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!
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers3. 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.
MORE: Does Kia have a self-driving car?
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 |
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