2021 Ford Bronco vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner

Bronco Options

Both the 2021 Ford Bronco and the 2021 Toyota 4Runner are offered in a large number of trims and special editions. The Bronco offers six different trim levels and one special edition (which is already sold out). Also, every Bronco trim is offered with the optional Sasquatch Package, which includes 17-inch wheels, 35-inch tires, and electronic-locking front and rear axles. The Bronco Base has an MSRP of $28,500 and is the base trim. The Bronco Big Bend adds heated seats, a remote starter, aluminum wheels, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel for $33,385.

The Black Diamond has an MSRP of $36,050 and includes a standard rear-locking differential, heavy-duty skid plates, rock rails, and steel front and rear bumpers. The Outer Banks is the luxury trim of the Bronco and comes with 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, LED headlights, and upgraded infotainment for an MSRP of $38,955. The Badlands carries an MSRP of $42,095 and is the extreme off-road trim with Bilstein position-sensitive monotube shock absorbers and front and rear locking differentials to improve the off-road performance. Finally, the Wildtrak has an MSRP of $48,875 and is built for high-speed desert running with the Sasquatch Package standard.

4Runner Options

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner has more trim levels and special editions with six trims and no fewer than three special editions. However, the Toyota has an overall higher price point. The base trim is the SR5 with an MSRP of $36,340. This trim is followed by the SR5 Premium with an MSRP of $39,550, featuring a remote starter key and special seat trims. The TRD Off-Road adds a locking rear differential and standard 4-wheel drive for an MSRP of $40,305, while the TRD Off-Road Premium adds the luxury features of the SR5 for $43,050.

The Limited adds leather-trimmed seats and dual-zone climate control for an MSRP of $45,395. Finally, the TRD Pro has an MSRP of $50,470 and includes an aluminum front skid plate and TRD roof rack. The three special editions are the Trail Special Edition with an MSRP of $38,315, the Venture Special Edition with an MSRP of $44,620, and the Nightshade Special Edition with an MSRP of $46,810.

Engine Choices

The 2021 Ford Bronco offers drivers a choice of two engines while every trim of the 2021 Toyota 4Runner comes equipped with the same engine. The base engine on the 2021 Ford Bronco is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged I-4 engine. It can produce up to 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The other engine on the Bronco is a 2.7-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V-6 engine that delivers 310 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque.

The engine on the 2021 Toyota 4Runner is an older 4.0-liter V-6. But despite its large size, it only produces 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. This is because the 4Runner does not have a turbocharger. While the horsepower matches that of the Bronco's base engine, the distinct lack of torque will be immediately noticeable as soon as you try to accelerate. The 4Runner will also lose power at high altitudes, where the turbocharged Bronco will keep going strong.

Transmissions

The 2021 Ford Bronco is also far ahead of the 2021 4Runner when it comes to the rest of the powertrain as well. While the 4Runner continues to be built with an aging 5-speed automatic, the Bronco provides the option of either a modern 10-speed automatic or a unique 7-speed manual. Choosing the 10-speed automatic will provide improved efficiency and smoother shifts compared to the 4Runner. However, the 7-speed manual will give you direct control over the vehicle, and the 7th gear is a special ultra-low crawl gear for technical off-roading.

Off-roading

Every aspect of the 2021 Ford Bronco is designed for off-roading, and all six trims come standard with a 4x4 drivetrain. In addition, even the Bronco Base has the features you will need when you take your SUV out onto the trail. These include front and rear tow hooks and a terrain management system with 5 G.O.A.T. ("goes over any type of terrain") modes. Moving up the trim levels or choosing the optional Sasquatch package will add additional off-road features to your Ford Bronco.

With the 2021 Toyota 4Runner, you will need to purchase one of the TRD trim levels or a special edition if you plan on taking your SUV off-roading. That is because most trims of the 4Runner come standard with two-wheel drive. Moreover, the 4x4 system on the 4Runner does not offer critical off-road features that the Bronco has, such as front and center locking differentials or a sway-bar disconnect. While the 4Runner will handle back roads fine, it cannot challenge the toughest trails that the Bronco can handle.

Passenger Space

Both the 2021 Ford Bronco and the 2021 Toyota 4Runner offer passengers a roomy and comfortable interior. The Bronco seats either four passengers in the two-door model or five passengers in the 4-door model. The 4Runner seats five passengers standard but can also trade cargo space for an optional third row of seats. To keep things simple and compare apples to apples, we will focus on the 4-door Bronco and the 2-row 4Runner.

Overall, the Bronco is simply a more efficient design than the 4Runner. Although the Toyota is slightly longer overall, the Ford has a significantly longer wheelbase of 116.1 inches vs 109.8 inches. That extra space between the wheels means more space inside for passengers and cargo. When it comes to legroom, which is possibly the most important measurement for passenger comfort, the Bronco provides 43.1 inches in the front row and 36.3 inches in the second row. Against that, the 4Runner only has 41.7 inches up front and 32.9 inches in the rear. If you want to transport adult passengers, then the Bronco is the clear winner.

Infotainment

On top of the extra room in the Bronco, Ford's new SUV has a state of the art infotainment system that easily outmatches what the 4Runner can offer. The available 12-inch central touchscreen features the next-generation SYNC 4 software with enhanced voice recognition and numerous unique off-road features. In comparison, Toyota still only offers the 4Runner with an older 8-inch touchscreen.

Bronco Features

Finally, the Bronco has a host of unique features where the 4Runner simply cannot compete. Most notable are, of course, the Bronco's quick-detach roof and doors that provide you with a true open-air driving experience. You can also get the Ford SUV with a detachable soft top for a safari-style ride. The Bronco is also offered with a waterproof and washable interior, including marine-grade vinyl seat coverings, so that you can quickly hose it out after a hard day on a muddy trail. If you want an SUV you can take anywhere and have fun doing so, the 2021 Ford Bronco is the clear winner.