The Ford Bronco Isn’t Hurting the 2021 Toyota 4Runner
In the SUV world, vehicles can be hot or not, but the 2021 Toyota 4Runner and 2021 Ford Bronco are both sizzling. We expected the Ford Bronco to give the Toyota 4Runner a bit of challenge, but this wasn’t the case.
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner is a best seller
According to Auto Week, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner is still flying off the lot. It’s on their list of the 17 hottest sellers for 2021. Surprisingly, the 2021 Ford Bronco didn’t land on this list, but the Ford Bronco Sport did.
This doesn’t mean that the Toyota 4Runner is better than the Bronco. The Bronco faced a lot of problems, such as supply chain shortages and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. As a result, the 4Runner may have had more units to sell.
The Ford Bruncer vs. the Toyota 4Runner
If you’re still on the fence about waiting for a Ford Bronco, you can see how the 2021 Toyota 4Runner compares. It’s still one of the hottest selling options for a reason. The only unfair advantage that the 4Runner has is its third-row seats.
You can get started in a 2021 Toyota 4Runner for $36,765. The 2021 Ford Bronco starts at $29,995 for the two-door model, and the four-door model has a base price of $34,695. These prices are the MSRP’s. They don’t include dealership markups or destination fees.
The 4Runner comes with a 4.0-liter V6 engine that provides 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. When properly equipped, the 4Runner can tow up to 5,000 lbs.
With the 2021 Bronco, the standard 2.3-liter inline-four engine generates 275 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 2.7-liter V6 engine for 315 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. Premium fuel increases these figures to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.
The Bronco can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.7 seconds with the V6 engine. But the Bronco can only tow up to 3,500 lbs. So, if you need to haul a heavier trailer or camper, the 4Runner offers the advantage.
Both vehicles are excellent for off-roading. The 4Runner offers a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension, and the Bronco offers 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels. The Bronco has the advantage because it can be paired with a manual transmission.
Does the 4Runner or Bronco have better features?
Both the 2021 Ford Bronco and 2021 Toyota 4Runner ride like trucks with a firm suspension. They both have noticeable wind and tire noise too. The Bronco may provide a sportier ride, though.
The 4Runner has a larger backseat for passengers, but the Bronco has a more efficient tech layout with large controls that are easy to adjust while wearing gloves. The 4Runner and Bronco are similar in size, but the 4Runner offers more cargo space.
However, the 4Runner is old. It hasn’t been redesigned since 2010. The tech could use some updating, but the 8.0-inch touchscreen works fine. The Bronco comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, but you can upgrade to the 12.0-inch unit. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard for both models.
Deciding between the Ford Bronco and Toyota 4Runner is tough. While the Bronco is a little more responsive, the 4Runner can tow and haul more equipment. The Bronco has a better fuel economy, but the 4Runner is more reliable. We recommend giving both a test drive.
