2023 4Runner vs. Ford Bronco

Comparison

When you compare information about the Toyota 4Runner and Ford Bronco SUVs, you see that both vehicles offer top-notch performance on the road, but each SUV has unique features and technology. The Ford Bronco has a powerful 2.3L EcoBoost inline four-cylinder engine and a towing capacity of up to 4,500 pounds on most models, making it a good SUV choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Meanwhile the Toyota 4Runner comes with a 4.0-liter V6 engine and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.  

 

The Toyota 4Runner has practicality and reliability with its standard comfort, technology, safety and convenience features, overall towing capacity, and cargo space.

See which of these popular SUVs deserves the coveted spot in your garage in this 2023 Toyota 4Runner vs. Ford Bronco head-to-head comparison.

Highlighted Features

2023 4Runner

2023Bronco 4-Door

Base MSRP

$40,155

$38,040

Engine

4.0L V6

2.3L EcoBoost® inline 4-cylinder, Optional 2.7L V6

Horsepower

270

275

Adaptive cruise control

Yes

No

Speakers

8

7 DEFAULT

Estimated Combined (MPG)

17

20

Whole vehicle warranty months / (miles)

36 / 36000

36 / 36000

Powered By

Copyright © JATO Dynamics Limited, 1990-2023. All Rights Reserved. For comparison purposes only. JATO has been diligent in providing accurate and complete information. However, JATO does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the data, and the information may not be comprehensive or use the same terminology as used elsewhere on this site. For additional details, see vehicle's "Full Specs" on Toyota.com or contact your Toyota dealer.

 

feature image
feature image
feature image

Toyota 4Runner vs. Ford Bronco

Performance

Incredibly power translates to impressive performance. Discover the differences in engines and performance capabilities when you compare the information found in this 4Runner vs Bronco comparison.

  • The Toyota 4Runner is a powerful and capable mid-size SUV. This Toyota SUV comes standard with a 4.0-liter V6 engine that delivers up to 270 horsepower and 278 ft.-lbs. of torque and its five-speed automatic transmission provides smooth and reliable performance. The Toyota 4Runner is available in either a rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive drivetrain configuration. The 4Runner’s available 4WD models come with a part-time four-wheel drive system with Active Traction Control. Additionally, only the 4Runner Limited has an available full-time 4WD configuration for optimal traction on the road and off the beaten path. Standard skid plates cover the engine and front suspension for additional protection and some Toyota 4Runner models offer skid plates to cover the transfer case.
  • The Ford Bronco is also a versatile and rugged SUV with multiple drivetrain options for on- and off-road capability. The base model Ford Bronco Sport SUV features a standard 2.3L EcoBoost inline four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 275 horsepower and 315 ft.-lbs. of torque. You can upgrade the Ford Bronco to a more powerful 2.7L EcoBoost V6 motor. The Ford Bronco comes standard with four-wheel drive and has the option of advanced four-wheel drive with automatic on-demand engagement. The base model Ford Bronco Sport SUV is equipped with a seven-speed manual transmission and you have the option for a 10-speed automatic transmission on the four-door model. The Ford Bronco comes with bash plates to protect the fuel tank, engine/transmission, and transfer case. These Ford vehicles also come standard with a turbo compressor. Neither the Toyota 4Runner nor the Ford Bronco are available as hybrid vehicles.
  • The Toyota 4Runner has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds complete with an integrated towing receiver hitch and wiring harness with 4- and 7-pin connectors. The Ford Bronco Sport base model SUV has a max towing capacity of 3,500 pounds with the option to upgrade to 4,500 pounds on certain models. Instead of a towing receiver hitch, the Ford Bronco comes equipped with three tow hooks: two in the front and one in the rear.
  • For navigating off-road terrain, both the Toyota 4Runner and Ford Bronco offer impressive options for drivers. The Toyota 4Runner comes standard with rear-wheel drive. A part-time four-wheel drive system and Active Traction Control are standard on 4x4 models. Meanwhile, the standard on the 4Runner Limited is a full-time 4WD, which provides enhanced traction. The Toyota 4Runner also has the following features: an automatic limited-slip differential, Hill Start Assist Control, and an available Downhill Assist Control for challenging terrain.
  • The Ford Bronco comes standard with a four-wheel drivetrain with part-time selectable engagement technology and the option of an advanced four-wheel drive with automatic on-demand engagement. It also features a standard Terrain Management System with five G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) for optimized performance. Higher trims of both vehicles offer more advanced off-roading features and technology.
Toyota 4Runner vs. Ford Bronco

