When there are big adventures ahead, nothing gets you to the fun faster and more in style than a full-size SUV. And two giants have been in the game for decades: the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee. In their own unique fashion, each has been paving the way for those seeking unmatched capability, versatility, and space.
With similar histories, advanced features, and performance, both the 4Runner and Grand Cherokee can tackle some of the toughest terrains and journeys, but how they approach this success varies a bit. So let's take a closer look at both of these popular SUVs to see which one's core philosophy of excitement and comfort best matches your lifestyle.
2023 Toyota 4Runner Comparison Highlights
The Toyota 4Runner is celebrating its 40th year in production as one of America's favorite adventure-ready SUVs by releasing a 40th Anniversary Special Edition variant. Limited to only 4,040 examples for the U.S. market, this 4WD-only model will be offered in three colors: White, Midnight Black Metallic, and Barcelona Red Metallic. It also features bronze-colored 17-inch alloy wheels, a body-color-matched heritage grille, and exclusive bronze-colored 40th Anniversary badging.
And the finishing touch is a head-turning heritage graphics package inspired by the early off-road racing trucks that the original 4Runner was based on. This retro yellow/orange/red stripe will instantly transport you back to the early 1980s, and put into perspective the more than four million cumulative 4Runners that have been sold from then until now.
Knowing that Toyota's off-road racing success is what paved the way for the 4Runner, it makes sense that more than half of the 2023 4Runner model lineup includes TRD (Toyota Racing Development) specific versions. Ready for the toughest adventures, these models feature a durable body-on-frame construction supported by a four-link rear axle and specially-tuned suspension.
And at the heart of every 2023 4Runner model is a capable 270-horsepower DOHC 4.0-liter V6 engine that churns out 278 lb-ft of torque. This ability to tackle challenging terrains is further enhanced with Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which helps keep the 4Runner in its best operating range regardless of the driving conditions. A five-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode is standard for all 4Runner grades, along with an integrated tow-hitch receiver and wiring harness. This means that any 4Runner can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Depending on your 4Runner model selection, you'll have access to a 4x2 drivetrain or two types of 4x4 systems. The available part-time 4WD system utilizes Active Traction Control along with a two-speed transfer case to allow for low-rpm power. On the other hand, the full-time 4WD system (exclusive to the 4Runner Limited) features a Torsen center differential with locking capabilities and a three-mode driver-selectable switch on the center console. In most driving scenarios, the 4Runner Limited employs a rear-axle bias using a 40:60 torque split, and will transfer power when it senses traction loss.
The various 4Runner TRD models specialize in both on- and off-road performance, and accomplish this via lots of advanced technologies like a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, hill-start assist control, downhill assist control, and Toyota's Crawl Control. This low-speed mode automatically maintains a set speed so you can focus on steering and avoiding obstacles. The Multi-Terrain Monitor (exclusive to the 4Runner TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro) helps augment your environmental awareness even further through the use of strategically placed cameras that provide visibility for areas blocked by the body of the vehicle.
On the topic of safety, all 2023 4Runners include Toyota Safety Sense-P, a suite of driver-assist technologies with features like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Sway Warning System, High-Speed Dynamic Radar, and more. And new for 2023, Blind Spot Monitor + Rear Cross Traffic Alert is now standard equipment on all trims.
2023 Toyota 4Runner Specifications
Models and Trims:
- SR5TRD Sport
- SR5 Premium
- TRD Off-Road
- TRD Off-Road Premium
- 40th Anniversary Special Edition
- TRD Pro
Drivetrain:
- 4x2 (rear-wheel drive)
- Part-time 4WD
- Full-time 4WD
Engines:
- 4.0-liter V6 engine; 270 hp
- 5-speed Automatic Transmission
- Toyota Safety Sense P
- Up to 5,000 pounds
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Comparison Highlights
Not far behind the 4Runner, Jeep's Grand Cherokee premium SUV has 30 years under its belt, and continues to set new benchmarks through sophisticated design and unmatched capabilities.
