Which Rig Should I Get? Wrangler vs Bronco vs 4Runner

SCORCH, one of Southern California's largest and fastest growing off-road meetup groups, needs a new lead rig. We gathered up a Ford Bronco, a Jeep Wrangler, and two Toyota 4Runner owners for a day of off-roading and asked them what they liked, and didn't like, about their rigs.

[kcspeed]

The best experience I can give was when my family drove down to the outer banks from north nj in our then breaks new trd off-road 4Runner. With 4 grown adults and all out stuff for 2 weeks roof rack loaded up it was the most pleasant roadtrip I’ve experienced. The ride is just fantastic. Then we met up with friends who live there to go driving on the beach. On oem highway tires aired down to 20 we had zero issues in the sand. Eventually we tried to get it stuck and could not. Our friends had a new wrangler and could not believe how comfortable and capable the 4Runner is. They have now got there own. It was a lease that has definitely become a forever car!

[GR]

The Wrangler and Bronco definitely have more modern features which makes the 4Runner feel basic (I've driven all 3) but I actually don't mind that about my 4Runner. It has everything I need and nothing I don't. A small 2/1 lift with some good 33' tires for some extra clearance paired with A-TRAC is all I've ever needed to get through, what I consider some pretty rugged terrain.
I live in Northern Saskatchewan which is a pretty desolate place especially during the winter, where you definitely do not want to break down, (-48c last week) so having a reliable vehicle is the difference between life and death. In the 7 years and 320, 000km I've had my 2014 SR5 I've never so much as has a flat tire. Of course that mileage on this kind of terrain, stuff will wear out no matter what, like shocks ball joints, tie rods, etc. But I've always made it home. To me that makes up for any of its minor shortcomings.
I'm sure whatever you choose you'll be happy with as they're all great vehicles, but if reliability means anything to you, the 4Runner, in my experience, will always get you home at the end of the day.

[stevenm]

Very reassuring to see all the 4R love in the comments! Just got mine and love it.

[DUNEATV]

Buy the Rubicon. If you don’t you’ll always think about it and want it. The Jeep Rubicon is the best Off-Road and the new JL is amazing on road. You need the strength of the SFA and front locking differential. 20-21 MPG. 3.6L 8-speed.

[Wrangzilla]

If you want to be there, the Wrangler. If you want it to last, the 4Runner. If you just want to be trendy, get the bronco

[EVORS]

'17 SR5 w magnussen supercharger on 34's w 3" bilstein 6112 (HD option 650springs) /2.5" rr lift, no front sway rides awesome w sway deleted and handles FINE on highway. Wife drives it 80% no swaybar makes 4R RIDE so much nicer on pavement where it lives 97% of time. Regear to 4:56 is next w ARB locker out back since Im on heavier/taller 34's.

The 4.0L / 5AT is not gonna break on you or throw a CEL. All bugs worked out. With 6psi boost its 350hp runs in the 13's quarter mile, gets 12.9mpg everywhere lol.

We rented a 4 cycl turbo hurricane Wrangler out of town loved how it drove (except the SA steering) that lil 300hp 4 pot w garret snail impressed me. Made my heavy supercharged 4R feel like a slug lol.

Bronco has IFS almost perfected...able to run 37s and no cutting needed. 4R needs RCV cryo D60 outers to be semi reliable on 35+ rubber. 4R front diff is weak w locker added....4R Fr Diffs/wheel bearings/lower ball joints and rack n pinions all go to hell once you goto 35's and actually wheel it.

Bronco has none of those Issues. That being said the Bronco is the king of IFS and big rubber and Yoda is leader of the sub 35" tire gang where most mall crawlers live.

SAS tons into a 4R and all downsides are removed except SA steering but anyone on 40s knows IFS handling/steering isnt a priority anymore. Or run the Marlin Crawler IFS system on 4R w beefed landcruiser 200 rack....but your still stuck w shit wheel bearings on anything over 34's and that weak front diff that explodes if driven wrong locked.

[firebir]

To me a “lead vehicle “ should be one that has a track record of reliability and ruggedness simply because everyone will be dependent on that vehicle and the experience of the driver. The 4Runner has that record…from the documented retracing of the “McKenzie Trail” across Canada to the documented Expedition through Central America and all the way to the southern tip of South America in Argentina.

