Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

8 Top Toyota 4Runner Competitors

Put refinancing on auto pilot. Check your auto refinancing offer in 3 minutes or less with Jerry and reduce your monthly payment by an average of $115/mo.
No long forms · No spam · No fees
Brittni Brinn
· 8 min read
The Toyota 4Runner’s top eight competitors in the midsize SUV class include the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, Subaru Outback, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Passport, Ford Explorer, Kia Telluride, and Nissan Pathfinder.
The
Toyota 4Runner
, a rugged, off-road-ready SUV, delivers when it comes to cargo and passenger space. However, this sturdy and boxy offering falls short when it comes to interior quality and fuel efficiency.
Before you buy a 4Runner, or even if you’re just getting a feel for what’s out there, check out what the competition has to offer.
Jerry
, the super app that helps drivers save money on
car insurance
, is here with the eight top options for comparable midsize SUVs to the Toyota 4Runner.

1. Jeep Wrangler

Starting price: $31,590 to $81,190
Selling points: Retro charm, off-road capable, broad range of trim offerings
Weak spot: Tight passenger space, bumpy handling
Standard with four-wheel drive, a two-door and four-door option, and a removable cloth top for staying cool on the trails, the Jeep Wrangler is the way to go if you’re looking for an off-road-capable ride. You’ll also get your pick of a standard 285-hp 3.6-liter V-6 with an optional four-cylinder hybrid, a 3.0-liter diesel V-6, a new 375-hp plug-in hybrid, and a 6.4-liter V-8 engine.
The Wrangler scores better than the 4Runner when it comes to fuel efficiency: the diesel engine gets 22 mpg city and 29 highway while the V-6 four-door Wrangler Sahara hits 20 mpg on the highway. The four-cylinder hybrid model delivered 26 mpg. Depending on how much performance you want balanced with your ideal fuel economy numbers, you’ll be able to find a Wrangler that suits your driving priorities.

2. Ford Bronco

Starting price: $32,395 to $54,545
Selling points: Off-road performance and a joy to drive anywhere
Weak spot: Noisy engine, subpar fuel economy, basic interior materials
With a 9.5/10 rating and Editors’ Choice badge from Car and Driver, the
Ford Bronco
is a top choice for those in the market for a midsize SUV. From its off-road capabilities to its powerful presence, the Bronco stands out from the competition wherever you plan to drive it. 
All-wheel drive comes standard on the Bronco, paired with either a standard 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine or an optional 330-hp twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6 engine. When it comes to steering, the Bronco handles better than a Wrangler and excels on and off the beaten trail — a top choice for off-roading enthusiasts!
Make auto loan refinancing easy with PriceProtect™
Make auto loan refinancing easy with PriceProtect™
icon4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars
icon4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers

3. Subaru Outback

Starting price: $28,820 to $41,070
Selling points: Crossover stylings, roomy and practical cargo
Weak spot: Uninspired handling and engine performance
Another highly-rated alternative to the 4Runner is the
Subaru Outback
. This crossover gets a 9/10 nod and Editors’ Choice accolade from Car and Driver due to its rugged appearance, generous cargo space, and affordable Wilderness trim which comes with higher ground clearance and enhanced suspension to take you off the pavement.
With all-wheel drive and a standard 182-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine to choose from, the Outback’s performance isn’t bad, though the CVT (continuously variable transmission) dampens any extra spunk. The interior is nicer than other models in its class, even if it does value function over style. The Outback is the perfect family camping vehicle for light off-roading adventures.

4. Kia Telluride

Starting price: $34,725 to $44,625
Selling points: Excellent value, attractive styling, and practical space
Weak spot: Mediocre handling and engine performance 
The Kia Telluride is the cream of the crop when it comes to SUVs — a perfect 10/10 score and 10Best award from Car and Driver highlight the Telluride’s exceptional value and practicality. There’s almost nothing to complain about when it comes to the interior: luxury comfort, an abundance of tech features, and ample storage throughout the cabin area.
With eight inches of ground clearance and a 5,000-lb towing capacity, the Telluride is the clear winner for a casual off-roader. Its only downsides are stiff handling and low fuel economy. But overall, there’s almost nothing better than a Telluride.

5. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Starting price: $40,120 to $76,095
Selling points: Handsome, safety tech, high-end trim interiors
Weak spot: Expensive, all-wheel drive isn’t standard
Jeep may be the leader in off-road power, but that doesn’t mean it can’t look good while doing it! The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a head-turner, with attractive exterior styling and luxurious interiors the higher you go on the trim scale. 
Choose from a V6, a V8, or the PHEV 4xe engine option. Rear-wheel drive is standard for V6 models, but there are three all-wheel-drive systems available as upgrades. The Grand Cherokee’s higher price tag and mediocre fuel economy may be turn-offs, but the model is highly-rated and can provide a sense of refinement for your off-road experience. 

