SUVs are among the most popular types of vehicles in the country these days, but not all are created equal. Some models have three rows and cater to families. Others have hybrid engines for maximum fuel economy. Then, there’s that special class of SUVs that are purpose-built to be taken off the beaten track—with their knobby tires, four-wheel drive, locking differentials, and torquey motors, a whole new world of potential adventure opens up.
The Bronco and 4Runner are two prime examples, but at the same time, they’re very different from each other. So, which one gets the job done better?
Bronco vs. 4Runner Specs
First, let’s check out some key components:
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|
2025 Ford Bronco |
2025 Toyota 4Runner |
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Four-wheel drive |
Standard |
Available |
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Standard horsepower |
300 hp |
278 hp |
|
Standard torque |
325 lb.-ft. |
317 lb.-ft. |
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Maximum horsepower |
418 hp |
326 hp |
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Maximum torque |
440 lb.-ft. |
465 lb.-ft. |
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Maximum towing capacity |
4,500 lbs. |
6,000 lbs. |
|
Available manual transmission |
7-speed manual |
None |
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Seating capacity |
4 to 5 |
5 to 7 |
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Minimum ground clearance |
8.3 in |
8.1 in |
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Maximum ground clearance |
13.1 in |
10.1 in |
Bronco vs. 4Runner Size and Dimensions
One of the most obvious differences between the two is their relative size. The Bronco is available in either a 2-Door or a 4-Door body style—the Bronco Base 2-Door is 173.7 inches long, and the Bronco Base 4-Door is 189.4 inches long.
Meanwhile, all 4Runner models share the same body style, which clocks in at 194.9 inches long. It’s also 78.0 inches wide, which is a wider stance than all but the burliest Bronco models like the Bronco Raptor. The upshot is, by and large, the Bronco is far more maneuverable, especially the 2-Door model, which has a shorter wheelbase than the 4Runner by nearly a full foot.
The Bronco also has better ground clearance and approach and breakover angles. The 4Runneranywhere from 8.1 to 10.1 inches, depending on the model. Meanwhile, the Bronco Base has a range of 8.3 inches to 11.6 inches, and the Bronco Raptor has a whopping ground clearance of 13.1 inches, giving it a clear advantage.
Bronco vs. 4Runner Powertrains
As you’d expect, both of these trucklike SUVs have a selection of available motors and drivetrains to choose from.
The Bronco has three engine options:
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2025 Ford Bronco |
||
|
2.3-liter EcoBoost® I4 |
300 horsepower |
325 pound-feet of torque |
|
2.7-liter EcoBoost® V6 |
330 horsepower |
415 pound-feet of torque |
|
3.0-liter EcoBoost® V6 |
418 horsepower |
440 pound-feet of torque |
The 4Runner has two available engines:
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2025 Toyota 4Runner |
||
|
2.4-liter i-FORCE I4 |
278 horsepower |
317 pound-feet of torque |
|
2.4-liter i-FORCE MAX Hybrid |
326 horsepower |
465 pound-feet of torque |
While they both have some impressive specs, the Bronco has the more powerful base engine and far more available horsepower, but the 4Runner has more available torque.
Both also have a selection of drivetrains. The Bronco can be optioned with either 4x4 with Part-Time Selectable Engagement, or the more Advanced 4x4 system with On-Demand Engagement. The 4Runner can be built with either rear-wheel drive, part-time 4WD, or full-time 4WD.
Bronco vs. 4Runner Off-Road Features and Packages
Aside from their robust powerplants, these uber-capable wagons have a vast assortment of standard and available features designed to facilitate trips into the backcountry. Here’s a look at what they each have to offer:
2025 Ford Bronco Available Features
- G.O.A.T. Modes® with settings for Normal, Eco, Slippery, Sand, Mud/Ruts, Rock Crawl, and Baja
- Trail Control™ off-road cruise control
- Trail Turn Assist
- Trail One-Pedal Drive
- High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (HOSS) Systems
- HOSS 1.0 System (standard on Bronco Base, Big Bend®, Outer Banks®, and Heritage Edition)
- HOSS 2.0 System with Bilstein® Position-Sensitive Dampers (PSD) (standard on Bronco Badlands®)
- HOSS 3.0 Package with FOX™ Internal Bypass Dampers, High Clearance Ride Height, and Ford Performance Severe-Duty Steering Rack and Tie Rod Ends (standard on Bronco Stroppe Edition)
- HOSS 4.0 with FOX™ Live Valve 3.1 Internal Bypass Semi-Active Dampers (standard on Bronco Raptor)
- AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™
- Electronic locking front and rear axles
- Remote front stabilizer bar disconnect
- Underbody steel bash plate protection
- Rock rails
- Auxiliary upfitter switches
2025 Toyota 4Runner Available Features
- Multi-Terrain Select with settings for Mud, Dirt, and Sand
- CRAWL Control off-road cruise control
- Independent double-wishbone front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar
- Multi-link rear suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar
- Available Old Man Emu® monotube shock absorbers with end stop control and rear piggyback reservoirs
- Available FOX® * QS3 adjustable monotube shock absorbers with internal bypass and rear piggyback reservoirs
- Steel underbody protection
- Electronically controlled locking rear differential
- Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism
Although both have an extensive list of available features, it’s important to note that many of them are only available at upper-level trims. However, the Bronco has multiple option packages—such as the Sasquatch Package—that make many of these features available even in the Base model, which can make building a dedicated off-road rig much more affordable
Bronco vs. 4Runner Customization
Aside from the off-road centric upgrades available to the Bronco, it also has a number of other functional ways to customize your ride from the factory. It can be optioned in either a 2-Door or 4-Door body style, and nearly every trim comes with its own unique elements that alter its appearance. The Bronco also has class-exclusive removable doors, easy-clean floor mats with drain plugs, available marine-grade upholstery, and a choice between a hard top, soft top, or dual-top.
The 4Runner has plenty of options for customization as well, chief among them being the choice between a 5-seater or 7-seater cabin, which makes it easier to wheel with the whole family.
Having space for more seating and storage is an undeniable advantage for the 4Runner, but many overland aficionados may find that they’d rather have the fun and functionality of the Bronco, so it largely comes down to preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Has More Horsepower, Ford Bronco or Toyota 4Runner?
The Bronco’s base 2.3-liter engine has 300 horsepower, while the 4Runner’s base engine has 278. The Bronco also has a max horsepower rating of 418, while the 4Runner maxes out at 326 horsepower.
Which Has More Ground Clearance, Ford Bronco or Toyota 4Runner?
The Bronco has higher clearance on average—the base model has between 8.3 and 11.6 inches, while the 4Runner has between 8.1 and 10.1 inches.
Does the Ford Bronco Have Apple CarPlay?
Yes, the Bronco comes standard with a 12.0-inch Sync 4 infotainment center touch screen display, which features wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, as well as AppLink®.
Find the Ford Bronco for Sale in Geneseo, IL
There’s no denying that the 4Runner is an impressive SUV with loads of potential to take you wherever you want to go. But the Ford Bronco offers some unbeatable advantages, including more horsepower, more maneuverability, more versatility, and more options for customization.
Are you on the hunt for your dream off-road machine? At Ed Morse, we can help you customize your Ford Bronco to your exact specifications. As the area’s premier Ford dealership, we also have special offers on new vehicles, including low APR financing so you don’t have to break the bank.
Any questions? Contact us online any time or call us today at 866-559-7205.