This year, Ford will reintroduce the Bronco after more than 24 years. The announcement has had many people speculating that the new Bronco would greatly impact Wrangler sales. However, the SUV might actually affect Toyota 4Runner sales more so than any other vehicle in its class. Here’s what to expect from the latest Bronco, including how it compares to the Toyota 4Runner.

About the new Bronco

Ford claims its 2020 Bronco will be a “no-compromise midsize 4×4 utility for thrillseekers who want to venture way beyond the city.” To that end, it will be a direct competitor of both the Jeep Wrangler as well as the Toyota 4Runner. The Bronco will be produced at Ford’s Detroit manufacturing facility, which also makes the Ranger pickup. Accordingly, it will share the same frame, and may even contain similar aluminum body panels.

Although it shares many similarities with the Ranger, many feel the latest Bronco more closely resembles the Wrangler in appearance. It has a somewhat boxy shape along with a tapered roofline and rear mounted spare tire. The Bronco R, on the other hand, will be very similar to the iconic SUV of years past.

The headlights will also resemble those found on the first-generation Bronco. At the same time, it will contain more up-to-date features such as LED lamps and daytime running lights. Consequently, drivers will find a nice blend of nostalgia and modern convenience.

Advantages over Toyota 4Runner

Many consumers on Reddit and other forums have pointed out that the Toyota 4Runner hasn’t currently been updated in several years. Before the Bronco came along, the only real competitor the 4Runner had was the Jeep Wrangler, which was last updated in 2018. As such, many feel that the 4Runner has become antiquated, and is, therefore, unable to compete with either the Wrangler or the Bronco.

The powertrain is another area in which the Ford leads Toyota. The Bronco will be equipped with a 2.3-liter turbo gas engine, along with a ten-speed automatic transmission. Many feel that this combination will far outperform the 4.0-liter gas motor and five-speed automatic transmission that’s found in the 4Runner.

For example, the Bronco’s engine is capable of 310 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque, as compared to the 270 hp and 278 lb.-ft. of torque produced by the 4Runner.

The MSRP could result in more people choosing the Bronco over the 4Runner as well. According to Carbuzz, the starting price for a base model Bronco is expected to be more than $6,000 lower than that of the 4Runner.

Competing with Jeep and Toyota

The latest design makes it clear that Ford intends to compete with both the Wrangler and the 4Runner. This is evidenced by the fact that the new Bronco will have a removable door and hardtop. Some speculate that Ford’s SUV will contain a cloth top that could double as a makeshift tent behind the vehicle.

Rumors are also circulating that Ford may develop an all-electric Bronco in the near future. Although few details have been released, many believe that an electric Bronco might contain a 3.3-liter V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. An electric version of this SUV is something that would put Ford ahead of either Toyota or Jeep when it comes to eco-friendliness.

Can the Ford measure up?

How will the 2020 Bronco stack up to the Toyota 4Runner? Will it outpace both the 4Runner and the Wrangler as far as sales go? Thus far, the new Bronco has generated a lot of buzz, meaning that it could indeed give both of these popular SUVs a run for their money.