In this comparison, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler meets an entirely new version of an old rival: the 2025 Toyota 4Runner. While the Wrangler has seen some incremental changes, the 4Runner recently rolled out an all-new sixth-generation model, which is longer, offers the option of three-row seating, and features new powertrains. The recent changes make this classic duel more competitive than ever.
The Wrangler remains popular for enthusiasts who want the classic Jeep off-road experience paired with a newly refined interior. For 2025, it offers three powertrain choices: the base 3.6-liter V6, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, plus Wrangler's plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 4xe model. The latter pairs a turbocharged 2.0-liter gas engine with dual electric motors and a battery pack. As you would expect, all Wranglers are 4x4s.
Toyota’s new 4Runner counters with two powertrains: a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder and an i-Force Max hybrid that supplements that same four-cylinder turbo engine with electric drive to offer more than 325 horsepower. Two-wheel- (2WD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) versions are available with the turbo four, while hybrid 4Runners come standard with 4WD.
Though both SUVs have legendary off-road chops, they have very different personalities. The Wrangler offers two- and four-door versions with hardtops, soft tops, and removable doors. With the top lowered and doors off, the Wrangler delivers a far different experience than the buttoned-up 4Runner. Based on a sturdy separate frame, the 4Runner is tough as a coffee shop steak, but its four-door body still delivers conventional SUV creature comforts.
Shoppers looking for all-terrain capabilities and flexible interiors will find various options in the Wrangler and the 4Runner. Each delivers comfortable seating, user-friendly infotainment systems, and impressive connectivity. Safety-wise, the 4Runner provides rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4WD options—the hybrid is always 4WD—while Jeep counters with its famed 4WD setups across the Wrangler lineup.
Here’s a closer look at how these two worthy opponents—one completely renewed and one classic—stack up.
2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
The 2025 Jeep Wrangler has six conventionally powered trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Willys, Rubicon, Sahara, and Rubicon X. The plug-in hybrid-powered Wrangler 4xe comes in seven trims: Sport S, Willys, Sahara, Willys ’41, Rubicon, High Altitude, and Rubicon X. All are equipped with 4WD, and many are available in both two- and four-door body styles.
The starting price for the base two-door Wrangler Sport is $32,690, while the four-door Rubicon X 4xe starts at $70,940. Prices do not include the $1,895 destination charge.
Wrangler buyers benefit from the Jeep Wave program, which provides free scheduled maintenance for the first two oil changes and tire rotations within the initial 24 months of ownership. Additionally, they receive five years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance coverage. Regarding connected services, the Wrangler includes the Jeep Connect Safety & Security package at no cost for the first 10 years and a 30-day trial offering 1 GB of Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity.
Offered in an all-new generation for 2025, the Toyota 4Runner gives consumers a choice of SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off–Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter trims. The i-Force Max hybrid powertrain is available on TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, and Limited trims. It’s standard on Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter. Rear-wheel drive is standard on SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, and Limited trims; the remainder have 4WD.
Prices range from $40,770 for the RWD SR5 trim to a base of $66,900 for the line-topping TRD Pro i-Force Max hybrid and Trailhunter. Prices do not include the $1,450 destination charge.
Toyota provides 2025 4Runner buyers with ToyotaCare, which includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles and two years of roadside assistance with no mileage limit. In addition, the 2025 4Runner features a 10-year trial subscription to Toyota's Safety Connect and Service Connect packages, along with a 30-day/3 GB trial of Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity.
Advantage: Jeep Wrangler
Why? Thanks to a low-priced two-door model, buyers can get into a Wrangler for less than the entry-level 4Runner, which is available only as a four-door.
2025 Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter
The Jeep Wrangler does not rank among the top three models in the Compact SUV segment in the JD Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which assesses owner-reported problems during the third year of ownership.
Additionally, the Wrangler does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the JD Power 2024 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), which tracks problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days.
The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offers a standard warranty of three years or 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty of five years or 60,000 miles.
The Toyota 4Runner ranks highest in the Midsize SUV segment in the 2024 VDS but does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the 2024 IQS. The 4Runner offers warranty coverage comparable to the Wrangler.
Advantage: Toyota 4Runner
Why? The 4Runner ranks highest in its segment in vehicle dependability.
