2021 Ford Bronco vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

2021 Ford Bronco
2021 Ford Bronco
$28,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2022 Toyota 4Runner
2022 Toyota 4Runner
$38,105MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Bronco
$28,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Toyota 4Runner
$38,105MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$28,500
$38,105
Average price
$40,803
$41,515
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.2
4.8
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

7.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Excellent off-road capability
  • Stylish design
  • Great ride quality
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Noisy
  • Stereo is lacking
Pros
  • Great off-road capability
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Sluggish performance
  • Outdated interior
Summary
Following a 30-year run and a 25-year layoff, the Ford Bronco bucks back into the 2021 corral. With a sharp focus on off-road capability and a soft focus on comfort, the new Bronco offers two available powertrains, a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, standard four-wheel drive, clever engineering, and bold styling.

Family-hauling, kid-toting three-row SUVs have become the de facto vehicle in most suburban towns. Just look in any mall parking lot, and you’re bound to see countless Honda Pilots and Toyota Highlanders. So ubiquitous are these vehicles, you might forget that the definition of “Sport Utility Vehicle” is actually quite vast, and there are still new examples that have some connection to the segment’s rugged origins.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner is one such example. It may not be optimized for soccer practice or pizza-party duties, but it can certainly handle them. Just as crucially, it can also venture out where these mall-dwelling SUVs dare not go. If two years of a pandemic have taught us anything about ourselves, it's that the ability to get out on an adventure is more relevant than ever, and the 4Runner is one vehicle so-equipped to do it.

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Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.3L 275 hp I4
4.0L 270 hp V6
Drive Train
4X4
4X2
Seating Capacity
4
7
Horsepower
275 hp @ 5500 rpm
270 hp @ 5600 rpm
MPG City
20
16
MPG Highway
22
19
Look and feel
2021 Ford Bronco
9/10
2022 Toyota 4Runner
6/10

The 2021 Ford Bronco carried the weight of years of anticipation, as it finally returned to the market after being teased since 2004. Drawing inspiration from the original 1966 Bronco, the 2021 model adopted a "Retrofuturism" design, merging classic styling with modern technology. The front of the Bronco featured a single-piece grille flanked by round headlights, connected by bold B-R-O-N-C-O lettering. It came with an option of 32-inch or 35-inch tires, the latter available with the Sasquatch package, which added to its off-road prowess.

The body of the Bronco maintained flat and straightforward sides, accented by robust fender flares. Two-door models had a wheelbase of 100.4 inches, with an overall length ranging from 173.7 to 174.8 inches. Meanwhile, the four-door variants offered a more extended wheelbase of 116.1 inches, pushing the length to a max of 190.5 inches. The SUV's height ranged between 71.9 and 75.3 inches, depending on the trim, and width varied from 75.9 to 79.3 inches. Moreover, buyers could choose between a black soft-top or a modular removable hardtop, along with eleven vibrant paint colors.

Inside, the Bronco mixed retro styling with advanced technology. The dashboard featured a color touchscreen (8-inch standard or 12-inch optional), complemented by a digitized cluster above the steering wheel. Heavy-duty plastic materials gave the interior a rugged touch, while metallic reinforcements and grippy rubber added to the sturdiness. The second-row seats in the four-door model provided ample comfort, while the two-door version, though more compact, remained accessible for adults.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, stayed true to its roots from the 1980s SUV craze. Maintaining its rugged construction tied to the Toyota Tacoma pickup, the 4Runner boasted boxy proportions and a high ride height, signifying its adventurous spirit. The sharply angled front bumper was purpose-built for tackling obstacles, while the interior, though functional, had a dated dash layout reflecting its last redesign in 2009.

Trim levels for the 4Runner included SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited. Each came with a mix of features, from basic amenities like push-button start and an 8-inch touchscreen to advanced options like a 15-speaker JBL premium stereo in the TRD Pro. We tested the Trail Special Edition with its unique monotone paint scheme and dark gray alloy wheels. With a consistent focus on off-road capability, the 4Runner seamlessly combined form and function, even though its interior design hadn't kept pace with modern updates.

Performance
2021 Ford Bronco
8/10
2022 Toyota 4Runner
6/10

The 2021 Ford Bronco offered a choice between two engines: a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and an optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 producing 310 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The 2.3-liter engine was paired with a seven-speed manual transmission, while the 2.7-liter came with a 10-speed automatic, which was also optional for the smaller engine. Regardless of the engine choice, all Bronco models featured standard four-wheel drive (4WD).

