2025 Jeep Wrangler vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation, but with a more robust and industrial exterior. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases that seamlessly integrated with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. Paying homage to its predecessors, the 4Runner included design elements like the slanted rearmost window from the first generation, while the sliding rear window facilitated easier cargo access. Inside, the 4Runner mirrored the Toyota Tacoma's design, with beveled styling throughout the cabin. It balanced functionality with comfort, using hard plastics for durability and light cushioning for comfort. The materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as refined as a Land Rover Defender.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, encountered as a rental in Honolulu, presented a stark black-on-black design that was less than ideal for a tropical climate. Despite the color choice, the Wrangler's appeal lay in its open-air driving experience, with removable overhead panels and a liftglass. The Wrangler was available in various trims, including the powerful Rubicon 392 with a 470-horsepower V8 engine. The Sport S model, priced at $49,175, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission. The interior, while functional, emphasized durability over luxury, with a focus on getting dirty and wet. The Wrangler's design drew on American freedom themes, rooted in its World War II military vehicle heritage, and its capability to traverse diverse terrains. Despite its lack of sophistication compared to modern vehicles, the Wrangler remained popular for its iconic design and off-road prowess.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The base model came with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup improved acceleration and fuel economy compared to the previous generation's V6. Rear-wheel drive was standard on some trims, with four-wheel drive available as an option, and standard on off-road-oriented models. The i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain, based on the same four-cylinder engine, delivered 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, offering stronger power at lower speeds, beneficial for off-roading. The 4Runner's new generation was quieter and more composed on pavement, with improved handling and reduced body roll. It maintained its off-road capabilities, with nine trims offering varying levels of off-road prowess. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were the most capable, with approach angles between 18 and 33 degrees, departure angles between 22 and 24 degrees, and ground clearance between 8.1 and 10.1 inches.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission, or an optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, slightly less horsepower but more torque than the V6. The turbocharged engine was more fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. During a test drive in Hawaii, the four-cylinder Wrangler averaged 19.2 mpg. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it well-suited for off-road adventures. However, its three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA was a concern. The Wrangler's ride was rough, with slow steering and sloppy handling, but its off-road capabilities were impressive, especially in the Rubicon trim with the Rock Trac transfer case and locking axles.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was five inches longer than its predecessor, with a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase. While this typically results in more passenger space, the gains were minimal. The front seats offered ample room for taller passengers, but the middle row was less accommodating, with adequate legroom and headroom. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models, but the space was limited, with cushions mounted to the floor, making it uncomfortable for passengers. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. The 4Runner offered various off-road features, including terrain programs, camera views, and a locking rear differential. Towing capacity ranged from 5,800 to 6,000 pounds. Cargo capacity was slightly smaller, with 44.8 cubic feet behind the second row, reduced to 42.6 cubic feet in the hybrid model. A sturdy roof rack compensated for cargo deficits, supporting a static load of 800 pounds.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. Step rails were available but could complicate access. The front seats were comfortable, with cloth upholstery and heated options in the Sport S trim. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers risked hitting their knees on plastic hooks. Storage space was limited, with small bins and cupholders for small items. Cargo access was cumbersome, requiring the tailgate and rear window to be opened separately. The cargo area offered 31.7 cubic feet of space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch option available. Both screens were user-friendly, with logical menus and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad were offered. Hybrid models included a digital instrument panel. Off-road models had external camera views for trail navigation, with automatic activation at low speeds. A 14-speaker JBL audio system was available, along with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control were possible through a smartphone app, with a digital key function replacing the key fob.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. An eight-speaker stereo was standard, with a nine-speaker Alpine system optional. Jeep Connect offered a Wi-Fi hotspot, Adventure Guides, and GPS Trail Logs. The touchscreen was bright and easy to use, even with the roof panels removed. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display, passive entry, remote engine start, and rear parking sensors.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner's crash test results were unavailable, but the Tacoma pickup on which it was based was an IIHS Top Safety Pick. All 4Runner models included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Proactive Driving Assist was included but could be disabled if intrusive. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler added side curtain airbags for front and rear seats. Advanced driver assistance systems were optional, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on most trims. Forward collision warning with automatic braking was standard on the Sahara trim. Adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam headlights were available. The Wrangler had a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated it Good for side-impact protection and moderate overlap frontal-impact, but Marginal for small overlap frontal-impact due to tipping onto its side.