Fuel Economy

Learn about the EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of the Ford Bronco and the Toyota 4Runner when you compare mileage information about these two SUVs.

  • The Ford Bronco has an EPA-estimated combined EPA fuel economy rating of up to 20 mpg in the city. The Ford Bronco SUV has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of up to 20 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
  • The Toyota 4Runner has a combined EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 17 mpg with 19 mpg highway and 16 mpg city.
Toyota 4Runner vs. Ford Bronco

Technology

It’s important to compare in-car technology features when considering new vehicles. Let’s see how the 2023 Toyota 4Runner and Ford Bronco SUVs stack up against each other.

  • The 2023 Toyota 4Runner comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, eight speakers, AM/FM radio, and hands-free in-car advanced voice recognition, all of which make for a streamlined driver and passenger experience.
  • The 4Runner comes with a Platinum Plan three-month trial of SiriusXM® satellite radio, and the in-car infotainment system includes Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® compatibility.
  • The interior technology in the base model Ford Bronco SUV, on the other hand, features the in-car SYNC 4 audio system with a 4- to 8-inch touchscreen, seven speakers, and Bluetooth streaming. Ford Bronco interior technology also includes in-car hands-free voice activation, dual smart charging USB ports, and a trial of SiriusXM® with 360L. The SiriusXM® with 360L trial duration lasts 3 months.
  • The Toyota 4Runner and Ford Bronco both offer in-car Wi-Fi hotspots. The Toyota 4Runner comes with an up to three-month/2GB trial of Wi-Fi Connect, which includes an AT&T hotspot. After the trial, a subscription is required, and it relies on a 4G network. Meanwhile, technology in the Ford Bronco includes a trial of FordPass® Connect, which also comes with a 3-month or 3GB AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot data trial.
Toyota 4Runner vs. Ford Bronco

Safety & Convenience

Discover how the 2023 Toyota 4Runner and Ford Bronco SUVs compare when it comes to safety and convenience features.

  • The Toyota 4Runner and Ford Bronco come with stability control features to ensure tight handling on the road. The 2023 Toyota 4Runner SUV comes standard with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), and the Ford Bronco boasts AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control ATRSC).
  • The 2023 Toyota 4Runner comes with the Toyota Safety Sense™ (TSS) system—including advanced safety and convenience features such as a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection PCSYPD), Lane Departure Alerts (LDA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), and a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA). The Toyota 4Runner SUV has the Star Safety System™ (SSS), which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control, an Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, and Smart Stop Technology (SST). For drivers who prefer cruise control, the Toyota 4Runner has a Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) 3-year trial standard on all but the SR5, TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road models (for which it is available). The Ford Bronco only has cruise control as an optional feature on some models.
  • The Ford Bronco SUV comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, featuring post-collision braking, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera. Higher-end Ford Bronco models also include options such as a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert and Lane-Keeping System.
Jumbo Card Image Toyota 4Runner vs. Ford Bronco

Warranty

Find the information about reliability, including warranties and other protection plans, that come with the 2023 Toyota 4Runner or Ford Bronco SUVs.

