Wrangler Unlimited or the 4Runner, but which one is better to own?
Safety: Toyota 4Runner 1 – 0 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
The 2017 Toyota 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, whereas the IIHS gave it a Good score in all categories except the small-overlap front impact where it ended up with a Marginal rating. On the other hand, the Wrangler Unlimited is slightly behind, as it received a Marginal score in the side impact test and a Good score in small- and moderate-overlap front crash tests. The NHTSA wasn’t so generous, and they gave the Unlimited a three-star rating in the rollover and front crash test. None of the two cars are perfect, but the 4Runner has the edge over the Wrangler.
Fuel Efficiency: Toyota 4Runner 2 – 1 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
It is a tie, so each of these contenders got one point. Both 2017 Wrangler and 4Runner are disregarding this segment, and their focus is on off-road driving. The RWD 4Runner is rated at 17/21 mpg city/highway whereas the AWD model returns 17/20 mpg city/highway. On the other side, the manual and the automatic transmission Wrangler Unlimited versions are estimated at 16/21 and 16/20 mpg city/highway respectively. The gas tanks of both SUVs are large – 22.5 gallons of the Wrangler and 23.0 of the 4Runner.
Acceleration: Toyota 4Runner 3 – 1 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Even though the 4Runner is heavier and it has less power than its rival, it is somehow faster. Both vehicles use older transmissions and V6 units, but, the 4Runner reaches 60 mph in 7.5 seconds compared to 8.2 seconds of the Wrangler Unlimited. It takes 15.7 seconds for Toyota’s off-roader to run the quarter mile, while the Wrangler covers the same distance in 16.3 seconds.
Off-Road Capability: Toyota 4Runner 3 – 2 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Both vehicles are highly capable once they drift off the roads. However, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is built for these moments, and its disconnecting axles and specific tires must be taken into consideration. We are satisfied with the 4Runner, especially in TRD Pro trim, but the Wrangler is on another level.
Fun Factor: Toyota 4Runner 3 – 3 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
The 2017 Jeep Wrangler is way more fun than the 2017 Toyota 4Runner because you can remove the roof and the doors while the 4Runner only has a sunroof in some trims. Furthermore, the Wrangler could be purchased with a removable cloth or hard top and this connection with nature is what off-road driving is all about.
Heritage: Toyota Runner 3 – 4 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Toyota has produced the off-road SUVs in the past, but the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has predecessors that date back to World War II. The Wrangler models were used by the US military during those difficult times, and just a mention of this fact makes the Wrangler way cooler.
Technology: Toyota 4Runner 4 – 5 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Both SUVs need refreshment in this area. The Wrangler comes with an infotainment system which was used before the ongoing Uconnect and the interface in the Unlimited is a Garmin-based unit with a 6.5-inch touchscreen and a 40 GB hard drive. On the contrary, the 4Runner isn’t equipped with the latest Entune system as it comes with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, optional navigation, and some apps.
Luxury: Toyota 4Runner 5 – 5 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
You can acquire the 4Runner Limited model which focuses more on luxury, this one comes with leather upholstery, a JBL premium audio system and heated and ventilated front seats – pretty good for an off-roader, don’t you think?
Cargo: Toyota 4Runner 6 – 5 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Once you fold the third row down, you will get between 88.8 and 89.7 cubic feet of cargo space in the 2017 4Runner, unlike the 70.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the Wrangler. A larger trunk can always be of use, so this round belongs to the Toyota’s SUV.
Styling: Toyota 4Runner 6 – 6 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Some might say that the 4Runner is the prettier car, but we disagree. Each year, Jeep adds a special edition model to its lineup, and the customers have a lot to choose from. The 2017 Wrangler is cool rugged and the true off-roader.
What do you think? Which one is better?
