Off-road capable SUVs are immensely popular these days. This includes the Ford Bronco, which combines the classic Bronco styling of yesteryear with modern amenities and even better off-road capabilities. Another off-road capable SUV is the Toyota 4Runner. See how the Bronco crushes the 4Runner in this 2022 Ford Bronco vs. 2022 Toyota 4Runner off-road SUV showdown.

2022 Ford Bronco vs. 2022 Toyota 4Runner

For our head-to-head comparison between the 2022 Ford Bronco and 2022 Toyota 4Runner, we looked at several factors to see which SUV comes out on top. This includes performance, towing, efficiency, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, and price/value. The Bronco has the advantage for most of these areas. 

Bronco vs. 4Runner: Performance, efficiency, and towing

On the performance front, the Ford Bronco dominates the Toyota 4Runner with its two robust engine options. Its turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine doles out 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, while its 2.7-liter V6 engine churns out 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the 4Runner only offers a 4.0-liter V6 engine, which produces just 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque.

Neither SUV is very efficient, but the Bronco has the edge. It has an estimated fuel economy of up to 20 city/22 highway mpg, while the 4Runner has a gas mileage of 16 city/19 highway mpg.

For towing, the 4Runner has the advantage. It has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, compared to 3,500 pounds for the Bronco.

Bronco vs. 4Runner: Off-road capabilities

Both the Bronco and 4Runner are excellent SUVs for off-road use. However, the Bronco has the advantage. The lengthy list of off-road features for the Bronco includes selectable G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) drive modes, electronic locking differentials, Trail Control, Trail Turn Assist, a transfer case, bash plates, and Bilstein dampers. 

Most 4Runner models don’t come close to matching this level of off-road prowess. The only 4Runner model to offer a similar roster of off-road features is the TRD Pro model. Also, it doesn’t help that the 4Runner has a considerably weaker engine than the Bronco. Additionally, with the upcoming Bronco Raptor off-road SUV, the off-road capabilities of the Bronco will be pushed even higher. 

Bronco vs. 4Runner: Safety

The Bronco and 4Runner offer similar types of safety and driving assistance features. This includes a pre-collision system, automatic high beams, vehicle stability control, dynamic cruise control, lane departure alert, and brake assist, and a blind spot monitoring system.

Bronco vs. 4Runner: Passenger and cargo space

The 4Runner is a more spacious SUV than the Bronco. It has a total passenger volume of 128.0 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 89.7 cu-ft. In comparison, the Bronco has 99.0 cu-ft of passenger space for the two-door model and 103.7 cu-ft for the four-door model. For storage space, the Bronco has a maximum cargo capacity of 52.3 cu-ft for the two-door model and 77.6 cu-ft for the four-door model.

Bronco vs. 4Runner: Interior features and technologies

Both the Bronco and 4Runner offer an infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, USB ports, voice recognition, Bluetooth, and a navigation system. However, while both SUVs have a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen, only the Bronco offers a larger version (12.0 inches).

Bronco vs. 4Runner: Price/value

The starting price/cost for the 2022 4Runner ranges from $37,305 for the SR5 trim up to $52,120 for the TRD Pro grade. While Ford has not yet released the pricing information for the 2022 Bronco, it probably will be similar to the pricing for the 2021 Bronco, which costs less than the 2022 4Runner. 

The starting price/cost for the 2021 Bronco two-door model ranges from $28,500 for the Base trim up to $42,095 for the Badlands grade. For the 2021 Bronco four-door model, starting prices range from $33,200 for the Base up to $44,590 for the Badlands. An important consideration for the Bronco, though, is availability. With production delays and sky-high demand, many customers have to wait a long time to get their Bronco. 

2022 Ford Bronco vs. 2022 Toyota 4Runner: The Bronco dominates

In the battle between the 2022 Ford Bronco and 2021 Toyota 4Runner, the Bronco comes out on top. It has advantages in many more areas than the 4Runner. This includes performance, efficiency, off-road capabilities, interior features and technologies, and price. However, the primary question for Bronco customers is, “How long are you willing to wait to get your Ford Bronco?”