The Toyota 4Runner has been around since 1983 as an SUV variant of the popular and rugged Toyota Hilux pickup truck. For the past 42 years, the model has retained its reputation as a reliable entry in its segment despite other competitors from rival brands.
For 2025, the 4Runner got a redesign for the first time in 16 years but retains its rugged, off-road persona. Sharing its underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma pickup, power comes courtesy of a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission producing 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel-drive and a two-speed transfer case are standard, while full-time four-wheel drive is optional.
Toyota
You can also opt for the 4Runner Hybrid, which boasts more muscle than its conventional cousin thanks to the same turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder that works together with a 48-horsepower electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission to generate a healthy 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. Both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are offered with the same 6,000 lbs. towing capacity.
Toyota
The 4Runner competes in the midsize SUV class, where the majority of SUVs are little more than sedans in disguise. Thus, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is a bit of an outlier that can be equipped for serious, bolder bashing. The Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro has a locking rear differential, while two-wheel-drive 4Runners have an automatic limited-slip differential. All four-wheel-drive models come with a locking rear differential. While it’s usually a two-row, five-passenger SUV, the 4Runner can have three rows, depending on the trim level.
Nevertheless, you might be wondering what the competition has to offer. We included only those mainstream midsize SUVs that offer a four-wheel-drive low gear and locking differentials, both of which are available on the 4Runner.
2025 Dodge Durango
Despite its aging platform developed alongside Jeep, the Durango is truly the most muscular SUV.
Dodge
Although it comes with a standard 295-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, rear- or all-wheel drive, and a 6,200-pound towing capacity, we’d opt for the 360-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 or the 710-hp supercharged 5.7-liter Hemi Hellcat V8. Both come with an 8-speed automatic and an 8,700-pound towing capacity when properly equipped. Being related to the Jeep has its privileges, as the Durango has a four-wheel-drive low gear and locking differentials on certain models.
Dodge
The smaller V8 provides effortless acceleration, aided and abetted by the transmission’s speedy shifts. Along with perfectly weighted steering, this three-row SUV has the feel of a muscle car as much as an SUV. If that’s something that floats your boat, your ship has come in. That said, the interior does feel old in its design, but you’ll find it perfectly functional.
2025 Ford Bronco
An extremely competent off-road warrior engineered to challenge the industry’s other legendary SUVs, the Bronco’s updated retro style and all-terrain prowess make it one to check out. As a true off-road warrior, the two-row Ford Bronco comes with a four-wheel-drive low gear and locking differentials available on certain models.
Ford
Power comes from a standard 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, while a 330-hp twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 is optional. Hardcore Bronco Raptor models get a 418-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. All powertrains come paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Ford
Yeah, the interior is a symphony of hard plastic, and the wind and road noise are ever-present, but it’s easy to be seduced by this Ford’s precise steering, refined on-road manners, and serious off-road capabilities.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee/Grand Cherokee L
The Grand Cherokee is an SUV that offers incredible variety, allowing you to make it as plain or as luxurious as you like. It comes in nine trim levels, with the Trailhawk being the one to get for off-roading, although it’s not offered on the Grand Cherokee L. That said, you get a choice of two rows or three in the Grand Cherokee L with a Plug-in Hybrid 4xe model available as well.
Although Jeep’s Quadra-Trac I four-wheel-drive system doesn’t have a four-wheel-drive low gear, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II do. The latter also has a front anti-roll bar disconnect for more wheel articulation when off-road, and all models have locking differentials.
Jeep
Power comes from a 293-hp 3.6-liter V6 and an 8-speed automatic transmission with rear- or all-wheel drive. Grand Cherokee 4xe hybrid models get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a pair of electric motors that generate 375-hp and 470 pound-feet of torque. Towing is rated at 6,000 pounds.
Jeep
With a smooth, well-controlled ride, minimal body lean, good steering feel, and strong brakes, it exudes effortless capability and sophistication. It’s pleasurable to drive on and off-road and remains a remarkably indulgent offering in Jeep’s lineup.
2025 Jeep Wrangler
There’s only one Jeep Wrangler, the descendant of the world’s first SUV. Born out of war, it maintains a rough-edged toughness and go-anywhere capability that renders it a primal SUV. This is not a mall crawler but rather a true boulder basher. And it feels like one. It’s loud at cruising speed, has a cramped cabin, bouncy ride, vague steering, and a generally unrefined demeanor. But its windshield folds and the doors and roof come off.
Jeep
Engine choices include a standard 293-hp 3.6-liter V6 paired with a six-speed manual transmission or eight-speed automatic, a 270-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic, or a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine rated at 470 hp. You can also opt for the 4xe plug-in hybrid, which has a 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine and two electric motors that provide 375 hp and 21 miles of all-electric range.
Jeep
As you’d expect, the Wrangler comes with a four-wheel-drive low gear and locking differentials.
2025 Toyota Land Cruiser
The two-row Land Cruiser is smaller in size and price than before. It has a rugged, roomy cabin and a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid driveline mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 326 hp and 465 pound-feet of torque. Full-time four-wheel drive with a four-wheel-drive low gear and locking differentials come standard, and the front anti-roll bar can be disconnected at the push of a button.
Toyota
The new Land Cruiser effortlessly makes off-road work a snap, driving through dirt, gravel, rocks, and streams. While the throttle is easy to modulate, the steering requires far too much cranking with too little to show for it, although it’s not as noticeable on the road.
Toyota
Final thoughts
While you may have your heart set on the Toyota 4Runner, and we can’t blame you, the Dodge Durango, Ford Bronco, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Toyota Land Cruiser all provide similar capabilities with differing personas. Some are better at off-roading, some offer a plushier ride, while others are more like the best of both worlds.
We would try them all before you decide; there’s not a bad choice among them.
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About the author
Larry Printz
Contributing Writer, Autoblog