6. Nissan Pathfinder

Starting price: $35,970 to $48,435
Selling points: Plenty of storage options, quiet cabin, off-road capability
Weak spot: Boring handling 
The
Nissan Pathfinder
is up for some off-road driving and can provide a smooth and quiet ride. Front-wheel drive comes standard, but all-wheel drive is available and paired with a 284-hp V6 engine gives it the perfect balance for hitting more rugged roads. In-cabin storage is another highlight of the model, featuring a variety of cubbies and bins.
Its towing capacity is pretty wild: up to 6,000 lbs! No matter what you bring with you, the Pathfinder can more than handle it. 
MORE: Nissan Pathfinder S towing capacity

7. Honda Passport

Starting price: $39,665 to $47,225
Selling points: Lots of room for passengers and cargo, capable engine
Weak spot: Doesn’t stand out from the competition
A solid choice for drivers who don’t demand too much from their vehicle, the
Honda Passport
carts families and their cargo with practical ease. Equipped with a 280-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission, the Passport does best on paved roads. Even with a 5,000-pound towing capacity and 7.5 inches of ground clearance, the base model produces a bumpy top-heavy ride that makes off-road ventures less comfortable.
All-wheel drive does not come standard, and a lackluster warranty secures this model a middling spot in the midsize SUV field. However, the Passport wins out over the 4Runner when it comes to interior style and fuel efficiency, providing a roomy and well-appointed cabin for its price point.

8. Ford Explorer

Starting price: $35,505 to $55,125 
Selling points: Comfortable interior, accommodating cargo space 
Weak spot: Cramped third row, lackluster interior style
A family vehicle through and through, the
Ford Explorer
may not look as polished as the competitors, but it definitely is capable of carting around everything from your kid’s hockey gear to camping supplies for your family vacation. The Explorer can be beefed up for more intense wilderness adventures by adding a towing package or opting for all-wheel drive.
You have a choice of the base 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, or a 318-hp hybrid 3.3-liter V-6 engine. Even the base engine provides a powerful driving experience and composed handling. But the Explorer may not be comfortable for everyone — the back seat is considered too low to the floor to accommodate adults for long drives, but if you have a couple of kids who would love to have their own third-row realm, the Ford Explorer may be a perfect fit.

Toyota 4Runner vs. the competition

Phew! That’s a lot of information to comb through. Let’s make it easier to compare the 4Runner with its competitors—here’s a chart highlighting the key features for each of the midsize SUVs that may win out over the 4Runner:
Model
Starting price range
Engine options
Maximum seating capacity
Maximum cargo volume
Maximum towing capacity
Fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
$38,940 to $54,255
V6
5 seats
46 cubic ft
5,000 lb
16/19/17 mpg
$31,590 to $81,190
V6, V8, or hybrid 4xe
5 seats
28 cubic ft
2,000 lb
18/23/20 mpg
$32,395 to $54,545
Four-cylinder or V6
5 seats
52.3 cubic ft
4,500 lb
20/21/20 mpg
$28,820 to $41,070
Flat-4
5 seats
33 cubic ft
3,500 lb
22/26/24 mpg
$34,725 to $44,625
V6
8 seats
87 cubic ft
5,000 lb
20/26/23 mpg
$40,120 to $76,095
V6, V8, or hybrid 4xe
5 seats
6,200 lbs
19/26/22 mpg
$35,970 to $48,435
V6
8 seats
80.5 cubic ft
6,000 lbs
21/27/23 mpg
$39,665 to $47,225
V6
5 seats
41 cubic ft
5,000 lbs
19/24/21 mpg
$35,505 to $55,125
Four-cylinder, V6, hybrid
7 seats
18 cubic ft
5,000 lbs
18/24/20 mpg
Make auto loan refinancing easy with PriceProtect™
Make auto loan refinancing easy with PriceProtect™
icon4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars
icon4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers

How to compare car insurance quotes in under a minute

You have a lot of choices ahead of you if you’re looking at buying an SUV comparable to the Toyota 4Runner. But choosing the best
car insurance
for your new ride shouldn’t be a hassle! Instead, use
Jerry
to find affordable rates in no time. 
Just download the app and choose your favorite quote from over 55 insurers. All of the rates that Jerry pulls for you are personalized to your needs and will be for the coverage you want. The average Jerry user saves over $800 a year on car insurance! 
“I thought my previous insurance rate was the best I could get, since I have a luxury SUV. After
Jerry
found me quotes, I ended up paying only $80 a month for the same exact coverage. I’ll be shopping for auto insurance through Jerry from now on!” —Petra S.
RECOMMENDED
Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry
This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍
avatar
Gabriella R.
Find insurance savings
rating primary
4.7/5 Rating on App Store
icon
Compare Car Insurance Quotes For Free
Jerry automatically shops for your insurance before every renewal. Members save $872/year.
rating primary
4.7/5
Rating on App Store
Start saving money!
12,000+ Reviews
Trusted by 3.5M car owners like you

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings