2020 4Runner VS 2020 Jeep Wrangler | Which SUV is the best?

2020 4Runner VS 2020 Jeep Wrangler is a crossover SUV that is one of the most popular in the segment with legendary off-road capabilities and a do-it-yourself attitude.

As a result, there are several options available to those looking for an all-terrain SUV, and it can be difficult to find the right one for you. You know that comparing the 2020 Toyota 4Runner vs 2020 Jeep Wrangler is tough.

Both SUVs are known for their toughness and versatility, sliding from the city streets of Sugar Land into the rural wilderness. Which will you choose: 4Runner or Wrangler? Compare that to the Jeep Dodge Ram Chrysler Northwest.

Today we take a look at two popular crossover SUVs to determine which model is better in terms of off-road readiness and everyday usability.

On the left is the iconic rock-crawling 2020 Jeep Wrangler and on the right is the 2020 Toyota 4Runner. Which SUV is the most capable? Keep reading and find out!

2020 4Runner vs 2020 Jeep Wrangler: Off-Road Features

With the 2020 4Runner vs 2020 Jeep Wrangler, off-road drivers will want to see the trail capabilities of each make and model.

The Toyota 4Runner includes CRAWL Control, which uses intelligent off-road technology to modulate throttle and brakes at low-speed settings.

It’s hard to ignore Jeep’s trail-ready legacy when considering a 4Runner or Wrangler. Wrangler is ready to take you off Cypress and onto the trail with these additional features:

  • The Trail Rated badge was awarded to every 2020 Jeep Wrangler that has passed tests to prove its worth over rough terrain, inclement weather, and other harsh conditions.
  • The Northwest Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram features a Mopar lift kit designed to perfectly match your Jeep Wrangler.
  • Forged steel tow hooks are attached to the frame so you’ll always be there if someone gets their vehicle stuck on rough terrain.

2020 Toyota 4Runner

2020 toyota 4runner

Think of the 2020 Toyota 4Runner as something eccentric: It fits into a modern midsize SUV model in size (two rows of seats), horsepower (270), and cargo volume (above average for its class), but behind the wheel, it doesn’t do some are like family carriers in general.

This body-on-frame off-roader offers a control feel more suited to rock crawling than mall crawling. So if you care at all about how your daily driver gets through the freeway slip road and Moab isn’t on your vacation plans, look elsewhere.

But if your adventure’s gravel path leads to rocks, ruts, or mud, then the 4Runner is your rope to a better life.

Are 2020 4Runners good?

Despite its very low rating, the 2020 4Runner is a very good SUV. It has a large cargo area and an easy-to-use infotainment system.

In the basic setup, the vehicle has two rows of spacious seats, but things get cramped in the optional third row. Toyota’s true strength lies in its off-road capabilities.

What are the most important features in the 2020 Toyota 4Runner?

Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the 4Runner aggressive exterior appearance and available bells and whistles such as a center lock differential, two-speed transfer box, rear locking differential, creep control, and selectable terrain management system.

Standard comfort features include a power tailgate window, while upgraded options include leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a start button.

2020 toyota 4runner trd off road

2020 Toyota 4Runner Engine

The 4.0-liter V6 4Runner engine and five-speed automatic transmission can work together with rear-, four- or all-wheel drive.

The entry-level SR5 comes with rear-wheel drive, while all other trims except the Limited Tippity top-of-the-line come with selectable part-time four-wheel drive.

The model features a two-speed transfer case that can be manually selected with a low-range setting. The limited-edition model features permanent four-wheel drive with a Torsen center differential that can distribute torque to the front or rear wheels as needed, depending on road conditions and traction wheel.

In our testing, the mid-size 4Runner TRD off-road model accelerated to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, the old-school V6 groaning along with harsh exhaust notes.

Though old, Toyota feels like it’s inaction, but its performance really matches that of its more modern competitors, including the V-6 Dodge Durango and the turbocharged Hyundai Santa Fe Sport.

And the tough Toyota frame and high-torque engine give it an advantage when towing, Its 5.000-pound capacity beats the aforementioned Santa Fe Sport, as well as the Ford Edge and Jeep Wrangler while falling short of the Dodge Durango’s more powerful 8700-pound limit.

What problems do Toyota 4Runners have?

Many owners have complained of problems with the front and front brake calipers, problems with warping, and premature wear of the front brake rotor and master cylinder.

Fourth-generation 4Runners are notorious for brake problems, especially in the 2003-2005 model years.

2020 Toyota 4Runner Interior

2020 toyota 4runner interior

The inside of the 2020 Toyota 4Runner interior isn’t exactly state-of-the-art, with switchgear probably dating from the last few years of the last millennium.

In addition to the unattractive materials and design, the 4Runner manages to fit people comfortably, front and back, regardless of the size of its rear interior.

We haven’t tested the optional third-row yet, but we suspect it’s best for kids, like almost every other third row on the market.

Flexible cargo space and some large, deep front row spaces make the 4Runner as versatile a transporter as a rock crawler.

Just don’t try to put anything in the hold unless you have a chiropractor on call – the floor of the hold is very high off the ground.

The double-row 4Runner we tested has an optional extendable cargo bed that makes loading and unloading heavy items up to 440 pounds a bit easier.

It can also serve as a tailgate for seating. This flattens the floor when the second-row seats are folded down, but also takes a few inches off the load. Nevertheless, we have placed a proud 14 pieces of luggage behind the second row.

Exterior

The exterior of the Toyota 4Runner has not changed since restyling in 2010. New for 2020 is the 4Runner Venture Special Edition, which takes inspiration from premium off-road TRD trim.

Since the external appearance of the 2020 Toyota 4Runner has not changed, we will focus on the new Venture Special Edition for this description.

In this case, Toyota 4Runner Venture Special Edition is all about form and function. The Venture wheels drawn from the TRD version are TRD gray and the badge and badge are black.

What sets it apart is the custom look, different from the other fairings and highlighted by the Barcelona Red livery.

It comes with a Yakima roof basket which increases the functionality of the rig but also increases drag and wind noise.

Toyota 4Runners now use Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS P), an expanded range of driver assistance features that includes a pre-collision system with autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic headlights.

The exterior appearance of the 2020 Toyota 4Runner may not have changed much, but the safety features on the exterior have made a big leap.

How reliable are 4runners?

The 4Runner’s reliability rating is above average with a score of 4 out of 5, ranking 9th out of 26 other mid-size SUVs. It performs better than other mid-size SUVs, which have an average reliability rating of 3.5.

2020 Jeep Wrangler

2020 jeep wrangler

2020 Jeep Wrangler is all about the Jeep brand, whose roots stretch back to the original WWII-era military vehicle and whose off-road capabilities border on the extraordinary.

Although it looks very similar to the first-generation Jeep built to support our troops, it has evolved into a unique 4WD vehicle with technology and luxury to match its off-road style. Offers everything from air conditioning to leather.

Two mild-hybrid engines are available; A stretched four-door version called the Wrangler Unlimited is also available. Whichever version you get, you can still remove the doors and roof, fold the windshield and enjoy driving in the great outdoors.

Read also: 2021 Jeep Renegade review: Exterior, Interior and specs

What is the difference between Jeep Wrangler 2020 and 2021?

The current 2020 Jeep Wrangler is equipped with the Jeep Command-Trac 4X4 system, which is always in four-wheel-drive mode.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offers the option to upgrade to the Selec-Trac 4X4 system, available on the Sahara and Sahara Altitude models.

What’s New for 2020 Jeep Wrangler?

Jeep added several trim packages, an optional diesel engine, and a revised lineup of petrol engines. The two-door Wrangler is available in the base Sport, Sport S, and Rubicon versions.

The four-door Wrangler Unlimited line includes all three models plus Sahara trim. The 3.6-liter V6 engine is standard across the board and is now also available in the Sahara with the help of the eTorque mild hybrid.

A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is optional on most models and can be equipped with e Torque Assist in the Sahara.

Three new optional packages are reported for the task:

  • The Wrangler Willys Edition features a limited-slip rear differential, aggressive Rock Rails, and fat 32-inch mud tires for increased off-road capability.
  • The Wrangler Freedom Edition pays homage to members of the US military with special interior and exterior elements.
  • While the Wrangler Black and Tan package is a trim package that includes a brown top and black exterior badges. Not inspired by the Guinness-based libation of the same name.

Most notable are the expected mid-year arrivals of the 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel, expected to produce 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque; It will only be available in unlimited models.

Is Jeep Wrangler a good car?

2020 Jeep Wrangler is a great SUV in some ways and a terrible SUV in others. On the one hand, the Wrangler is a very capable off-roader and offers a range of muscular engines with four, six, and eight-cylinder options.

Read also: Jeep Gladiator Trailer Tow Package VS Max Tow Package

2020 Jeep Wrangler Engine

The standard 285-hp 3.6-liter V-6 from the previous Wrangler generation sits under the new JL hood and can be mated to a six-speed manual or a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission.

A turbocharged four-cylinder engine is optional and works in conjunction with an electric motor to provide additional low-end power.

The Wrangler was born off-road, so part-time four-wheel drive is standard across the range, controlled by a lever on the center console.

In our tests, the basic two-door Wrangler Sport with a V-6 and six-speed manual went from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds; The 4-door Sahara model with automatic transmission gets the job done in 6.8 seconds.

With a four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, the four-door Sahara is a little quicker to 60 mph at 6.5 seconds. The Rubicon model, which comes with extra weight in the form of heavier off-road gear, isn’t as fast.

Performance on our test tracks showed the Wrangler JL far outperformed the previous model, but only held up to its rivals on a few metrics.

Although the handling has improved, it’s still truck-like compared to today’s improved SUVs and pickups. The four-door ride is smoothly acceptable over rough surfaces, but braking distances were inconsistent between our two test vehicles.

What problems do Jeep Wranglers have?

Let’s take a look at some of the most common problems with the Jeep Wrangler of this era.

  • TIPM Failure
  • The “Death Wobble”
  • TPS Failure
  • Transmission Recalls
  • Engine Popping
  • Leaking Door Seals
  • Differential Pinion Seal Leaks
  • Transfer Case Leaks

2020 Jeep Wrangler Interior

2020 jeep wrangler interior

It’s not the roomiest or most comfortable SUV on the market, but the Wrangler JL offers the perfect blend of classic and modern Jeep characters.

Views of the road, or trail, make maneuvering easier, but rearward visibility is hampered by thick roof pillars, truss braces, and various handrails.

Need a better view? Just open the top of the Jeep and remove the door. Near the upright windshield, the driver and front passenger sit in front of a narrow, square dashboard punctuated by circular air vents and thick switchgear for the climate system, power windows (if equipped), and infotainment.

As a task runner, the Wrangler has ample room for groceries and gear, but be aware that the rear seats don’t fold flat to the floor.

As you might expect, there are significant trade-offs when it comes to carrying cargo when using the classic 2-door Wrangler versus the larger 4-door Unlimited model.

Stowing just two of our carry-on bags behind the two-door rear seat – versus 10 on the four-door – means you need to pack light when you’re adventuring with friends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which is better a 4Runner or a Jeep Wrangler?

Overall, we think the 4Runner wins this comparison because it gives you more interior space, more cargo space, and more interior features.

Toyota 4Runner also gives you some great off-road features and functions. It’s a little more expensive than the Wrangler, but we think it’s a better bang for your buck.

Is a 4Runner bigger than a Wrangler?

In terms of cargo volume, the 4Runner is much larger than the Wrangler. The 4Runner has 47 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 88 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 4-door Wrangler Unlimited is 32 cu ft behind the second row and 72 cu ft with the second row folded.

What’s better for off-road Jeep or 4Runner?

2020 4Runner vs 2020 Jeep Wrangler comparison. But the Wrangler has several advantages over the 4Runner.

The Rubicon can electronically lock the front and rear differentials. The 4Runner TRD Pro can only lock the rear differential.

The Jeep also has more aggressive off-road tires, heavy-duty axles, and electronically removable front anti-roll bars.

Are Jeep Wranglers reliable?

The Jeep Wrangler’s reliability rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which puts it at a 25 out of 26 for a compact SUV.

The average annual repair cost is $694, which means it has an average running cost. While repairs tend to be heavier than average, such problems are few in number, making major fixes rare for the Wrangler.

Is 4Runner better than Jeep?

Overall, we think the 4Runner wins this comparison because it gives you more interior space, more cargo space, and more interior features.

Toyota 4Runner also gives you some great off-road features and functions. It’s a little more expensive than the Wrangler, but we think it’s a better bang for your buck.

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