2025 Toyota 4Runner vs 2026 Ford Bronco
Comparison Overview
The revamped 2025 Toyota 4Runner arrives eager to blend rugged capability with modern refinement, boasting a solid 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with a commendable 22 MPG combined economy from its standard 8-speed automatic. In sharp contrast, the 2026 Ford Bronco targets purists, flexing 300 hp and 325 lb-ft, even if it demands premium fuel and returns a lower 19 MPG combined figure. The 4Runner presents a broader, more conventional SUV footprint at 194.9 inches long, whereas the Bronco is notably more compact, measuring only 173.7 inches. While the Bronco prioritizes driver engagement with a 7-speed manual option and standard 4WD, the 4Runner starts cheaper at $41,270 compared to the Bronco's $40,495 (though specs provided suggest similar starting points). For sheer hauling space, the 4Runner dominates with 48.4 cu ft of cargo room versus the Bronco's 20.6 cu ft, making the Toyota the practical choice for larger hauls.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota 4Runner
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner wins for daily driving due to its superior combined 22 MPG fuel economy.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner is the family champion, offering substantially more utility with 48.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
2026 Ford Bronco
The 2026 Ford Bronco appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher output of 300 hp and standard 4WD capability paired with a manual transmission option.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner offers better operational value by achieving higher efficiency and requiring less expensive regular unleaded fuel.
Choose the Toyota 4Runner if...
- You prioritize long-term fuel economy, achieving 22 MPG combined.
- You need maximum interior storage, benefiting from 48.4 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer the simplicity and lower running cost of regular unleaded fuel.
Choose the Ford Bronco if...
- You demand peak power, utilizing the 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque.
- You seek true off-road credibility with standard four-wheel drive.
- You prefer the visceral engagement of an available 7-speed manual transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota 4Runner | Ford Bronco |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.9" | 173.7" |
| Width | 78.0" | 75.9" |
| Height | 72.6" | 71.9" |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 100.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | — |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | — |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 278 hp @ 6000 rpm | 300 hp @ 5700 rpm |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 325 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | four wheel drive |
| 4WD System Type | — | Part Time |
| Transfer Case Gearing | — | Electronic Hi-Lo |
| Locking Hubs | — | Automatic |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/26 MPG | 18/21 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 19 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 380.0/494.0 mi. | 304.2/354.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.0 gal. | 16.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 7 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.8 in. | 43.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.0 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.8 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.8 in. | 51.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.1 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | 16 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P245/70R17 | 255/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Full Size Matching |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Outside Rear Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota 4Runner and 2026 Ford Bronco.
How do the fuel requirements affect long-term costs between these two SUVs?
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner uses regular unleaded and achieves 22 MPG combined, which is generally cheaper to run. The 2026 Ford Bronco recommends premium fuel and only hits 19 MPG combined, suggesting higher per-mile operational costs.
Is the Bronco's extra horsepower worth the smaller cargo area?
The Bronco offers 300 hp versus the 4Runner's 278 hp, but this performance comes with a major sacrifice in utility, as the 4Runner offers 48.4 cu ft of cargo room compared to the Bronco's 20.6 cu ft.
Which vehicle is better suited for city maneuvering given the size differences?
The 2026 Ford Bronco is significantly smaller, measuring 173.7 inches in length compared to the 4Runner's 194.9 inches, likely making it easier to navigate tight urban streets.
Can I get an automatic transmission in the Ford Bronco?
The specification provided indicates the 2026 Ford Bronco uses a 7-speed manual transmission; however, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner comes standard with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Does the difference in torque matter for towing or off-roading capability?
The Bronco has a slight edge with 325 lb-ft of torque, beating the 4Runner's 317 lb-ft, which can slightly aid in low-speed crawling or hauling tasks, supported by its standard 4WD.
How significant is the base MSRP difference between the two competitors?
The 2026 Ford Bronco starts slightly lower at $40,495, undercutting the 2025 Toyota 4Runner's starting price of $41,270 by $785.
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