Two midsize SUVs with a much-deserved reputation for off-road prowess are the Toyota 4Runner and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. See how they stack up in this 2023 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee head-to-head comparison. With its many advantages, the Grand Cherokee beats the 4Runner. 

2023 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee

In this 2023 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

4Runner vs. Grand Cherokee: Performance and gas mileage

On the performance front, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner comes equipped with a 4.0-liter V-6 engine, which generates 270 horsepower. While the 4Runner only has one engine option, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers three, and they are all more powerful: a 3.6-liter V-6 (293 horsepower), a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 (357 horsepower), and a plug-in hybrid with the 4xe model (375 horsepower). 

The Grand Cherokee also has the advantage for efficiency. The gas-powered Grand Cherokee has an estimated gas mileage of up to 22 combined mpg, while the Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid has a fuel economy of up to 56 combined MPGe in electric mode and 23 combined mpg in hybrid mode. In comparison, the 4Runner has an estimated gas mileage of up to 17 combined mpg.

4Runner vs. Grand Cherokee: Towing

If you have some serious towing needs, then the Grand Cherokee is the best choice for you. It can tow up to 7,200 pounds, compared to 5,000 pounds for the 4Runner. 

4Runner vs. Grand Cherokee: Off-road capabilities

Both the 4Runner and Grand Cherokee have high-level off-road capabilities. Both SUVs offer an advanced four-wheel drive system, as well as off-road-enhancing features such as all-terrain tires, an off-road-tuned suspension, and off-road drive modes. For the 4Runner, the best trims to buy for off-roading are the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro. And for the Grand Cherokee, notable trims for off-road use include the SRT, Trailhawk, and Trackhawk.

4Runner vs. Grand Cherokee: Safety

The 4Runner and Grand Cherokee offer a similar roster of safety and driving assistance features. This includes a blind-spot monitor, brake assist, a backup camera, electronic stability control, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

4Runner vs. Grand Cherokee: Passenger and cargo space

The Grand Cherokee is bigger than the 4Runner, which results in more passenger space. It has a total passenger volume of 152 cu-ft for the three-row Grand Cherokee L model and 144.6 cu-ft for the two-row model. In comparison, the 4Runner has a total passenger volume of 128.0 cu-ft for the three-row model and 93.7 cu-ft for the two-row model.

However, the 4Runner provides more space for storage. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 89.7 cu-ft, compared to 84.6 cu-ft for the Grand Cherokee.

4Runner vs. Grand Cherokee: Warranty coverage

For warranty coverage, both the 4Runner and Grand Cherokee have the backing of a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, while both SUVs have a free maintenance plan, the one for the Grand Cherokee is more generous, with three years or 36,000 miles of coverage, compared to two years or 25,000 miles of coverage for the 4Runner.

4Runner vs. Grand Cherokee: Price 

Which midsize SUV costs more: the 2023 4Runner or the 2023 Grand Cherokee? The starting price of the fully gas-powered 2023 Grand Cherokee ranges from $39,000 MSRP for the Laredo trim up to $61,675 MSRP for the Grand Cherokee L Summit trim. As of this writing, the cost information is not yet available for the Grand Cherokee 4xe model. However, the starting price of the 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe ranges from $58,465 MSRP for the Base trim up to $71,195 MSRP for the Summit trim.

While the price information is not yet available for the 2023 4Runner, it will likely cost slightly more than the 2022 4Runner. The starting price of the 2022 4Runner ranges from $38,105 MSRP for the SR5 trim up to $52,920 MSRP for the TRD Pro trim.

2023 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Which midsize SUV is better?

In this 2023 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee midsize SUV comparison, the 2023 Grand Cherokee has more advantages. This includes advantages for performance, gas mileage, towing, passenger space, and a more generous complimentary maintenance plan. Conversely, the 2023 4Runner provides more cargo space.