2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Ford Bronco was a standout with its retro-cool styling and modern engineering, offered in nine distinct trim levels. Its blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights were unmistakable, even from afar. The Base trim had a primitive charm with steel wheels and minimal adornment, while the Raptor trim showcased its top-tier status with a wide stance, elevated height, and massive fender flares. The Heritage trim added a nostalgic touch with a white grille, roof, and wheels, along with unique plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's design was not just for aesthetics; functional elements like cleats above the headlights and raised "fins" aided in cargo securing and obstacle navigation. Inside, the rugged theme continued with a broad dash, sealed switches, and waterproof materials, making it easy to clean after off-road adventures. The interior materials prioritized durability over luxury, with some creaking over bumps, but it remained quieter than a Jeep Wrangler.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner was a throwback to an earlier era, with its last redesign dating back to 2010. Its boxy shape and flared fenders gave it a brawny, stable appearance, essential for off-road exploration. The TRD Pro model added underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires for a more serious attitude. Inside, the 4Runner showed its age with old-school styling and outdated technology. The analog instrument panel and small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen felt like relics from the past. Hard plastic materials were prevalent, though cushioned panels provided some comfort. The 4Runner's interior was functional but lacked the modern touches found in competitors like the Bronco and Wrangler. Despite its dated design, the 4Runner's rugged personality and off-road capabilities remained appealing to those seeking adventure.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices, starting with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, available with a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-liter V6 engine increased power to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with the automatic transmission. The top-tier Bronco Raptor featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 delivering 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All Broncos came with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. The base four-cylinder engine was adequate for most driving scenarios, while the Raptor's EcoBoost engine provided exhilarating power. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than a typical family SUV but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler. Its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curvy roads, but the Bronco felt more confident than expected, aided by several cameras for maneuvering.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. While its powertrain specs were not drastically lower than the Bronco, the 4Runner's transmission limited its responsiveness and fuel economy. The TRD Pro model came standard with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. On pavement, the 4Runner felt slow, with noticeable rear-end squat during acceleration. The engine sounded taxed, and the TRD Pro's exhaust was loud. The soft suspension resulted in nosedive under hard braking and body roll when cornering. Despite these drawbacks, the 4Runner's off-road capabilities remained strong, with its suspension and tire setup excelling over rough terrain.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, with the four-door model offering easier access to rear seats. Up front, there were numerous storage options, including netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for phones. The two-door Bronco had 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 52.3 cubic feet with seats folded, while the four-door offered 35.6 cubic feet, expanding to 77.6 cubic feet. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo. The Bronco's fenders and doors were easily removable, enhancing its off-road versatility.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior design felt outdated, but its layout was user-friendly. The front seats provided ample space, though the steering wheel's limited telescoping range could be an issue for taller drivers. The second row offered generous legroom, but headroom was limited for taller passengers. The 4Runner could accommodate up to 47.2 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats, expanding to 89.7 cubic feet with seats stowed. The load floor was almost flat, making it more practical than the Bronco's stepped floor. The 4Runner featured a sliding glass rear window and a hitch receiver with a 5,000-pound towing capacity.

The 2023 Ford Bronco featured the G.O.A.T. drive modes, optimizing engine and suspension settings for various terrains. Off-road novices benefited from these features, while seasoned off-roaders could manually select settings. The Bronco's numerous camera views and Trail Turn Assist feature enhanced its off-road capabilities. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available 12-inch display for improved usability.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the small eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL audio system, but road noise often obscured its quality. The 4Runner's terrain controls were located in the headliner console, with Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select systems for off-roading.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with the four-door model earning four out of five stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from NHTSA. IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and hill-start assist. Optional packages added features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received four out of five stars for overall and frontal crash protection from NHTSA, with five stars for side impacts and three stars for rollover evaluations. IIHS ratings were mixed, with "Good" scores for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning. The TRD Pro and Limited trims offered a surround-view camera system, with the Limited adding parking sensors.