And for the 2023 model year, the Grand Cherokee is continuing its tradition of blazing its own trail with the introduction of a new three-row Grand Cherokee L, accompanying the core Grand Cherokee and its electrified variant the Grand Cherokee 4xe.
With a larger focus on luxury, the Grand Cherokee's all-new platform and body style are a result of Jeep's efforts to reduce vehicle weight, noise, and harshness while improving overall on- and off-road performance. As you're surrounded by premium materials and hand-crafted details, three available 4x4 systems including the Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II with a rear electronic limited-slip differential, deliver unbeatable off-road capabilities.
Each of these 4x4 systems is equipped with an active transfer case to dynamically enhance grip, and work in conjunction with the class-exclusive Jeep Quadra-Lift air suspension that provides up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording. The suspension's electronic semi-active damping also means that it can optimize the ride for improved comfort and stability on the highway.
The Grand Cherokee also offers more detailed control over vehicle dynamics through its class-leading Selec-Terrain traction management system, which automatically coordinates torque split, handling and suspension systems, throttle behavior, and more based on your active driving profile.
Propulsion for every gasoline-only 2023 Grand Cherokee is an all-aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that's rated at 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This translates to a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds, and an estimated driving range of over 500 miles. For the Grand Cherokee 4xe models, the plug-in hybrid system offers up to 25 miles of all-electric operation and an estimated fuel efficiency of 56 MPGe thanks to its two electric motors and 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.
This advanced technology continues in the passenger area, with the 2023 Grand Cherokee offering the most digital features ever in its history. Highlights include the most advanced Uconnect system ever, a passenger display for co-pilot functions, a digital rearview mirror, enhanced Amazon Alexa integration, and Amazon Fire TV built-in. Using the vehicle's 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, you can watch streaming or downloaded content on dual rear displays, and take advantage of Alexa voice commands for additional dynamic interactions.
On the safety front, the 2023 Grand Cherokee is integrated with over 110 advanced safety and security features. Some key highlights include Full-Speed Collision Warning with Active Braking and Pedestrian/Cyclist Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Night Vision Camera with Pedestrian and Animal Detection, and Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Semi-autonomous driving is also available through Active Driving Assist, dramatically reducing the stresses of long commutes or heavy traffic conditions.
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2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Specifications
Models and Trims:
- Laredo (L)
- Altitude (L)
- Limited (L)
- Overland (L)
- Summit (L)
- Summit Reserve (L)
- 4xe
- 30th Anniversary 4xe
- Trailhawk 4xe
- Overland 4xe
- Summit 4xe
- Summit Reserve 4xe
Drivetrain:
- 4x2 (rear-wheel drive)
- Quadra-Trac I 4x4
- Quadra-Trac II 4x4
- Quadra-Drive II 4x4
Engines:
- 3.6-liter V6 engine; 293 hp
- Plug-in hybrid system with 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
- 8-speed Automatic Transmission
Safety:
- Jeep Grand Cherokee Safety & Security
Max Towing:
- Up to 6,200 pounds
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Choosing Between the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee
When you're ready to commit to either the 4Runner or Grand Cherokee, the deciding factor will most likely be the places where your life's adventures tend to take you.
For those who like to explore large, uninhabited areas, the 4Runner may be a better fit because of its ruggedness and focus on sporty performance. It has the protection and endurance to cover rough terrains at speed, and comes from a rich heritage of truck racing. Its styling is definitely more outdoorsy and camping related, and the uniquely-engineered TRD variants offer both on-road and off-road specialties.
If the 4Runner is akin to a camping experience, then the Grand Cherokee is definitely glamping, offering more luxury interior appointments and more overall power to confidently tow something like an Airstream trailer. Plus, few vehicles can match Jeep's legendary off-road and rock-crawling capabilities, especially if you go for the Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk. And speaking of 4xe, the Grand Cherokee is the only one of the two to offer a plug-in hybrid option.
You can have your cake and eat it too with both of these vehicles, so visit your local AutoNation Toyota and Jeep dealerships to see which flavor of cake best suits your personal palate.
Andrew Chen | February 27, 2023