2024 Jeep Wrangler Willys 2-Door
The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offers several powertrain configurations. The base powertrain is a 285-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, though an eight-speed automatic is also available. Jeep makes a 270-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder optional, backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission. The PHEV 4xe models boast a turbocharged 2.0-liter gas engine, two electric motors, and a high-voltage battery pack, delivering up to 21 miles of all-electric range.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), two- and four-door Wrangler V6 models achieve an estimated 19 mpg in combined driving, while those equipped with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine deliver 21 mpg combined. The Wrangler 4xe is EPA-rated at 49 MPGe combined.
The new 2025 Toyota 4Runner offers a pair of powertrain choices. The base engine is what Toyota calls the i-Force turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder. It offers up to 278 hp and 317 pound-feet of torque. The upgraded powertrain—the i-Force Max hybrid—produces 326 hp. Both team with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Toyota builds RWD and 4WD 4Runners with the turbo four. All the hybrid 4Runners feature 4WD.
At the time of writing, the EPA has yet to publish fuel-economy figures for the 2025 4Runner, but Toyota says the RWD 4Runner will deliver 22 mpg combined, while the turbocharged four-cylinder model with 4WD will return 21 mpg combined. Toyota expects the hybrid 4Runner to get a 23-mpg combined rating.
Advantage: Neither
Why? The Wrangler offers a time-tested conventional V6, turbocharged four-cylinder, and PHEV models, while Toyota counters with a turbo-four and a hybrid, including the most powerful of the lot.
2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited
At this point, it is reasonable for any consumer to expect a brand-new vehicle to include the following safety features:
So, how do the Wrangler and 4Runner stack up? Let's take a look.
The barebones Wrangler Sport does not offer advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), but the remaining 2025 Jeep Wrangler lineup features a representative sample of standard ADAS. Adaptive cruise control is standard on all but the base Sport, while blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings are optional on most trims. Jeep electronically governs some Wranglers to avoid exceeding 97 mph, while it limits others to 110 mph. Hill-start assistance and electronic roll mitigation are standard across the lineup.
As of this writing, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has assessed the crashworthiness of the 2025 Jeep Wrangler.
Toyota equips the 2025 4Runner with a highly robust list of standard ADAS. Its Toyota Safety Sense 3.0—standard on the 2025 4Runner—includes the above-mentioned systems plus dynamic radar (adaptive) cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, traffic-sign recognition, and Proactive Driving Assist that anticipates and mitigates everyday driving challenges. Front cross-traffic warning and traffic-jam assist are also standard on all 2025 4Runners. Front and rear parking assist with automatic braking and pedestrian detection are standard on the top four trims.
Like the Wrangler, neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has rated the 2025 Toyota 4Runner’s safety at the time of writing.
Advantage: Toyota 4Runner
Why? The 4Runner offers a much more comprehensive ADAS roster.
2024 Jeep Wrangler
Jeep equips the 2025 Wrangler with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display. Base and mid-level trims come with a system that integrates music information and climate controls, along with an AM/FM radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice-command functionality. Higher-tier trims include all those features and add integrated TomTom navigation. An Alpine premium audio system and HD Radio are standard on the Rubicon X and available on some other trims.
Every 2025 Wrangler comes standard with the Jeep Connect service, which includes real-time safety, security, and convenience features that owners can access both in the vehicle and remotely through the Jeep app. New owners receive a three-month trial of the Assistance or Assistance and Navigation packages, up to five years of the Vehicle Performance package, and up to 10 years of the Safety and Security package.
The Off-Road Pages+ package integrates off-road navigation directly into the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering detailed trail guides from Trails Offroad that cater to various skill levels, from scenic drives to rock crawling. Users can download guides for offline use, record trail routes, and mark waypoints in real-time. A two-year subscription grants access to more than 200 trail guides—including every Badge of Honor trail—viewable on the Wrangler's touchscreen.
Toyota equips the 2025 4Runner with the brand's Audio Multimedia infotainment system. Some trims get an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher ones provide a 14-inch display. This in-house-developed system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a three-month SiriusXM satellite radio trial, and eight-speaker audio. The up-level 14-inch setup features a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system. Top trims also feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument display.
The 2025 4Runner features Toyota’s connected services suite, which includes a 10-year trial of Safety Connect for emergency assistance and vehicle tracking and a 10-year Service Connect trial for maintenance alerts. Drive Connect includes cloud navigation with Google points of interest, voice assistant (“Hey, Toyota”), and destination assistance. It and Remote Connect offer one-year free trials. Toyota also provides a 30-day trial of Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity.