Our test drive of the Bronco in Holly, Michigan, revealed its dual capabilities on and off the road. On pavement, the Bronco, especially with the 35-inch tires from the Sasquatch package, felt more like an off-road truck. The 2.7-liter engine in our First Edition test model provided a well-matched power delivery, and the 10-speed automatic transmission facilitated smooth and responsive driving.

Taking the Bronco off-road, the short-wheelbase, two-door model with the Sasquatch package proved to be a formidable beast. Aired-down tires improved traction on various terrains, from slick rocks to muddy trails. The Bronco remained stable, delivering a balanced and enjoyable off-road experience thanks to its advanced suspension setup and smart electronics.

In stark contrast, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner relied on a single engine: a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. This aging engine was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, directing power to the rear wheels or the optional 4WD with low range. While the engine offered reliable performance, it fell short in delivering a thrilling drive, especially on paved roads where its weaknesses were evident.

The 4Runner's on-road ride quality felt harsh and cumbersome, with significant body roll and a rough experience over bumps. However, these shortcomings disappeared when venturing off the pavement. The suspension, which felt garish on roads, excelled in absorbing rough off-road terrain. Models like the TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road came equipped with features like Crawl Control and a locking differential, further enhancing their off-road capabilities. Additionally, the 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, which, while not exceptional, was sufficient for most off-road adventures.

Form and function
2021 Ford Bronco
9/10
2022 Toyota 4Runner
8/10

Ford's attention to modularity in the 2021 Bronco was a significant advantage. The designers innovatively made the doors removable and frameless, with dedicated protective storage bags. The Bronco's chassis protection, removable fenders, bumpers, and a grille made repair and customization user-friendly. Clever features like trail sights on the hood for cargo tie-downs demonstrated Ford's thoughtful design.

Inside, the Bronco's controls and switches were designed for convenience during off-road adventures. The center stack buttons and overhead console toggles were strategically placed for easy access during challenging drives. This blend of practical design and creative problem-solving echoed throughout the cabin, enhancing the overall user experience.

The 4Runner, offering up to 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version and slightly less in the three-row model, lagged in interior innovation. Though not cramped, it wasn’t the most efficient. The standout feature was the power-open/close rear window, simplifying access to the rear cargo area. However, the absence of a power rear liftgate showed its age. The three-row model provided flexibility with up to seven-seat capacity but sacrificed some cargo space..

Technology
2021 Ford Bronco
8/10
2022 Toyota 4Runner
8/10

The 2021 Ford Bronco's technology revolved around the SYNC 4 infotainment interface with enhanced voice recognition. The 8-inch touchscreen was standard, upgradeable to a 12-inch version with the High Package. The Mid Package and Lux Package elevated the technology offerings with features like a 10-speaker B&O sound system and wireless device charging.

The G.O.A.T. system ("Go Over Any Terrain") simplified terrain control with five to seven available modes, depending on the trim level, making it easy to adapt to various off-road conditions. Position-sensitive Bilstein shock absorbers, part of the Sasquatch Package, further enhanced off-road performance.

Conversely, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by hard buttons and dials for easy operation. Despite lacking an upgrade option for a larger screen, options like navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system provided adequate tech enhancements. The inclusion of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports kept the 4Runner technologically relevant, even if not at the cutting edge.

Safety
2021 Ford Bronco
7/10
2022 Toyota 4Runner
7/10

The 2021 Ford Bronco packaged safety features based on the trim level. The Base model offered essential safety features, while the higher trims, with the Mid and High Packages, added advanced safety systems such as Ford Co-Pilot 360 with pre-collision assist, blind-spot information, and a 360-degree camera system. Side curtain airbags were designed to work appropriately even in off-road conditions, ensuring safety during trail adventures.

Toyota kept the 4Runner competitive in safety with its Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system were optional. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars in NHTSA's frontal and side-impact testing and three stars in rollover tests, with a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Ford Bronco was 8.0 out of 10, while the 2022 Toyota 4Runner scored 7.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the recommendation tilts towards the 2021 Ford Bronco. Its modern take on a classic design, coupled with advanced technology, off-road prowess, customizable features, and thoughtful modularity, made it a more well-rounded and appealing choice for adventurers and daily drivers alike. Conversely, while the 4Runner excelled in off-road reliability, its dated design and technology couldn't quite match the Bronco's overall appeal.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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