2023 Ford Bronco and the Toyota 4Runner both tend to be top choices when it comes to versatile terrain vehicles. Either car is going to make sure any driver has a comfortable drive with all the latest technology and safety features. In our comparison guide, we will break down these two cars for you and help you decide which one is best for your next adventurous outing.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The Bronco is a direct competitor to the Jeep Wrangler, while still giving the power of a SUV.
- The 4Runner takes the more traditional 4-door SUV style.
- No discernable horsepower difference between base models of the Bronco and the 4Runner.
- Fuel economy is slightly better on the 4Runner.
PERFORMANCE AND ENGINE: 2023 BRONCO
The Bronco powertrain has a slight edge over the 4Runner when comparing their base engines. The main distinction is how much the Bronco offers with its engine sizes, compared to the 4Runner’s singular standard 270 horsepower, 4-liter V6 engine of the 4Runner.
The Bronco comes with three engine options to choose form:
- 275-hp, 2.3-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
- 315-hp, 2.7-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
- 418-hp, 3.0-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Having these three engine options gives buyers much more flexibility when it comes to picking a car that is going to work for them. It’s under the hood in the build that the Bronco has the advantage. For the Bronco, there are also 7-speed manual and 10-speed automatic versions available with 12 selectable drive modes. This gives drivers far more options of on-road and off-road adaptability to match their driving style.
BODY & STYLE: BRONCO DOING THINGS DIFFERENT
The elephant in the room is the exterior design that both makes and models are sporting: the Bronco is built as a rugged, rough and ready adventure vehicle. It does not take a traditional four door SUV style like the 4Runner, which is more of a daily driver with slight off-road potential. The Bronco is going to be the only car out there that gives drivers that hybrid of rugged and comfortable look and feel.
WHICH SUV IS SAFER?
Both brands are going to give buyers exactly what they need for a safe, adventurous outing with neither taking a clear lead. The Bronco and the 4Runner come with assistant driving technology but require buyers to purchase a higher trim to fully access all its potential. They both include braking assists to prevent some collisions and forward collision warnings, with several higher trims offering blind spot and lane departure warnings. Lower-level trims on the Bronco come with the Sync 4 infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen. In higher trims that touchscreen is upgraded to a 12 inch with enhanced system navigation. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a 7-speaker audio system are also included, all of which doing their jobs to make driving the hands-on-the-wheel experience as much as possible. THE NHTSA gave the 4Runner four at of five-star rating for its Star Safety Rating Program, while at the time of writing this has not given any rating to the Bronco. However, if the scores are anything like last year’s model – the Bronco is deemed just as safe as the 4Runenr in 2023.
SCHEDULE A TEST DRIVE
Both the Ford Bronco and the Toyota 4Runner are great SUVS for any driver, but because of the different engines and exteriors, they are going to drive differently. The Ford Bronco is our pick for the best mid-sized SUVs, as it offers a lot of the same features as the 4Runner, such as a smooth drive and power behind the wheel, but it has the added intrigue of being a Jeep Wrangler competitor. The capability of the Bronco keeps buyers that need more options in mind by having a choice of multiple power trains. If you’re ready for a great SUV in 2023, come in and pick up your Ford Bronco