The 2025 4Runner features electronics that enhance its off-road abilities. A stabilizer disconnect mechanism—standard on Trailhunter and TRD Pro—enhances suspension articulation at the touch of a button. The TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter versions feature a Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system that can project trail obstacles onto the 14-inch digital infotainment display.
Advantage: Neither
Why? Both SUVs offer good infotainment systems, big touchscreens, and solid connectivity.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
The 2025 Jeep Wrangler two-doors offer seating for four, while the four-doors have seating for five. Accommodations range from spartan in the lower-level trims to fairly cushy in the Rubicon X trim. Only 167 inches long, the Wrangler two-door is much less spacious than its 188-inch-long four-door sibling (or the 4Runner at 194 inches, for that matter).
The 12.3-inch touchscreen lends a modern touch to the Jeep's traditionally no-nonsense interior. The Jeep also offers a wide variety of configurations, including soft-top convertible versions with removable doors.
Jeep equips many Wrangler trims with cloth seats, while mid-range variants upgrade to synthetic leather. The Rubicon X offers standard Nappa leather seats. Heated front seats are available on all but the base trim and become standard on Sahara and higher levels. If you want a power-adjustable driver's seat, you must choose a Sahara or higher trim. The base Wrangler has manual heater/AC controls, but all others offer standard automatic climate control.
From a cargo-loading and carrying standpoint, the Wrangler isn't as convenient as competitors that offer a conventional liftgate. In its place, the Jeep has a swing-away rear door that holds the full-size spare. That's great for access to the spare when needed, and it looks cool, but rivals have easier-to-access cargo compartments.
The cargo space isn't all that large either. The two-door Wrangler offers 12.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row, and the four-door—by far the more practical of the two—has 31.7 cubic feet. With the rear seat folded, space grows to 72.4 cubic feet in the four-door, 31.7 in the two-door.
Available only as a four-door, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner features seating for as many as seven occupants and ample cargo space. Toyota builds the 4Runner on a rugged body-on-frame platform, but it still provides substantial creature comforts, particularly in the upper grades. For example, the Limited offers heated and ventilated leather-trimmed front seats, a power moonroof, and power-extending running boards. Even the off-road-oriented Trailhunter has heated and ventilated synthetic leather front seats. Upper trims have dual-zone automatic climate control with rear-seat vents.
Most 2025 4Runners offer a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench, and some offer an optional 50/50 split-folding third row. Power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats are available on many 4Runners. Depending on the trim level, seats are upholstered in cloth, synthetic leather, or genuine Nappa leather.
At 194 inches, the 2025 4Runner is six inches longer than the Wrangler four-door; that translates into excellent interior space. In three-row versions, the 4Runner offers 12.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 44.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The five-passenger 4Runner boasts 48.4 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row and 90.2 cubic feet with the second row folded. Upper trims offer a hands-free power liftgate.
Advantage: Neither
Why? The 4Runner offers more interior and cargo space, plus an optional third row. On the other hand, the Wrangler offers top-down, door-off motoring. Decide for yourself which you prefer.
If you’d like to learn more about these SUVs, be sure to read our expert reviews of the Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392, and our preview of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner. To find out how people like you rate models in this segment, check out our ratings from verified vehicle owners.
Also, please remember that while the information in this article was accurate and valid on January 23, 2025, it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs for over three decades. He also managed the editorial efforts of MotorTrend, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book. Jack currently hosts the Sports Byline Network program "America on the Road," available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Audacy, Amazon Music, and other outlets.
The 2027 Civic Type R goes on sale in October 2026, and it starts at $49,990, including the $1,295 destination charge.
Read the Full Article
Part of BMW’s Neue Klasse (new class) rollout of redesigned models, the 2027 BMW 3 Series is all-new and goes on sale in the first quarter of 2027.
Read the Full Article
Updates to the 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport include a reworked suspension, improved steering, subtle styling enhancements, and added standard equipment.
Read the Full Article
The midsize 2027 Mercedes GLE remains available in original and spicy Coupe recipes, now with standard 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), MBUX Superscreen technology, and a panoramic glass sunroof for ...See More
Read the Full Article