Toyota 4Runner TRD vs. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

A Side by Side Comparison

If you're looking for an off-road SUV, chances are you're considering the Toyota 4Runner TRD and the Jeep Wrangler. It's no secret that these are capable off-road SUVs that can tackle plenty of off-road adventures right off the lot. Here, we look at the Toyota 4Runner TRD vs the Jeep Wrangler to get an idea of which SUV is the better choice. 

Safety and Reliability

NHTSA safety ratings for both SUVs are pretty similar. In the overall frontal crash category, both SUVs score a four out of five. In the rollover category, both SUVs score three out of five. However, the Jeep Wrangler has logged several recalls while the Toyota 4Runner has none. In the complaints section, the Jeep Wrangler has over 30 complaints while the 4Runner has less than five. The Toyota 4Runner offers more standard safety features than the Jeep Wrangler, including the latest version of Toyota Safety Sense. This safety suite includes automatic beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

Comfort and Ride Quality

TIt's no secret that the Jeep Wrangler has always needed to improve its on-road manners. The Toyota 4Runner is the more comfortable SUV in this category. It includes upgraded interior materials, better suspension components, a quieter cabin, and enhanced seating comfort. The 4Runner also features sound-deadening and improved suspension tuning for a quieter ride. Compared to the Jeep Wrangler, the Toyota 4Runner TRD has a larger infotainment screen and it features standard Android Auto and Appl CarPlay. These features are optional on the Jeep Wrangler. The 4Runner TRD also has a standard 15-speaker JBL audio system, while the Jeep Wrangler only has a nine-speaker Alpine system. The Toyota SUV's quieter cabin ensures that you'll hear your music better. The Toyota 4Runner TRD also boasts more interior space than the Jeep Wrangler. With all seats in place, it has 47.2 cubic feet of room vs the 31.7 cubic feet of the Wrangler. The max cargo space of the 4Runner TRD is 89.7 cubic feet vs the 72.4 cubic feet of the Wrangler.

Off-Road Performance

LIt's important to compare the off-road ability of these two SUVs as both are known for strong performance in this area. Both the Toyota 4Runner TRD and Jeep Wrangler have extensive aftermarket support. The Toyota 4Runner offers V6 power, as does the Jeep Wrangler. The latter SUV also has additional engine options. The Toyota 4Runner TRD features Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, plus an electronic locking rear differential. It comes with an aluminum front skid plate, Bilstein shocks, and a coil-over setup that gives you a one-inch lift. The Jeep Wrangler has similar terrain selection systems as well as Hill Descent Control and electronic locking front and rear differentials. Regarding performance and off-road upgrades, the Toyota 4Runner TRD and Jeep Wrangler get the job done.

Which is Right for You?

Although both the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner TRD are very capable off-road SUVs, we think that the 4Runner TRD wins this head-to-head. The Toyota 4Runner is ultimately more reliable, offers a larger interior, has more standard safety features, and is more comfortable driving on the pavement.