[jm-jmyl]

4Runner, I want something that’s reliable

[chewminem]

Driving a jeep in Hawai’i was hella fun. First time driving a 4x4 I got to many places and on freeways no problem. I did get the soft top and we got robbed while parked on a flea market lol. But now I have a 4runner and I’m happy modding the hell out of it. I want both JL Wrangler and 4runner of course

[ericsumner]

I think they all look cool and are capable off road. The question would be is what do you like? It's really hard to listen to what other people like unless you drive them yourself but it is good to do the research just like your doing in real time by inviting other owners of different brand types. It's all going to depend on how it fits you! Are you going Overlanding and exploring 70 or 80% of the time or is it going to be a garage queen or daily driver. I would have to say that I like reliability that's my number one pet peeve so the 4runner is my number one choice and it looks cool and comfortable and is great on the highway. Just research the Edmunds Reviews and see what you can live with. I don't like being stranded on the road or trail from a breakdown and from my research the 4runner is number 1# in reliability. So the 4runner wins in my book! Again it's all going to be on what you like and can live with.😊

[Christopherthill]

I had the same decision I needed to make not long ago, but was not looking for a lead vehicle of sorts and I was not interested in the Wrangler, and had the Gladiator on my list. I am also not brand biased and I appreciate everything. I was excited to see what the Bronco could do, and I still enjoy them and can’t wait to see what happens with the platform, but the first year always scares me. Especially with a Ford product. The Gladiator really had my attention, and the newer platform has gotten much better reliability wise. However, in the end I had placed my order for a new 22 TRD ORP, in the Lunar Rock color. The 4Runner, especially jumping from one to another at the most recent auto show, provided much more room and comfort, and it just felt put together better. They updated the tech for the newer years which brings the interior more in line with the competition. Also, the legendary reliability and bulletproof motor and trans was also a big thing for me when I plan to be off the beaten path. No matter what you pick, you have excellent options! I wish I could own all three 😂

[tja]

Idk if it’s just me, but the jeep owners who love them usually have under 100k miles. After that, they have two vehicles XD no questioning the capabilities and styling of the wrangler. But the reliability is sub par at best. That why I want a 4Runner. I want an everyday that also amazing off-road and known for 300k miles without a new transmission or engine

[mikevandolah]

had a '18 Jeep Rubicon-Recon Edition. Road noise and cross winds while driving on the highway present a real issue. Steering is like herding cattle down an interstate. Off roading is where this unit shines. The 4 runner is superior in every category on the highway comfort, steering and no road noise whatsoever. Off roading on steep descents like the FJ can present a problem. The addition of a forward camera has greatly improved this problem. Towing an Air Steam behind while off roading will present a problem with the power.

[rushrocks]

I traded in my 2021 4Runner for my now 2024 Willy’s 4xe for many different reasons however I did try the bronco and thought it was amazing also but didn’t get it because I didn’t like the color and I wasn’t waiting 5weeks for my color option of delivery and I’m 100% happy with my Willy’s it’s better than I thought and off road good luck following it truly amazing

[stephtraveler]

1) Only consider those with removable doors...unless you ONLY offroad. But for beach/lake days... Doors off.
2) Then consider which is the best stock offroad platform.... Easy Bronco.
3) which one can you actually get??? Jeep.

[fdcinccavalari]

would love to see the 4runner have the option to remove top or doors also.

[jaksdh-ut]

Very interesting video but the loud music make it hard to understand people talking. Cheers keep up the good work

[diman]

Same predicament. I had a chance to drive all and ended up choosing Jeep Rubicon. 4Runner looked good but I hated the interior, it felt more like an SUV and lacked some basic features, like a side handle by drivers side, as well as lack of ability to easily add modifications. Bronco I couldn’t figure out, liked the roomy interior and rear tailgate that resembled the Jeep, but again something felt off about some things, like an awkwardly placed handle by the shifter. Jeep, on the other hand is like a Lego set, you a take things off or add things in a breeze.

[WesAlexander]

I’m considering the same. I’m 6’3” so the 4 runner is calling my name! Lol. But man I jeeps. That is until I can’t stretch my leg out on a longer ride. The bronco had great legroom but turbocharged and off grid don’t go well together. I want to do cross country rides and long distance exploration so reliability is important to me. Wrangler and 4 Runner are the only two that are tried and true. I’m thinking Jeep and the seat bracket that moves me back 4 inches! Or maybe the tried and true baby land cruiser! They both are so cool! If they could just make a convertible 4 runner I’d be great! Lol. I’m leaning towards the 4 runner just for the go anywhere do anything aspect. At least I think…. 🤪

[jk-qflt]

The Jeep get you there....But the Toyota will get you home...4Runner bullet proof reliability.