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We have another classic SUV battle for you today. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler is being compared to the 2021 Toyota 4Runner because they have a little beef to settle. The Toyota 4Runner may seem old compared to the Jeep Wrangler, but it still has advantages to consider. 

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler vs. the 2021 Toyota 4Runner 

Ahhh wait! Put down those pitchforks. We didn’t call the 2021 Toyota 4Runner old. We are evaluating a review by The Car Connection. They mentioned how the 2021 Jeep Wrangler seems more advanced in comparison. 

the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe in the desert
2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe | Jeep

They explained that the Jeep Wrangler makes the Toyota 4Runner feel old because it has newer tech. The 4Runner has an LCD screen and climate control system that feels like it came from the ’90s. 

However, the Jeep Wrangler was redesigned in 2019 to include more comfort and convenience. The system is easy to use with clear graphics and has fast response times. But the 4Runner still outperforms the Wrangler in a few areas. 

How do the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner compare? 

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler begins at about $28,900, and the off-roading Rubicon model starts at about $43,290. The 2021 Toyota 4Runner starts at about $36,765, and the TRD Pro raises the bill to about $50,745. 

So, the 4Runner may be more expensive, but it comes with more. It has a third-row seat. While the seat may only be for kids, the Jeep Wrangler doesn’t provide that option. 

The Jeep wrangler only has 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat with up to 72.4 cubic feet total. The Toyota 4Runner has 47,2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat with up to 89.7 cubic total. It’s the more spacious option for moving families and cargo. 

Under the hood of the 4Runner, you’ll find a 4.0-liter V6 engine with 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 5,000 lbs. 

The four-door Jeep Wrangler can tow up to 3,500 lbs, so the 4Runner is better for hauling heavier trailers. The base engine for the Wrangler is a 3.6-liter V6 with 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. 

But the Wrangler also has a 3.0-liter turbodiesel option, hybrid engine, and a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 470 hp. The Car Connection mentioned that the 4Runner feels old compared to the Wrangler because it lacks a variety of newer engine options. 

Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Wrangler features 

According to Car and Driver, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner has a lackluster interior. There are a lot of hard plastics to be found, but it’s still very comfortable with supportive seating. 

Car and Driver mentioned that the Jeep Wrangler offers a spunky interior that acknowledges the SUV’s history with comfortable and supportive seats. 

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD parked in sand
2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD | Toyota

Both SUVs have a bumpy ride and slightly noisy interior, but that’s what you get with off-roading vehicles. The 4Runner offers more standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. 

Deciding between the two really comes down to which features are most important. Do you want more cargo space or updated tech? Do you want to take the doors off, or do you need a third-row seat for your kids? 

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