  • The 2023 Toyota 4Runner and the Ford Bronco are both vehicles that come with comprehensive warranties. The Toyota 4Runner has a basic warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles as well as a 5-year or 60,000-mile warranty for restraint systems and powertrain. This Toyota SUV also comes standard with a 5-year, unlimited mile warranty for corrosion perforation.
  • The Ford Bronco SUV has a New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles along with a 5-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, 5-year or 60,000-mile restraint system warranty, and a 5-year, unlimited mileage anti-corrosion warranty. Both cars also come with a paint warranty for up to 3 years or 36,000 miles, protecting the exterior of your vehicle.
  • While the 2023 Toyota 4Runner comes with ToyotaCare, a maintenance plan that covers factory-scheduled maintenance for the first 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first; meanwhile, the Ford Bronco does not include a factory maintenance plan according to the manufacturer official site.
  • The Toyota 4Runner SUV provides a range of automotive safety and security features, including a 2-year, unlimited mileage 24-hour Roadside Assistance plan. The Toyota 4Runner also comes with a 1-year trial of Safety Connect®, which has Emergency Assistance button, Automatic Collision Notification and Stolen Vehicle Locator.
  • The Ford Bronco SUV has optional Roadside Assistance for up to 5 years or 60,000 miles. Ford Bronco drivers can also opt for a FordPass® Connect subscription for access to remote features such as vehicle status check, locate vehicle, schedule a start, and lock/unlock. This is only available on select models of these cars.
Jumbo Card Image Toyota 4Runner vs. Ford Bronco

Design

Bold, boxy frames and off-roading-insipired designs help both of these rugged SUVs stand out from the crowd while the thoughtfully designed interior features help maximize comfort no matter where the road takes you. Check out this design comparison to determine whether the Bronco or 4Runner appeals to you. 

  • The Ford Bronco interior has two options for seating arrangements: a two-door option with seating capacity for up to four people and a four-door option with seating capacity for up to five. In comparison, the Toyota 4Runner SUV interior has standard seating capacity for five and an option to add third row seating for a total of seven seats. Both SUVs offer ample head room, leg room, hip room, and shoulder room for drivers and passengers, though the exact measurements change by a few inches depending on the model and options you choose.
  • The Toyota 4Runner with its rugged and sporty body style has eight trim levels: the SR5, TRD Sport, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, 40th Anniversary Special Edition, Limited, and TRD Pro. The Ford Bronco comes in nine trims: Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Badlands, Heritage Limited, Wildtrak, Everglades, and Raptor.
  • For the exterior, The Toyota 4Runner SUV comes in nine color options. The Ford Bronco has up to 11 colors depending on the model. Additionally, both vehicles offer special editions that offer a nod to retro styling for 2023: The Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition and the Ford Bronco Heritage Edition SUV.

Shopping tools

slide bg image

slide bg image

slide bg image

slide bg image

Toyota 4Runner vs. Ford Bronco

Conclusion

The Toyota 4Runner and Ford Bronco are excellent on- and off-road SUVs. The Ford Bronco has superior EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings and more powerful engine and transmission options. However, the Toyota 4Runner SUV has more utility in its higher max towing capacity, integrated towing receiver hitch and wiring harness, third row seating options and a range of comfort options — many of which are not found on the Ford Bronco. The Toyota 4Runner also comes with Toyota's ToyotaCare maintenance plan and warranty, and you can opt for a third row for additional passenger seating.

  • The Toyota 4Runner stands out with a maximum towing capacity of 2.5 tons, or 5,000 pounds—superior to the Ford Bronco's 4,500 pounds of maximum towing capacity. The Toyota 4Runner also comes with an integrated towing receiver hitch and wiring harness compared to the Ford Bronco's standard tow hooks.
  • The Toyota 4Runner has eight speakers compared to the seven that come with the Ford Bronco.
  • When it comes to safety and convenience features, the Toyota 4Runner comes with the Toyota Safety Sense system that includes Lane Departure Alerts, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alerts. The Ford Bronco Sport base model SUV doesn't offer the Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert and Lane-Keeping System, but it's an available upgrade on some other models.
  • The Toyota 4Runner comes with ToyotaCare, a maintenance plan that covers normal factory scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. The Ford Bronco SUV doesn't include a maintenance plan.
  • The Toyota 4Runner comes standard with seating capacity for five with available options for a third row and seating capacity for up to seven. The Ford Bronco SUV does not offer third row seating as an option.
Published on August 22, 2023