Body-on-frame SUVs designed to handle the most extreme terrain that Mother Nature can throw at you are a dying breed.Those that remain are built to conquer the most extreme terrain on the planet with ease and the Toyota 4Runner is among the best. With so few body-on-frame SUVs left to choose from, competition is scarce, leaving the iconic Jeep Wrangler as the Toyota 4Runner’s primary competition. If you are looking for mud-slingin’ adventures, you will find no shortage in this 2016 Toyota 4Runner vs 2016 Jeep Wrangler comparison.
Versatility and innovation have driven the 2016 Toyota 4Runner to the top of the off-road list, proving that the iconic Jeep Wrangler may have lost a step over the years. Available in four trim levels that range from the performance-tuned 4Runner TRD Pro to the luxurious 4Runner Limited, the Toyota 4Runner can be tailored to fit your needs. An arsenal of off-road features includes both part- and full-time four-wheel drive systems, an available Multi-Terrain Select system, a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and much more. The innovative Toyota Entune infotainment system will also keep you connected no matter how far off the beaten path you may be.
2016 Toyota 4Runner | VS | 2016 Jeep Wrangler |
270-Hp 4.0-Liter V-6 | Engine | 285-Hp 3.6-Liter V-6 |
5,000 Pounds | Maximum Towing Capacity | 3,500 Pounds |
5-7 Passengers | Passenger Capacity | 4-5 Passengers |
89.7 Cubic Feet | Cargo Space | 70.6 Cubic Feet |
Power and performance count for a lot when you hit the trail and both the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Wrangler will check that box. A standard 270-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6 engine will propel the 4Runner through tough terrain while Jeep Wrangler editions employ a 285-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6. Although the Jeep Wrangler possesses a slight advantage in terms of pure power, a stronger and more capable design means the Toyota 4Runner provides a greater towing capacity.
What sets the Toyota 4Runner apart in this 2016 Toyota 4Runner vs 2016 Jeep Wrangler comparison is a more versatile interior design. Standard 4Runner trim levels make room for five passengers in a spacious cabin that can add a third row and increase passenger capacity to seven. Stock two-door Jeep Wrangler models provide seating for four passengers in a cramped backseat. Upgrading to the four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited provides a more spacious cabin that still only makes room for five.
In the same vein, the Toyota 4Runner possesses a distinct advantage in cargo capacity. A spacious cabin offers an astounding 47 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row that can expand to a massive 89.7 cubic feet when you need more room. Standard Jeep Wrangler models offer a miniscule 12.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and Wrangler Unlimited models max out at 70.6 cubic feet. If you are heading to a remote campsite and need room for camping gear, the 2016 Toyota 4Runner checks all the boxes.