The 2021 Jeep Wrangler’s mix of classic design and modern off-road ability is ready to take on the TRD Pro version of the 2021 Toyota 4Runner. Here’s how they compare.

2021 Jeep Wrangler

2021 Jeep Wrangler Starting Price: $28,295 | Price yours or View listings near you.

Above Average: Winner KBB Best Resale Value & 5-Year Cost to Own Awards; new 4xe plug-in hybrid and Rubicon 392 V8 models, Xtreme Recon package.

Below Average: Spartan base model; on-road manners still compromised.

Consensus: The 2021 Jeep Wrangler is a satisfying mix of classic design and real-deal off-road chops with modern safety systems, amenities, and technology.

2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro starting price: $51,920 | Price yours or View listings near you.

Above Average: Truck-based SUV in a sea of tall-sedan crossovers; standout styling; seriously capable off-road.

Below Average: Pricey in TRD Pro trim; dated engine and interior; lackluster fuel economy.

Consensus: The 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro midsize SUV is tough and remarkably capable when tarmac gives way to rougher terrain.

Wrangler vs. 4Runner: Rugged Individuals

Jeep Wrangler

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler is now three years into its latest generation, known as the JL. It comes in two body styles, a 2-door or the more popular and roomier 4-door. All models come with a soft-top that can be removed (along with the doors) for open-air adventures. An optional hardtop is available.

All Wranglers are 4-wheel drive, and a variety of engines are available. A V6 is standard, or buyers can opt for a spunky turbocharged 4-cylinder, a V6 with mild-hybrid assistance, or a wonderfully stout diesel V6 that debuted last year.

The new Wrangler Rubicon 392 is a limited-edition model and an absolute powerhouse thanks to an SRT-tuned 6.4-liter V8 delivering 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to propel this Jeep to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.

Also new for 2021 is the Wrangler 4xe, a plug-in hybrid Jeep with 21 miles of electric-only range. Intriguingly, it also will allow for up to a few hours of silent EV off-road motoring.

Late in 2021, customers also will be able to order a 2022 Wrangler with 4.88:1 final-drive gearing. When equipped with that low gearing and the 6-speed manual transmission, this Jeep becomes the first Wrangler to have a best-in-class crawl ratio of 100:1.

Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

A relatively unsophisticated ride quality brings bearable manners on smooth roads and some cushioning over rougher surfaces, but the 2021 4Runner will lean noticeably if a corner is taken with anything approaching gusto. In general, this body-on-frame setup results in truck-like rather than car-like ride and handling.

However, the 4.0-liter, 270-horsepower V6 is a superb engine, with plenty of muscle for passing, towing, and getting up to freeway speeds. Fuel economy, on the other hand, is not its best feature. The 4Runner’s weight and having only five forward gears in its automatic transmission have their impact on this situation. And the brake pedal can be tricky to modulate.

On challenging terrain, the 4Runner excels with its fairly narrow body and 9.6 inches of ground clearance thanks to its dedicated off-road suspension.

Curiously, KDSS, Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which senses when the vehicle is off-road and automatically disconnects both anti-roll bars for maximum axle travel, is not available in the top TRD Pro off-road specialist variant.

Similarities

High ground clearance; off-road-focused driving traits; excellent off-road capability.

2021 Jeep Wrangler Advantages

Abundant engine choices, including hybrid and diesel options; immense aftermarket support.

2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Advantages

Up to 5,000 lb towing capability; strong resale value; Toyota reliability.

Which One is Right for Me?

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler also offers 2- and 4-door body styles. It’s an off-road-focused SUV with heritage styling and an impressive set of off-road software as well.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is a 4-door, 5-seat, body-on-frame midsize SUV with a decided focus on off-road capability.

Ready to buy a Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro? Shop for one on sale now near you.