Mid-sized SUVs can never be discussed without the Toyota 4Runner, a strong offering in the SUV segment. For almost four decades, the 4Runner has been able to capture a wide audience in the American market with a lot of stringent and strong followers and brand proponents thanks to its quality and durability. But when looking at it from the segment’s perspective, a lot of capable competitors are vying for the top spot and the Jeep Grand Cherokee is one strong opponent. In this article, we are going to look at the aspects that make the 4Runner a better option compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The 4Runner receives some interesting updates for the 2022 model year that includes the addition of a new limited-production Trail Edition, new standard LED headlights, and upgrades for the TRD Pro trim (new Lunar Rock exterior color, newly designed black TRD Wheels, and retuned dampers). The 2021 Toyota 4Runner is available in nine configurations - SR5, Trail Special Edition, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Venture Special Edition, Limited, Nightshade Special Edition, and TRD Pro. Planning to opt for the 2021 Toyota 4Runner? Contact us today to schedule a test drive.
2021 Toyota 4Runner |
vs |
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee |
4.0-liter V-6 Engine |
Engine |
3.6-liter V-6 |
270 hp / 278 ft-lbs. |
Horsepower / Torque |
293 hp / 260 ft-lbs. |
Five-speed Automatic Transmission |
Transmission |
Eight-speed Automatic Transmission |
47.2 cu. ft. |
Cargo Capacity (cubic feet) |
36.3 cu. ft. |
9.0 inches. | Ground Clearance (inches) | 8.6 inches. |
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a lot of power on offer and the availability of an alternative V-8 engine that produces 357 horsepower goes to show the amount of potential it has. But let’s not forget about the 4Runner which offers 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, enough power to take one around town comfortably while also offering a slither of enthusiasm when pushing the pedal to the metal. The power-to-weight ratio plays a major role in deciding the overall power output of a vehicle and the 4Runner takes advantage of this with a lesser weight compared to the Grand Cherokee. Also, its 9.0-inch ground clearance proves beneficial for off-roading giving it a significant advantage over the Grand Cherokee.
Coming to features, the 4Runner stands tall in this aspect with a wide array of features offered as standard that includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, and Wi-Fi connectivity, to name some of them. This doesn’t come anywhere close to what is offered on the Grand Cherokee where a major chunk of features is offered only on the higher trims. The Grand Cherokee certainly benefits from a more luxurious upholstery offering compared to the 4Runner. However, the 4Runner excels in the practicality aspect thanks to its ease of maintenance.
When it comes to safety, one can be sure that a Toyota vehicle will stand firm through the obstacles, and the same applies to the 4Runner. Toyota has done an amazing job offering a plethora of safety features that are offered as standard across all trims such as Toyota Safety Senseâ„¢ P (TSS-P), Star Safety Systemâ„¢, Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), Rear Occupancy Alert, and Side-impact door beams. The Jeep Grand Cherokee falls short, with a majority of active safety features offered only on the higher trims.